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Commissioner Tom Knight Outlines Vision Appeared on recent Siesta Sand Live Podcast By Jane Bartnett
S
arasota County Commissioner Tom Knight, who took office in November 2024, shared his vision for his four-year term during a midJanuary appearance on Siesta Sand’s Siesta Live podcast. In the wide-ranging interview with host Natalie Gutwein, Knight, a Republican from Venice representing District 3, which includes Venice, Wellen Park, and North Port, discussed his priorities as the fifth member of the Sarasota County Commission. Knight, a well-known figure in
Sarasota County and across Florida, served as Sarasota County Sheriff for 12 years, from 2008 until his retirement in 2020. During his tenure, he managed a $121 million budget and oversaw 1,000 employees, covering law enforcement, corrections, court security, animal services, and 911 operations. His leadership was credited with reducing crime by more than 50% and earning national recognition for inmate recovery programs that lowered recidivism and
Tom Knight, Sarasota County Commissioner District 3, joins host Natalie Gutwein on recent Siesta Sand Live Podcast at Captain Curt’s. (Photo by Siesta Sand)
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Modest Increase in Condo Insurance Rates Anticipated By Ned Steele
C
oncerns that wind and flood insurance premiums for condominiums will skyrocket in 2025 may be exaggerated, according to a local insurance expert. Mike Angers, senior vice president at Brown & Brown During a recent online presentation to Sarasota, expressed optimism about potential rate increases. the Siesta Key Condominium Council, Mike Angers, senior vice president at
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Brown & Brown Sarasota, expressed optimism about potential rate increases, despite the triple impact of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024. “I think we’re going to do better than expected,” Angers said, noting that flood insurers have already requested an 18% increase. However, he advised
Couples reaffirm their commitment
condominium associations and managers to plan for a more modest 10% rise. For wind coverage, Angers reported that rate increase requests so far have ranged from about 5% to remaining flat, with some cases even showing decreases. He emphasized that these estimates are
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Best Beach, Best Job
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