Is Sarasota County responsible for maintaining Phillippi Creek?
Yes.
Despite multiple denials, maintaining Phillippi Creek for stormwater conveyance falls under the purview of Sarasota County.
According to a 1999 maintenance plan, the county has the explicit responsibility to remove sediment from public canals when it impairs stormwater function.
An ordinance amended in 2022 states the county is obligated to maintain natural and artificial waterways that function as part of its stormwater system and may authorize assessments to fund the maintenance.
Hurricane Debby was a Category 1 storm that made landfall in Florida in 2024. When the storm arrived, its surge overwhelmed the sediment-choked creek, causing damage to the Sarasota County area.
Phillippi Creek is Sarasota County’s largest watershed that carries stormwater away from property. It encompasses about 55 square miles.
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Does Sarasota prohibit wearing a mask at protests?
No.
There is no city ordinance in Sarasota that prohibits wearing a mask during a protest.
State statutes also do not regulate the specific act of wearing a mask, although there are rules governing an individual’s intentions when wearing a face covering during a protest.
State Statute 876.155 affirms that masks, hoods or face coverings are only prohibited during demonstrations or on public or private property if the individual has the intent to intimidate others or commit a crime.
There are exemptions to the law, including those wearing masks at work for their health and safety, as part of a costume during a holiday, or for a theatrical production.
The law leaves room for interpretation as to what an intention to commit a crime looks like, but the act of wearing a face covering alone isn’t breaking the law.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
This story was originally published by Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom delivering investigative journalism to Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Learn more at suncoastsearchlight.org.
