My Three Charter Proposals
Protect Sarasota County from Large-Scale and Hyperscale Data Centers
Large-scale and hyperscale data centers can place extraordinary demands on electricity, water, infrastructure and surrounding communities. Sarasota County residents deserve a voice before developments of this magnitude permanently change our communities.
I support a Charter amendment establishing a uniform countywide pause on new or expanded large-scale and hyperscale data centers through December 31, 2032, to the fullest extent permitted by Florida law.
The proposal would apply countywide, including within our municipalities if legally permissible, while leaving ordinary small-scale data facilities unaffected.
I have already asked the Sarasota County Commission to direct the County Attorney to review whether such a countywide Charter amendment can be legally proposed and placed before Sarasota County voters.
The goal is simple: protect Sarasota County while technology and public policy continue to evolve - and give Sarasota County voters a direct voice in decisions that could permanently affect their communities.
Why this matters here: Sarasota County is already confronting questions about large-scale data-center development. In North Port, a pending application proposes a large data-center development. The proposal has raised questions about infrastructure, water, wetlands, wildlife and other community impacts. These are the kinds of long-term issues I believe Sarasota County should have the time and information to evaluate carefully before large-scale facilities move forward.
Microsoft Fairwater AI Datacenter — Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The 315-acre campus includes three buildings totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet under roof. Photo: Microsoft.
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Keep Sarasota Memorial Public
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is one of our community's most important public assets. With hospitals and clinics already serving Sarasota and Venice and a new hospital in North Port scheduled to open in 2028, its future matters to families throughout Sarasota County.
I believe a decision as consequential as privatizing our public hospital system should never be made without the people of Sarasota County having a voice.
As a member of the Sarasota County Charter Review Board, I will work to strengthen protections for Sarasota Memorial and explore a Charter amendment ensuring, to the fullest extent permitted by Florida law, that Sarasota County voters have the final say before our public hospital system can be sold, leased, transferred or privatized.
Sarasota Memorial belongs to this community. Its future should belong to the voters.
The year 1955 marked the dedication of the new "Memorial" hospital, giving the campus a "T" shape, with the new hospital entrance facing Arlington Street. Beds increased to 225, including 78 in the original 1925 building and 1920s-era additions. In 1958, the original hospital was moved across Hawthorne Street to make room for further expansion.
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Give Citizens a Stronger Voice
Sarasota County once required signatures from 5% of registered voters for citizens to propose a Charter amendment. That requirement was doubled to 10% in 2018.
I support restoring the 5% requirement so citizens have a meaningful — but still substantial — path to bring proposed Charter changes before Sarasota County voters.
Before 2018, a successful citizen petition could go to a special election within 60 days. Today, citizen-initiated Charter amendments are tied to the general-election cycle, which can leave citizens waiting years for an opportunity to vote on an issue.
I support restoring a process that gives citizens a realistic opportunity to bring Charter amendments before the voters when they matter.
The Charter belongs to the people. Citizens should have a realistic way to propose changes to it.
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