Sarasota County extends environmentally sensitive lands, parkland programs through 2049

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota County says its environmentally sensitive lands and neighborhood parkland programs will continue through 2049.The extension authorizes the existing property tax through Dec. 31, 2049, according to the county. County officials said the funding will support efforts to identify, maintain and protect environmentally sensitive land, water resources and parkland.Since the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program was established in 1999, the county says it has protected more than 100 properties totaling about 42,000 acres through land purchases and conservation easements.Emmy-winning filmmaker shares conservation experience at Suncoast Waterkeeper fundraiser on Longboat KeyThe Neighborhood Parkland Program has acquired 33 properties totaling 151 acres, according to the county. Officials said those acquisitions have expanded existing parks and connected residents to trails, waterways and beaches.“Our residents have once again made it clear that protec