SARASOTA – The shadow cast by the COVID-19 pandemic’s financial impact – both in the past and projecting forward for the coming new year – hovered over Friday morning’s meeting of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation as it heard requests and local priorities for the 2021 session.
Delegation chairman Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, was quick to note that the state could be trying to dig itself out of an anticipated budget hole of between $2 and $3 billion when it meets next spring.
“That will be a challenge for us,” Robinson said.
The full delegation made the meeting in Sarasota County Commission chambers: Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota; Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg; Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota; Rep Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, and Rep. James Buchanan, R-Osprey.