Sarasota County Forever Test

About Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program

Overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1999 and reaffirmed by voters again in 2005, the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program (ESLPP), also known as Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP), reflects the county’s strong public commitment to preserving the region’s natural resources. Sarasota County Forever is the name of the campaign encouraging voters to support these programs. Voters will be asked again in November to continue this program through 2049. Let’s maintain the positive momentum!

Protecting land and providing public access:

• Protects wildlife and the places they call home,
• Safeguards our water resources and provides flooding mitigation, and
• Expands everyone’s public access to natural areas and recreational opportunities for friends, family, and visitors.

The November ballot will have two questions: one to extend the program and a second to continue authorizing the use of bonds to fund the program. Bonding enables Sarasota County to act more quickly in securing priority lands as they become available. Read ballot language here.

A “Yes” vote on both measures supports:

• The continued protection of wildlife habitat, parklands, and natural areas,
• The preservation of drinking water sources, improved water quality, and reduced flood risk, and
• The conservation of sensitive lands from future development.

Why it Matters

Time is of the essence. If we don’t act now, we may lose our natural lands forever.

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.

The Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars and accelerate 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.