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In the newsOpinionBy SCF Staff · April 13, 2026

EVEN BUSINESS LEADERS COULDN'T PUZZLE THIS ONE OUT

The seller paid $8.9 million. Two years later the county paid $18.1 million — in Neunder's district. Tom Knight voted no. Growth watchdogs called it inflated. Voters get to decide August 18.

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.

Stickney PointJoe NeunderDevelopmentCampaign Finance

The story

Florida Politics tied Commissioner Joe Neunder to voter distrust over the Stickney Point deal: an $18.1 million county purchase after the seller acquired the parcel for $8.9 million. Commissioner Tom Knight cast the lone no vote, citing concern from business leaders. The column's broader 'symbol of distrust' framing is opinion — the prices and vote are on the public record.

Key quotes

“from every part of our community, including many business leaders who can't puzzle this out”

— Commissioner Tom Knight · On his NO vote, via Florida Politics, Apr. 2026

“This sure looks like an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars, and at an inflated price.”

— Dan Lobeck, Control Growth Now · Florida Politics opinion column, Apr. 2026

By the numbers

  • $18.1M

    The county agreed to pay $18.1 million for a 2.04-acre boatyard parcel at 1500 Stickney Point Road that the seller had purchased for $8.9 million in January 2024 — about double the seller's recorded price, two years later. Total authorization reached $21.36 million, with roughly $20.77 million to be borrowed.

    They agreed to pay $18.1 million for land the seller bought for $8.9 million — two years earlier.

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Read the full article at Florida Politics→SCF investigations

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