The Sarasota League began in 1963. This is the fourth installment of our story. Last week we shared 1979-1983. And now . . .
1983-1989
The Education Committee was monitoring School Board Meetings, as it has most every year. A study was made of the County's reading and math programs.
It was determined that there was a real need for before- and after-school programs for "Latchkey" children. The League joined a coalition to pursue "Latchkey" problems.
We supported the passage of Sarasota County's Mining Ordinance which was adopted March 1, 1983. We also supported the adoption of referendum to purchase the Ringling MacArthur Tract. This referendum passed by a 2 to 1 margin.
As always, the League was active in·registering voters and conducting some type of program whereby the public could hear the candidates speak and hear discussion of other items on the ballot.
In 1985 the League inaugurated FYI (For Your Information) luncheons with speakers on pertinent topics. They have proved to be very successful and have continued to date.
In1986, Natural Resources Committee members served on a waste water study Commission to move into plans for more centralized waste water treatment ---plans which were originally built into the County's Comprehensive Land Plan. A study of land spreading and spray irrigation was also undertaken. The Beach/Recreational Bond Referendums, which the League actively supported, were approved by a substantial margin.
We still maintained positions on: an appointed County Administrator, strong home rule, an appointed Sheriff, non-partisan election of County officials, functional consolidation of county, impact fees for the County and many other positions which have been on-going.
Our League has supported the concept of a four-county regional water supply authority. We were instrumental in establishing a Coalition of the eight leagues in the Southwest Florida Water Management district. Coalition members regularly attend and report on district governing board meetings.
(The story will be continued next week)
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