Sarasota County Forever Test – Do Not USE

Who We Are

About Sarasota County Forever PAC

We are proud of our long-standing history of working side-by-side with Sarasota County to protect the lands and waters that define our community. Through collaboration, advocacy, and voter engagement, we have helped advance meaningful

conservation initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for residents, wildlife, and our environment.

Today, we continue to advance important projects that protect natural lands, expand public access to parks and trails, safeguard water resources, and strengthen our region’s resilience amid rapid growth. Our work is grounded in a commitment to transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and ensuring that conservation remains a priority for future generations.

• A. PAC co-chairs – Sen. Lisa Carlton and Rob Patten
• B. PAC Treasurer – Louis Kosiba
• C. PAC Executive Committee – CPJ will get you the list of names
• D. PAC endorsements displayed – individuals of stature and corporations (including BWLT, GCCF, and TPL)

About Big Waters Land Trust

At Big Waters Land Trust, we envision a future where the human and natural worlds flourish together. In partnership with our conservation community, we work every day to protect land and water for the benefit of people and nature.

Through strategic collaboration with individuals, organizations, and government partners, we help ensure access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, and beautiful natural spaces. These resources are essential not only to our environment but also to the physical and mental well-being of our community.

Our work strengthens the region’s resilience to storms and flooding, enhances quality of life, and safeguards Southwest Florida’s natural heritage for future generations. To date, with the support of our dedicated and growing community, we have permanently protected more than 20,000 acres across 65 properties.

Our service area spans Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, as well as portions of Hillsborough, Hardee, DeSoto, and Glades counties, with a special focus on the Manatee, Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee River regions.

Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Gulf Coast Community Foundation is powered by a network of more than 850 generous philanthropists who are committed to strengthening their communities. Together with its donors, the foundation has invested more than $625 million in grants and initiatives supporting health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and environmental protection.

Learn more at gulfcoastcf.org

About Trust for Public Land

Founded in 1972, the Trust for Public Land is guided by the belief that everyone should have access to nature close to where they live. For more than 50 years, the organization has worked with communities across the country to create parks and protect public lands where they are needed most, advancing health, equity, and environmental resilience.

Learn more at tpl.org

Why it Matters

Our Florida region is experiencing rapid growth. Without continued investment in land conservation, Sarasota County risks losing the natural lands and open spaces that protect water resources, reduce flooding, support wildlife, provide recreational opportunities, and define our overall quality of life.

These lands, whether publicly accessible or not, play a vital role in safeguarding clean water, preserving wildlife habitat, and providing natural flood control. As development accelerates, these benefits become even more essential. At the same time, publicly accessible lands ensure that current and future generations can continue to experience and enjoy the landscapes that make this region unique.

Through these programs, Sarasota County maximizes the impact of taxpayer dollars and accelerates land conservation, delivering results that are transparent, efficient, and meaningful for the community. Looking ahead, it is critical to protect the remaining lands while continuing to expand opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature.

This program:

• Helps slow the pace of development that can negatively impact the quality of life and increase costs for residents.
• Protects “Old Florida” landscapes, preserving the region’s natural character, wildlife, and ecosystems.
• Safeguards drinking water quality by preventing runoff and harmful pollutants from entering Sarasota County’s water supply.
• Conserves forests and wetlands that provide natural flood protection for homes and businesses.
• Has already protected more than 42,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land, supporting threatened species such as Florida scrub-jays, West Indian manatees, and bald eagles, while expanding connections to trails, waterways, and beaches.

In November 2026, voters will be asked whether to extend funding for the acquisition of parks and preserves. Originally approved by more than 80% of voters in 2005, this program has a strong and proven track record. Extending it will ensure Sarasota County can continue to protect vital lands before they are lost, while also expanding access to parks, trails, and outdoor spaces that strengthen the community’s health, resilience, and economy.