We respectfully request that the Sarasota County Commission proactively work with the community to achieve a shared, broad-based vision for public lands near the Celery Fields bird sanctuary.

Sarasota County, FL, has consistently rejected industrial uses in the "Quad area," i.e., those public lands located at Palmer Boulevard and Apex Road near the regional storm water area park and bird sanctuary known as Celery Fields. In August, the County denied a demolition waste processing facility proposed for this site.

Fresh Start - consisting of 46 neighborhood and business organizations near the Celery Fields - has written to the County, asking that the Quad lands now be removed from the surplus lands sale list in order to allow thoughtful, community-wide consideration of the future of these public lands. A successful plan -- one that unifies the area’s recreational and ecotourism amenities by integrating them with surrounding neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses -- will benefit all.

Therefore I wish to join in urging Sarasota County to make a Fresh Start by taking two actions without delay:

1. Remove the Quad properties from the Surplus lands list;
2. Work with the community using a facilitated workshop process to achieve consensus on how to best protect, enhance, and optimize the future of the Quads and Celery Fields area.