The Lake Sarasota Community Blog

Paperwork from the County indicates that Lake Sarasota residents have the option of choosing 3% financing to cover the "water capacity fee." If you do the math, that 3% figure may seem misleading. Essentially, it's 240 payments of $15.09 over 20 years. If one paid 0% interest, the payments would be $11.33. Over 20 years, the total paid is $3621.60. If paid in full up front, the total is $2720. So the cost of financing the bill in actual dollars is 33% more. Was this a misprint in the describing documents? No, it's the result as figured with the compound interest calculator used by the county utility. And according to the utility, it's accurate, the math is right. The point? Always do the math for yourself, so you know what's what. "3%" sounds pretty low - and financing might still be the way to go. But it seems wise to know how much it's costing in actual George Washingtons.

The sidewalk part of the Lake Sarasota project is 75-80% done, according to Pinky Pakalapati in Public Works. The sidewalk construction has been completed on many streets, including Friendship, Brentford, Middlesex, Wake and others, he said, adding that progress was "a little bit ahead of plans." Along with the sidewalks, the stormwater work is mostly done. A few sidewalks remain to be completed: Jarvis and Berkshire are almost done, Palau, part of Jarvis and Hina remain to be done. For information on the water connections, call Sarasota County Utilities at 861-0629 or 861-0623.

A resident of Lake Sarasota asks: I would like to know if anyone in Lake Sarasota is weary of the high priced water bills? As a single male, my water bill is never less than $50.00 per month. Water is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I have talked with someone else who has a family where their water bill is in the hundreds. After paying an enormous amount about 3 weeks ago, I have another bill nearly $60.00 I would like to know if we can organize a petition. I believe anything would help when finances are so strained with so many foreclosures here in our own neighborhood. The county liason replied to an email asking about the rates: I have not heard this from other groups (i.e. Nokomis water lines customers). A petition won't influence water rates. They are adopted by the BCC and are the same for everyone. In other words, there are uniform water rates throughout the county for all our customers. Conservation and efficient use of this precious resource is the only wa...

One of the fascinating pieces of equipment used to bore channels under the road for the water lines being installed on Lago and Jarvis:

For Lake Sarasota residents on Lago and Jarvis: The water line construction contract with Frederick Derr was approved this morning. The pre-construction meeting will be held next week sometime. The contractor plans to begin right after the New Year. County Utility and Public Works representatives will be at our next meeting at Sarasota Baptist, 6:30 pm January 8. The contractor will be there as well to answer questions. Please come to that meeting.