Even a sluggish economy and a state focus on scaling back spending did not dissuade Sarasota County voters on Tuesday from overwhelmingly approving the renewal of a 1 percent sales tax.
Half the revenue raised by the tax will go to Sarasota County government, one-quarter to county schools and the rest divided among the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port and the town of Longboat Key.
Nearly $100 million of the tax is targeted for septic tank replacement and storm-water runoff projects. The school district is planning significant rebuilding projects at Venice and Booker high schools.
Also: Slow growth supporters won a big victory today when voters in the city and county approved measures aimed at making it more difficult to get some developments approved.
More Slowgrowth: Three slow-growth candidates made history in Venice Tuesday, upsetting the city’s balance of power and continuing a growth backlash that is sweeping the region.
The overwhelming election of Sue Lang, Ed Martin and Ernie Zavodnyik over three well-connected incumbents turned Venice’s power structure on its head, and proved that growth continues to be a powerful political issue in Southwest Florida.
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