VOTE “YES & YES” FOR LAND CONSERVATION AND PARKS IN SARASOTA COUNTY THIS NOVEMBER!
Extend Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program
Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP) is a successful community-driven program to save land for people and nature – protecting over 42,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land and 31 properties that enhanced or created new parks.
Overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1999 and reaffirmed in 2005, LAMP reflects Sarasota County’s strong public commitment to preserving the region’s natural resources.
Learn More about Land Acquisition and Management ProgramProtecting land and providing public access
- Protects wildlife and the places they call home,
- Safeguards our water resources, and
- Expands everyone’s public access to natural areas.
The November ballot will have two questions: one to extend the program, and a second to continue authorizing the use of bonds. Bonding enables the County to act more quickly in securing priority lands as they become available. Read ballot wording 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
- The conservation of sensitive lands to prevent future development
Program Successes
Sarasota County has one of the most successful land protection programs in the state, providing residents with outstanding opportunities for recreation and protecting habitat for a vast array of wildlife.
Properties Conserved and Purchased by Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Parkland Program
Below is a map that features some of the environmentally sensitive lands and parks protected by the program throughout the county, from North Port to Sarasota and everywhere in between. Find one of these special places in your neighborhood
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!
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.
Who We Are
About Sarasota County Forever PAC
Sarasota County Forever has been set up to build community support for the referenda on the ballot in November
- A. PAC co-chairs:
- Senator Lisa Carlton, former State Senator and Rancher
- Rob Patten, former County Director of Parks and Natural Resources
- B. PAC Treasurer:
- Louis Kosiba, Friends of Legacy Trail board member
- C. PAC Executive Committee:
- Jono Miller, Community Activist
- Julie Morris, Community Activist
- Sharon Donovan, Community Activist
- Jennifer and David Shafer, PhDs, Co-Executives of Science and Environment Council
What’s on the Ballot
The passage of these measures will support the protection of land, water, and natural spaces across our region.
The ballot questions to be voted upon in the November 3 election will read:
CONTINUE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS AND PARKLAND
PROGRAM AD VALOREM TAX
Shall the existing Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program ad
valorem tax of not-to-exceed 0.25 mill, authorized through December 31, 2029,
be continued for twenty years through December 31, 2049, and the program
continued to include the acquisition, protection and management of
environmentally sensitive lands and the acquisition and management of parkland
for conservation and public recreation?
- _ YES, FOR CONTINUATION OF AD VALOREM TAX
- _ NO, AGAINST CONTINUATION OF AD VALOREM TAX
BOND REFERENDUM FOR THE ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS AND PARKLAND
If Question 1 is approved, shall Sarasota County be authorized to issue additional
bonds over the continued life of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland
Program in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $250,000,000, excluding
refunding bonds and previously-authorized indebtedness, maturing by December
31, 2049, bearing interest not exceeding the maximum lawful rate, to finance the
acquisition and management of environmentally sensitive lands and parkland,
payable from the not-to-exceed 0.25 mill ad valorem tax?
- _ YES, FOR BONDS
- _ NO, AGAINST BOND
Endorsements
Get Involved
Explore the many ways to take part for Sarasota County Forever.
Your Endorsement
Show your support by completing our endorsement form online or submitting a printable PDF.
Donate
Help advance this effort by donating online via PayPal or mailing a contribution using our downloadable form.
*Donations are not tax deductible.
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Invite Us to Speak
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FAQ
What is Sarasota County Forever?
Sarasota County Forever is a Political Action Committee created to ensure Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program continues through the successful passage of two referenda on the November 2026 Ballot.
Why is land conservation important?
Conserving land helps protect clean water, reduce flooding, preserve wildlife habitat, support climate resilience, and maintain quality of life.
How does land conservation impact residents?
Protected lands support healthier communities, outdoor recreation, economic sustainability, and long-term environmental resilience.
What types of land are protected?
Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program has specific criteria for saving land. For parks, they prioritize water access, neighborhoods without parks, and areas that will bring neighborhoods closer to nature. For their environmental lands, they prioritize water resources, habitat corridors and connectivity, rare species of plants and animals, and land with high ecological value.
Why now?
Florida continues to experience significant growth and development pressure. Conservation today helps ensure Sarasota County remains resilient and livable for future generations.
Will this increase my taxes?
It will not raise taxes but will continue an existing tax that has been in place since 1999.
Press
In the News.
Explore recent media coverage highlighting our work to protect land and water across our region. From conservation wins to community impact, these stories showcase the importance of preserving the places that sustain us.
We Can Slow Development by Saving Native Lands | Eco Beat
As Florida continues to grow, protecting our remaining natural lands have never been more important. Local conservation programs have helped preserve thousands of acres, safeguarding wildlife habitat, water quality, and the places our environment rely on.
Explore The Story
A Sarasota Environmental Program Has Saved Miles of Open Space From Bulldozers | Sarasota Magazine
Sarasota continues to protect what makes our region so special. Through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, more than 42,000 acres have been preserved to safeguard wildlife, water quality, and natural spaces for future generations.
As development booms, Sarasota voters will decide fate of future conservation | Suncoast Searchlight
Big decisions are ahead for Sarasota’s natural spaces.
A new referendum could shape the future of land conservation and protect what makes our community so special.
Sarasota County Land Legacy | ABC7 My Suncoast
This segment explores how Sarasota County’s Land Legacy program continues to protect natural lands, support wildlife habitats, and create meaningful outdoor spaces for the community.
Warm Mineral Springs easement OK’d | The Daily Sun
North Port commissioners approved revised terms for the Warm Mineral Springs conservation easement, backing a 15-acre land exclusion while continuing efforts to balance preservation with future visitor development.
