October 27, 2023 —

The County Commission voted unanimously to drop its pending appeal to a Florida administrative law judge’s ruling in Lourdes Ramirez’s lawsuit opposing a 170-room hotel in Siesta Village This action was in response to recommendations from the County attorney.

Additionally, they voted not to appeal the final judgement in Ramirez’s lawsuit and to rescind the UDC amendment that originally prompted the legal challenge.

Sarasota News Leader, October 27, 2023, Rachel Brown Hackney: “Appeals of legal rulings against county in Siesta hotel cases to be dropped“

October 20, 2023 —

At their Tuesday, October 24 meeting, the County Commission will consider possible follow up actions regarding their losses in the Ramirez lawsuit opposing a 170-room hotel in Siesta Village. A County Attorney’s memo recommends:

1. not appealing the final judgement in the Ramirez lawsuit
2. not appealing the eventual final judgement in the 222 Beach lawsuit
3. voluntarily dismissing the pending appeal in the First District Court of Appeal *
4. rescinding the UDC amendment (that prompted Ramirez’s Circuit Court challenge)

* Sarasota News Leader, Rachel Brown Hackney: “Administrative law judge rules for Siesta resident in challenge involving Calle Miramar hotel plans“

County Attorney Joshua Moye cited concerns over legal costs as his reason for considering the recommendations. Attorney Moye’s interoffice memo.

The Commission meeting will be held in the County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., downtown Sarasota, beginning at 9am. The public can attend in person or view via live stream or recorded video. The item is agenda number 45, but it is unknown at what time the item will be considered.  This is not a public hearing; however, members of the public are allowed to speak at the beginning of the meeting on items which are not hearings. Agenda for October 24 BOCC meeting

Sarasota News Leader, October 20, 2023, Rachel Brown Hackney “County attorney recommending County Commission refrain from appealing Circuit Court ruling for Siesta resident who fought first high-rise hotel planned on the barrier island”