Earle Kimel

1 week ago | heraldtribune.com | Earle Kimel

North Port City Manager warns of potential tough times ahead due to a drop in property value growth to 8.68%. The city commission directed staff to move around $1.65 million to fund police, public works, and Tamiami Trail parking improvements. While a property tax increase is unlikely for 2025-26, it's expected in future years to fund a new police station. The city is exploring alternative funding mechanisms for capital projects after voters rejected a bond referendum in May.

1 week ago | heraldtribune.com | Earle Kimel

North Port City Commission will review a proposed 2025-26 budget with spending requests totaling as much as $331.4 million if all were approved. The proposed budget includes a general fund of $97.4 million, with $39.36 million projected from property tax revenues. A previously considered property tax cut will not be included in the budget proposal. The city's taxable property value is expected to increase by 8.68%, a decrease from the double-digit growth of recent years.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Earle Kimel

VENICE – Venice wants Sarasota County buy a 2.4-acre site on Pinebrook Road once targeted for 43 apartments for a public park instead. The City Council unanimously agreed this week with a citizen panel's recommendation to nominate the land for consideration for potential purchase by the county.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Earle Kimel

VENICE – Venice will spend $11.8 million to buy of 4.7 acres on U.S. 41 Bypass in Sarasota County from Douglas Jeep Inc., with a plan to move the city’s solid waste, recycling and fleet maintenance operations there from the Seaboard District. The sale is anticipated to close in September, with the city hoping to start moving solid waste and fleet maintenance to the new site by the end of the year. The City Council approved the purchase Tuesday.

2 weeks ago | heraldtribune.com | Earle Kimel

North Port, Florida is considering reducing the distance alcohol-selling businesses must be from churches and schools from 800 to 600 feet. Current regulations are hindering economic development, particularly for hotels and entertainment venues. Proposed changes include exempting restaurants and recreational establishments from the distance rule and clarifying school definitions. The proposed changes would also address issues with churches located within strip malls.