4 weeks ago Share An executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis rendered consideration of a mask mandate moot, the city attorney said.
The city of Sarasota won’t be adopting another ordinance mandating the use of facial coverings following an executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis limiting the emergency regulatory power of local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City Commission was scheduled to consider approving a mask mandate at a public hearing Tuesday, with a majority of the board signaling its support for the measure. But at Monday’s commission meeting, City Attorney Robert Fournier said the order DeSantis issued Monday restricted the city’s ability to adopt the proposed ordinance.
SARASOTA The long process of winning approval for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ bayfront redevelopment plan concluded at a City Commission meeting on Tuesday evening, ending nearly four years of lengthy negotiations with the city and often contentious debate with neighbors.
The last hurdle came with a series of noise and other concessions at the request of Selby’s southern neighbors. While the botanical gardens had made certain promises regarding the size of the restaurant and cutoff times for events, those who live across Hudson Bayou wanted it in writing.
City Commissioner Kyle Battie voted with the majority of other commissioners to include them in an ordinance but had some strong reservations.
SARASOTA – Going against the urging of four medical doctors and other local health experts, the majority of Sarasota city commissioners have agreed to eliminate the city’s mandatory mask ordinance.
The mandate for face coverings in public, put in place last July, was largely rendered symbolic in September after Gov. Ron DeSantis cut local governments’ ability to enforce it.
Those in the majority on the City Commission felt that masks were too “burdensome” for residents and businesses, and because the city could not punish those who did not comply, what was the point in keeping the mandate in place? Besides, people are just going to do what they want, they contended.
Sarasota Commissioner Kyle Battie expresses regret after Christmas Eve brawl
Battie’s account at times contradicts an investigation by the Sarasota Police Department that suggested otherwise.
He said he was not intoxicated and invoked his title as an elected official – something government watchdogs noted is ethically questionable – only in an effort to defuse an argument between his friend and multiple strangers before it reached a boiling point.
Nevertheless, the 53-year-old city commissioner expressed remorse for what happened.
While Battie lays blame on his assailants, who he says instigated the fight, he also took responsibility for the role that he played.
“I’m city council; I do what I want.”
These are the words attributed to Commissioner Kyle Battie by the Sarasota Police Department just before he was knocked unconscious during a fight outside of a restaurant in downtown Sarasota on Christmas Eve.
The quotes are from written comments to police by James Destasio, 30, whom police say struck Battie in the face Dec. 24. They were initially partially redacted in a report after an investigation by the Sarasota Police Department.
The report redacted Battie’s name and the quotes attributed to him. Sarasota police also initially attempted to blur Battie’s face from security footage captured inside Cafe Epicure.