They cut the rate. They collected $64 million more.
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In the newsOpinionBy SCF Staff · May 28, 2026

DEVELOPER MONEY FUNDED HIM. THEN HE VOTED FOR THEIR DEALS.

Pat Neal. Benderson. Culverhouse. The names on the checks match the names on the growth fights. Neunder says he's not the developer candidate — the campaign-finance receipts tell a different story.

This piece is editorial, column, or advocacy reporting. Sarasota County Facts cites factual claims where supported; we attribute — and do not adopt — the author's conclusions.

The story

Florida Politics documented $95,000 from major developers flowing to a committee promoting Neunder, including $10,000 from Pat Neal — after Neunder told a radio audience he wasn't taking Pat Neal money. The column's conclusions are the outlet's opinion; the dollar amounts and donor names are public record.

Key quotes

He is now trying to present himself as a controlled-growth watchdog, even though he has spent years benefiting from the same developer money that voters no longer trust.

Peter Schorsch, Florida Politics · Florida Politics opinion column, May 28, 2026

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