Tepid article describes stalemate

Business stimulus stalled in state

TALLAHASSEE - Eight months after vowing to spend $10 million in state money to "plant the seeds" to create new jobs, an economic stimulus program initiated by Gov. Charlie Crist has yet to hand out a dime.

Rich County, Poor County

from the local paper:

Sarasota County is about to be designated an economic “recovery zone” because so many people have lost jobs and homes.

Considering this part of the Gulf Coast was one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation just three years ago, known for its waterfront mansions and wealthy socialites, the federal designation hardly seems possible. ...

The good news is that the U.S. Treasury will reimburse 45 percent of interest costs for local businesses and governments who borrow money in this new zone for job-creating projects. More...

More Budget Strains

Public works plans on hold

By DOUG SWORD

Published: Monday, June 8, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 10:38 p.m.

SARASOTA COUNTY - Even as the county speeds up public works spending to create local jobs, plummeting tax collections have tossed into limbo $107 million in projects once slated to happen in the next five years. more...

See also: Sheriff's Office Management Review

Proposed Recovery Projects for Sarasota

A list of Sarasota projects proposed for funding by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can be found here (pdf).


Categories include: Housing and Neighborhood Improvements, Public Safety, Transportation, Transit, Energy, and Health & Human Services.

Total estimated funding to date: $29.54 million. More about the Federal Stimulus and reinvestment in Sarasota County here and here.