CHAPTER 1

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......... 1- 3

LEGISLATION AFFECTING HISTORIC RESOURCES........ 1- 4

INVENTORY........ 1- 6

• STUDIES AND SURVEYS........ 1- 6
• SITE LISTS........ 1- 8
• GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION........ 1- 9

ANALYSIS........ 1-16

• ARCHIVAL ACTIVITIES........ 1-16
• EVALUATION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES........ 1-17
• PREDICTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY ZONES........ 1-19
• PROTECTION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES........ 1-23

INCENTIVES........ 1-26

SUMMARY........ 1-29

HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN........ 1-30

END NOTES 1-36

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CHAPTER 1
HISTORIC PRESERVATION

The visible remnants of the past, buildings and historic neighborhoods, acquire over time a symbolic usefulness in a community by setting it apart from other locations. Archaeological materials are finite and nonrenewable and in most cases constitute the only source of information about that part of a locality's history for which there is no written record. Furthermore, they often increase our understanding of historic sites by providing information missing from historic documents.

Historic resources must be identified and evaluated if they are to be protected. Those which are judged significant deserve private and public consideration and effort to insure their preservation. The fundamental purpose of any preservation program, particularly the historic preservation element of a local comprehensive plan, is to promote the protection of historic resources that are considered, by responsible authorities and property owners, important to the community.

The following sections of this Chapter provide information on legislation affecting historic resources; an inventory of the historical and archaeological resources found in Sarasota County; an analysis of the existing procedures employed by the County for identifying, evaluating and protecting these resources; and, an examination of preservation incentives. The last section, the Historic Preservation Plan, sets forth specific policies that Sarasota County should pursue in order to protect and preserve its cultural resources.

Several appendices accompany the Historic Preservation Chapter. To facilitate the reading of this Chapter, a glossary of historic preservation definitions is provided in Appendix A, Section 1. The remaining Appendices are referenced in the subsequent sections of the Chapter.

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Legislation Affecting Historic Resources

The Sarasota County Historical Commission was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 1958 to provide for the collection and maintenance of historical materials. As presently constituted, the Commission consists of fifteen members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Historical Commission may make recommendations to the Board regarding the structure of the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources and the qualifications of its director; recommend to the County Commission the placement of historical markers; review the budget of the Director of Historical Resources; and provide advice to the Department of Historical Resources regarding the collection of historical materials. The Historical Commission provides advice and assistance regarding survey objectives and procedures, utilization of County-owned historical resources, formulation of a historic preservation ordinance, and other preservation-related issues and procedures.

The 1985 Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act requires coastal communities to address the preservation of archaeological and historical resources in their planning efforts. Although communities can fulfill the requirement by addressing the issue of preservation in the land use, housing, and coastal management elements, Sarasota County determined that the preparation of a separate element would be the most effective way to comply with the statutory directive.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 87-92 created a Department of Historical Resources in September 1987. The Ordinance authorizes the County Administrator to appoint a Director of Historical Resources to serve as the department head. The Department's responsibilities include the organization and management of activities supporting the identification, evaluation, preservation, development, and interpretation of historic resources; cooperation with other departments to disseminate information about such resources and develop preservation plans; maintenance of a public archives and historical collection; organization of public educational programs; and the development and maintenance of a Countywide inventory of historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Florida Site File.

On March 13, 1989, Ordinance 89-18 was passed, which adopted an Historic Preservation Element as Chapter 1 of Apoxsee, the Revised and Updated Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan. Section 163.3194, Florida Statutes, mandates that after the element has been adopted all development undertaken by, and all actions taken in regard to development orders by, the County shall be consistent with the historic preservation element and any of the other elements that address preservation issues.

Sarasota County Ordinance 95-050, the Historic Resource Protection Ordinance, was adopted in June of 1995. Its purpose is to protect the significant historic and archaeological resources of Sarasota County to the maximum extent practicable, in accordance with Apoxsee, by providing procedures

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for the review of plans and development projects as well as standards for the protection of these resources.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 81-12, Land Development Regulations, as amended by Ordinance No. 95-021, adopted in conformance with Apoxsee, provides for the inclusion of representatives of the County's Department of Historical Resources on the County's Development Review Committee, established for the purpose of reviewing proposed development plans. Through this review process, the County requires development projects to preserve, conserve, and enhance historic resources.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 89-77, Developments of Critical Concern, provides for review of residential developments between 1,000 and 1,999 dwelling units by the Development Review Committee which includes the Department of Historical Resources; and further provides that such developments shall comply with the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 89-93, Critical Area Plans, provides for the review of Sector Plans, Corridor Plans, Commercial Corridor Plans, Community and Neighborhood Revitalization and Redevelopment Plans, and plans for other Areas of Critical Concern by the Development Review Committee, and adopts Sector Plan Regulations that require Sector Plan applications to indicate the presence of any known historic, archaeological, scientific or architecturally significant resources within the Sector Plan Area.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 89-112, as amended by 96-023, relating to landfills, borrow pits and other excavation, includes a provision for review by the Department of Historical Resources pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan.

Sarasota County Ordinance No. 88-72, relating to construction in flood prone areas, provides for the protection of the integrity of historic resources by excluding them from the "substantial improvement" requirements.

Section 101.5 of the Southern Standard Building Code, adopted by Sarasota County Ordinance No. 83-63, contains an exemption provision for historic structures as follows:

Special Historic Buildings and Districts

The provisions of this code relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation, or moving of buildings or structures shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures identified and classified by the state or local jurisdiction as Historic Buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the building official to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare regarding any proposed construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings within fire districts. The applicant must

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submit complete architectural and engineering plans and specifications bearing the seal of a registered professional engineer or architect.

Section 12.2.a (2) of the Zoning Regulations allows parking areas and driveways of historic structures to be surfaced with grass and/or shell. Section 28.74a defines historic structures and sets out the criteria to evaluate their significance. Section 7.20 allows the use of a parcel containing historical or archaeological significance as a Residential Sending Zone (RSZ) for the transfer of development rights. The schedule of District Regulations (Resolution 80-73, as amended) attached to the Zoning Regulations indicates that Open Use Conservation (OUC) Districts are intended to preserve and protect historical and archaeological resources, along with other important habitats.

A review of Federal and State legislation affecting historic resources can be found in Appendix A, Section 2.

Inventory

Studies and Surveys

A program to preserve historic resources in a community must begin with identification of those resources. Resources in Sarasota County have been identified as the result of comprehensive surveys of the coastal zone, Laurel, portions of Old Miakka, and the Myakka River area and of surveys of smaller development parcels. Much identification work still remains to be done. The vast interior land of the County has not been subjected to a comprehensive archaeological/architectural survey. Figure 1-1 shows the portion of the County which has been preliminarily surveyed for the presence of historic resources.

A variety of sources discuss the archaeological and architectural resources of Sarasota County. The value of Sarasota County's archaeological sites has been recognized at least since the 1860s when John G. Webb settled at Osprey and began collecting aboriginal artifacts on his homestead. Webb shared his finds with naturalists and anthropologists at the Smithsonian Institution sparking several decades of interest in the region's natural and aboriginal resources.

At the turn of the century, C.B. Moore, a well known archaeologist, spent a brief time in Sarasota making observations on sites near Hudson Bayou. The first professional excavations in the County were undertaken in 1934 when Marshall Newman excavated the Englewood Mound (Florida Site File (FSF) No. 8So1). During the 1950s and the 1960s, several mounds in the County were investigated. No systematic reconnaissance of the County's archaeological resources was undertaken until 1961 when the County Historian and a local amateur archaeologist conducted a "windshield" or visual survey to record easily visible sites.

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Figure 1-1

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In 1976, Marion Almy completed a review of all recorded sites in the County and presented a series of environmental variables that can help predict site location. These variables form the basis of the County's predictive model today. During the late 1970s and 1980s a number of individual property surveys were undertaken in the County, largely in response to a new concern for preservation of the disappearing historic resources. The Department of Historical Resources (DHR) has survey reports on file from this period.

In 1987, Historic Property Associates undertook a reconnaissance or windshield survey of the County. Using 1943 topographic maps and a 1936 Florida Department of Transportation road map, both of which show structures present along represented roads when the maps were prepared, the surveyors inspected locations that contained significant concentrations of these early structures. Although the structures were not individually inventoried or described, their number was counted and their general characteristics, such as style, condition, integrity, and size, were summarized.

In 1989, the University of South Florida conducted surveys of the coastal zone (defined generally as the area west of U.S. Highway 41) of the unincorporated County, Old Miakka, and along portions of the Myakka River. These surveys noted and revisited most previously recorded historic resources and identified new resources through survey and informant interview.

In 1993, a historical, architectural, and archaeological survey was conducted in Laurel by Archaeological Consultants Inc.

Site Lists

The Florida Site File is a standardized list of architectural and archaeological resources throughout the State which is maintained by the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Archaeological Research, Division of Historical Resources. As of 1996, there were 2,289 recorded sites in Sarasota County, of which 2,013 are standing structures. There currently are approximately 870 standing structures and approximately 260 archaeological sites listed on the Florida Site File for the unincorporated area of Sarasota County.

The purpose of the Florida Site File is to receive, validate, store and distribute information about Florida's heritage. Information about a site is submitted by individuals and organizations to the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research on either the archaeological site or historic structure Site File form. The Bureau determines the eligibility of a site for entry on the Site File based on this information.

The application form requests information about the site including site name, historic context, location, history and description of the structure or site. Supplemental information, such as site location on a photocopy of a USGS topographic map for all sites and photograph and large scale street map for historic structures, is normally required. Florida site numbers usually are assigned only

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after receipt of an acceptable site form. Most sites that are reported with satisfactory documentation are accepted. Archaeological sites and historic structures within the unincorporated Sarasota County which are listed on the Florida Site File are included in Appendix A, Section 3.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the National Register of Historic Places which is a list of culturally significant properties maintained by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places does not restrict private use of a property; that is, listing does not come packaged with a set of architectural or land use controls. Legally, it only protects the property against the consequences of adverse federal activity. On the other hand, financial incentives for improving listed structures are available under the federal tax code. There are, additionally, many other incentives under federal and State law and regulatory authority that apply to listed properties. Nominations of a property can be made by any person; however, owner consent to the nomination is required. For districts that contain a stipulated number of buildings, a majority of property owners must express disapproval of the nomination to prevent its acceptance. A further explanation of the National Register program is provided in Appendix A, Section 4. There are currently nine sites in unincorporated Sarasota County listed on the National Register.

Geographic Distribution of Resources

A review of the geographic distribution of the historic resources, identified in the surveys that have been conducted, and the properties that have been placed on the Florida Site File, is provided below.

For discussion purposes, the County has been divided into three areas: the Northwest Area, the Southwest Area and the Eastern Area. Each area is defined by a set of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, the locations of which are shown on Figure 1-2. The specific maps, referred to as Quadrangles, which comprise each area are identified in the pertinent section which follows.

Northwest Area

Geographic Description:  The Northwest Area includes those parts of Sarasota County shown on the Bradenton, Lorraine, Sarasota, Bee Ridge, Bird Keys, and Laurel Quadrangles (see Figure 1-2). Since the City of Sarasota and its environs are in this area, it is by far the most heavily urbanized. Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key flank Sarasota Bay and Roberts Bay. The barrier islands consist of coastal beach ridges once covered with cabbage palms, saw palmetto, and slash pine. The now-urbanized mainland once supported pine-palmetto flatwoods with mangroves along the marshy shores and scrub oak on higher ground. The suburban areas of Fruitville, Bee Ridge, and the South Sarasota area are found within the Sarasota and Bee Ridge Quadrangles.

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Figure 1-2
Key to USGS Topographic Maps

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The Laurel Quadrangle covers the coastal area of the County from Vamo to Laurel. Little Sarasota Bay, Dryman Bay, and Blackburn Bay constitute the coastal bodies of water, flanked by Casey Key on the west. North Creek, South Creek, and Shakett Creek are the main streams. Flowing into Shakett Creek are the longer tributaries of Salt Creek, Fox Creek, and Cow Pen Slough, which has been diverted to form a canal. Inland from the shore the topography is characterized by small depressions, lakes, and wet areas. Vegetation is rich, especially around Cow Pen Slough, and Catfish, North, and South Creeks. The area north of Vamo contains some undeveloped dense hammock and scrub oak lands.

Archaeological Sites: No archaeological resources are recorded along the northern edge of this area on the Bradenton and Lorraine Quadrangles. Three surveys have extended into portions of these quadrangles but no sites were identified. Most of the area within these quadrangles has not been investigated.

A small portion of the Sarasota Quadrangle falls within the unincorporated County. Seventeen archaeological sites have been recorded here, mostly in the coastal area, near bayous, creeks, and springs. Three sites are located on Siesta Key within this quadrangle. These sites include 11 shell middens, 3 lithic scatters, 1 burial mound, 1 shell scatter, and 2 historic period sites. One of the shell midden sites (FSF No. 8So56) has been determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Prodie Shell Midden (FSF No. OSO617) is a contributing resource to the National Register listed Edson Keith Estate.

Until the 1970s, the Bee Ridge Quadrangle was primarily rural, interior land that featured low, wet depressions occasionally interspersed with well-drained lands planted in groves. A great deal of development has taken place in this area over the last two decades and, today the area is almost entirely developed. Twelve cultural resource survey reports are on file with the Department of Historical Resources for this quadrangle and ten archaeological sites have been recorded. These sites include 7 lithic scatters, 2 dirt middens, and 1 artifact scatter.

The Bird Keys Quadrangle includes the south part of Siesta Key, the north end of Casey Key, and the mainland shoreline just north of Vamo. This area was examined during the coastal zone survey. Fourteen archaeological sites have been recorded here, five on Siesta Key, two on Casey Key, and seven on the mainland. They include 10 shell middens, 3 burial mounds, and 1 artifact scatter.

Seventeen cultural resources reports are on file with the Department of Historical Resources for the Laurel Quadrangle. The coastal area and portions of Shakett Creek, Fox Creek, Salt Creek, and Cow Pen Slough were investigated as part of the 1990 coastal zone survey. Fifty-six archaeological sites have been recorded in this quadrangle. The Osprey Archaeological and Historic Site (Spanish Point) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and six other sites are considered potentially eligible for listing based on current information. Sites found in this quadrangle include 12 shell

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middens, 3 burial mounds, 20 artifact scatters, 9 lithic scatters, 5 shell scatters, 3 dirt middens, 2 sand mounds, and 2 historic period sites.

Architectural Resources: Information about architectural resources in the Northwest area is available from the 1987-88 Historic Property Associates windshield survey, from the University of South Florida's survey of the coastal zone, and from the Survey of Laurel by Archaeological Consultants Inc. The Northwest Area of Sarasota County contains many structures that are at least fifty years old and retain their architectural integrity. The proximity of the area to the incorporated City of Sarasota accounts for the large number of comparatively older structures found there.

To the east of the City of Sarasota along Fruitville Road, lies the historic community of Fruitville. There are approximately ninety structures in its vicinity, including a school, church, commercial buildings, and numerous residences. The residences are generally simple frame vernacular buildings. Some exhibit features of the Bungalow Style which was popular in the 1900-1920 period. The residences are generally constructed of wood and sheathed with variations of wood siding. The roofs display gable or pyramidal shapes and the buildings often have large open or screened porches. Only two of the residences observed in Fruitville exhibited elements of the Mediterranean style that typified construction during the Florida Boom Period of the 1920s. The older structures in the Fruitville area are not concentrated in one location.

Another group of older structures can be found along Fruitville Road and Palmer Boulevard and west of Interstate 75. They include several stucco-covered warehouses near the intersection of Palmer Boulevard and Cattlemen Road. The remainder generally consist of small frame vernacular residences and a scattering of farm houses and small barns. The barns are often sheathed with corrugated metal roofs and siding. The structures are scattered throughout the area and are generally in good condition.

A large concentration of older structures occurs in the Bee Ridge area. The approximately 270 structures observed in the area include residences, two commercial structures, one school, two churches, and two farm houses and adjacent barns. Although most of the structures are frame vernacular, a number of stylistic variations appear including elements of Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles. Scattered groups of such structures can be found along the roads that intersect Bee Ridge Road, including some buildings that exhibit comparatively elaborate or classical Victorian design elements.

Near Sarasota Bay just north of the City of Sarasota, is the Uplands community, part of which lies within Sarasota County. Most of the properties in this community were constructed after 1949, but it is felt that some may be significant because of their association with architect/developer Augustine Thierry.

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The coastal zone survey recorded 148 structures in the portion of Siesta Key located in the unincorporated County. The consultants noted that there are several potential historic districts on Siesta Key including the northern portion of the key, Siesta Point, and Point of Rocks. Additionally, it was recommended that the Out-of-Door Academy (FSF No. 8So2240) and the Cedars (FSF No. 8So2195) were eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places as part of thematic Multiple Properties nominations (education and Mediterranean Revival style). The Out of Door Academy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Most of Casey Key lies within the Northwest Area. The coastal zone survey identified 16 historic structures on the key.

The community of Red Rock lies along the bay just south of the City limits. Fifty-three historic structures have been recorded in this area, including the Field Estate (FSF No. 8So398) which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area of Red Rock just west of the Tamiami Trail represents a potential historic district.

The coastal zone survey identified 13 historic structures in the area between Phillippi Creek and Vamo. The Edson Keith Estate (FSF No. 8So2285), which incorporates the Phillippi mansion (FSF No. 8So2096) and the Phillippi bungalow (FSF No. 8So2097) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 1991. This property is owned by Sarasota County. The community of Vamo was established in the early 1920s. The coastal zone survey identified 32 historic structures here, including a potential historic district along Vamo Drive. Ninety-five historic structures have been recorded in Osprey, including five contributing structures to the Spanish Point complex which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1993, a survey was completed in a portion of the Laurel community that received Community Development Block Grant funds. The survey identified and recorded 25 historic buildings and structures. These include 23 private residences, a church, and a bridge. The principal architectural style of the residential buildings is frame vernacular, though bungalows and a single masonry/frame vernacular are also present. Most of the historic buildings were previously recorded in the Florida Site File as part of the Sarasota County Coastal Zone Survey. Five new sites were discovered as part of the 1993 survey including the Old Trail Bridge. In 1996 Johnson Chapel, located in the Laurel community, was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

Southwest Area

Geographic Description:  The Southwest Area embraces that part of the County included within the Venice, Englewood Northwest, and Englewood Quadrangles. The Venice map area consists of a large coastal section that reaches from Nokomis to Manasota Key. The Englewood Quadrangle area comprises the southernmost coastal portions of the County bordering on Charlotte County. Development in the area occurs for about a mile and a half inland from the Gulf. Beyond that point the land begins to take on the characteristic features of southwest Florida -- small, wet depressions amid vast expanses of open land, cut through by numerous thin creeks.

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Archaeological Sites: Thirteen archaeological sites have been identified in the Venice Quadrangle outside of the City of Venice, including the northernmost part of Manasota Key. Two sites, the Pocono Trail Site (FSF No. 8So1867) and the Venice Cemetery (FSF No. 8So1367) are considered potentially eligible for National Register Nomination based on current information. .

Twenty three sites have been recorded within the Englewood and Englewood Northwest Quadrangles. A shell midden at Indian Mound Park in Englewood (FSF No. 8So23) was studied and documented in the 1960s. The site is now a County-owned park. Of the 23 sites in the Englewood quadrangle, 15 are shell middens, 3 are shell scatters, 2 are burial mounds, 1 is a dirt midden, 1 is a prehistoric cemetery, and 1 is an historic period site.

The Englewood and Venice vicinity, like the rest of Sarasota County's coastline, was a favorite area for prehistoric habitation. This area is important for future study and may yield information about the adaptation of ancient societies to marine and estuarine life. Activities such as dredging, shore stabilization, and dock and bulkhead construction have undoubtedly destroyed many sites, particularly at Lemon Bay and along the coast of the City of Venice.

Architectural Resources: Although the northern edge of Nokomis is in the Laurel Quadrangle, most of the community lies in the Venice Quadrangle and the entire community is discussed in this section. The Nokomis area was settled in 1868 by the Knight family. The Nokomis Post Office was established in 1917. The coastal zone survey identified 168 historic structures in Nokomis including two important concentrations, one in the Nokomis Subdivision and one in the Bay Point Subdivision. Several other structures are thought to warrant National Register of Historic Places nomination including the Claude Curry homestead (FSF No. 8So1709), the Point o'Palms/Albee residence (FSF No. 8So1686/1687), and the Venice-Nokomis Bank Building (FSF No. 8So1809). Other structures may be significant, but more intensive study is needed to establish this.

Fourteen structures have been recorded in the portions of the Venice Quadrangle outside of the Venice city limits. Four of these are in "Higelville", located just outside the City of Venice. All four are thought to be potentially significant structures, although more research is required. Ten structures were scattered between Englewood and Venice. They all appear to post-date 1940, and thus, probably do not meet National Register criteria. They may, however, be locally important and should be investigated further.

The coastal zone survey identified 15 historic structures on Manasota Key within Sarasota County. Seven of these are associated with the Hermitage, an early recreational complex now owned by Sarasota County. This complex is considered to meet the National Register of Historic Places criteria for significance. Four other structures are associated with the Manasota Beach Club.

The University of South Florida recorded 240 historic structures in the Englewood area during the coastal zone survey. Most are scattered through the town, although two concentrations occur, one

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at the west end of Perry, Dearborn, and Green Streets, and one along McCall Road. The Lemon Bay Woman's Club (FSF No. 8SoO615), a 1926 structure, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eastern Area

Geographic Description:  The Eastern Area comprises that part of the County shown on the remaining quadrangles which include portions of the Verna, Old Miakka, Lower Lake Myakka, Myakka River, Murdock Northwest, Murdock Southeast, Murdock Northeast, and Murdock Quadrangles. The area is, except for a large development along the southeast boundary of the County, primarily rural and sparsely populated. There are few concentrations of buildings. The land throughout the area is relatively flat, and dotted with numerous ponds and wet depressions. Typical vegetative communities include pine and saw palmetto flatwoods, mesic oak hammocks, and freshwater hardwood swamps. The Myakka River Quadrangle is dominated by the river, which is flanked by black needle rush marsh in the wetter areas, and some live oak, saw palmetto, longleaf and slash pine stands.

Archaeological Sites: While the vast expanse of land in the Eastern Area, probably about two-thirds of the County, has not been subjected to the extensive systematic survey, some significant sites have received limited professional attention, and the University of South Florida recently surveyed Old Miakka and a portion along the Myakka River.

Twenty-three archaeological sites have been recorded on the Old Miakka Quadrangle. The sites include 4 burial mounds, 1 lithic scatter, 10 sand mounds, and 8 historic period sites; of these, six sites are potentially significant but require more research, 7 have not been professionally investigated, 3 have been evaluated as not significant, and 5 have been destroyed or severely disturbed.

A large portion of the Lower Lake Myakka Quadrangle and a segment of the Murdock NW Quadrangle were surveyed in 1987. This survey located 14 archaeological sites, all within the Lower Lake Myakka Quadrangle.

The report entitled, "An Archaeological and Historical Study of the Ringling MacArthur Reserve, Sarasota County, Florida" contains recommendations for the management of these sites as well as utilization of the sites for public display and education purposes.

Ten sites are recorded on the Myakka River Quadrangle. Most of these are discussed in the University of South Florida's report on their Myakka River and Old Miakka survey. These include 5 artifact scatters, 2 shell middens, 1 paleontological site, 1 single prehistoric artifact find, and the Warm Mineral Springs sinkhole site.

Further south along the Myakka River is Warm Mineral Springs which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Discovered in 1957, the now submerged site has yielded human skeletal

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remains dated to about 10,000 years old. In March, 1988, a representative of the National Park Service inspected Warm Mineral Springs for possible nomination as a National Historic Landmark, the highest possible designation in the United States.

Architectural Resources:  The eastern, rural part of the County is far more distinguished by its archaeological potential than by the architectural resources that are present, although a small but noteworthy collection of buildings is found in the community of Old Miakka. They include a church, a vacant store, four farm houses, and a schoolhouse that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Despite the addition of several modern residences, the area retains the sense of a nineteenth century ranching community.

Analysis

Archival Activities

The Department of Historical Resources is responsible for the maintenance of the County's archival collection. The Archives was created by the Board of County Commissioners in 1975 to collect, preserve, and present to the public the history of Sarasota County. The Archives contain a wide variety of items including photographs of the Sarasota area from the 1880s to the 1940s; maps of Florida, Sarasota County, and the City of Sarasota; copies of the Sarasota Times newspaper from 1920 to 1923 and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune from 1925 to the present; City and County directories from 1897 to the present; Census records for the years 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1910; Manatee County deeds from 1885 to 1921; Sarasota County Commission Minute Books from 1921 to 1959; genealogy and subject files, and books on Florida and local history. Also housed within the historical collection are displays of skeletal remains of Pleistocene mammals, Indian artifacts, pioneer tools, and other items.

Archival materials held by the County represent more than a repository useful for public education. Many of these materials are critical to the County's preservation efforts. For example, the historic period map collection provides important information about previous environments and site locations. This information allows the location of historic sites and activities to be determined and analyzed. The photographic collection can be used to determine the original appearance of historic structures, a critical point in restoration efforts. The vertical files, newspapers, city directories, etc. provide data concerning the construction date, builder, architect, occupants and uses of historic structures. This data is essential to establish the history and hence significance of such structures. These archival materials currently are used not only by County staff, but also by the adjacent municipalities and the citizenry in their preservation efforts.

An historical and archaeological database is maintained by the Department of Historical Resources. The database includes the following:

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a. a set of United States Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangles showing archaeological sites;
b. a set of USGS quadrangles showing historic structures or blocks of structures;
c. a set of half-section maps detailing blocks of structures;
d. a set of large scale soils maps showing areas of high potential for archaeological resources;
e. Florida Site File forms for all recorded sites;
f. National Register forms for sites that are listed on the Register;
g. archaeological and historic reports that have been done in the County;
h. historic period maps;
I. archival materials pertaining to the County's history archaeology; and
j. contour overlaid aerials from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

In order to accomplish the County's preservation goals the database must continue to be maintained and the collection of historical materials managed, so that there is a base of integrated and accessible information about Sarasota County's historical resources. There are many archival materials that have not yet been processed. Some specific tasks that need to be accomplished include: processing, conservation and management of the acquired materials; developing guidelines to the collection; cataloging the collections according to a subject heading index; reorganizing the vertical file and photograph/slide collection; and, inventorying and processing the archaeological, paleontological, and natural history collection. The completion of these and related tasks will have immediate positive effects on the preservation program by making the historical information more easily accessible.

Evaluation of Historic Resources

Evaluating the significance, or value, of a historic resource is necessary because only those resources that are significant or valuable warrant preservation. Objective criteria are employed to evaluate the significance of historic resources. The National Register of Historic Places has established criteria to evaluate the significance of sites and structures. The criteria are used nearly universally in the United States as a measure of historic resource significance. The criteria are summarized below:

Significant districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects possess at least two of the seven kinds of integrity: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, and

1. are associated with the events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or

2. are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or

3. embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that

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represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or

4. have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Significance can be determined relative to a local, state or national context. A property does not have to be important regionally or on a state-wide basis to be significant. Its value may derive from its role in the prehistory or history of the local area. The U.S. Department of the Interior has published guidelines that explain in detail the application of each of the four criteria above to particular types of historic resources.

Some historic resources in Sarasota County have been professionally evaluated for significance. In 1988/89, two studies were produced by the University of South Florida for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners. These studies examined historic resources in the coastal region, Old Miakka, and along portions of the Myakka River, and evaluated the integrity and potential significance of each resource. In 1993, the community of Laurel was surveyed for the presence of cultural resources. Other sites have been evaluated in the course of development reviews or as a result of individual property owners seeking National Register listings. The National Register criteria noted above were used to make the evaluations.

The historic resources on the Florida Site File can be classified according to whether or not the site or structure has been evaluated, and if so, whether or not the resource has been evaluated as significant. The categories are as follows:

Significant (A/B) - These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or, based on current evaluation, are considered to be very likely to meet the National Register criteria of significance. For most sites not already listed in the National Register, additional research is needed to prepare a National Register nomination, but there is little doubt that such a nomination could be prepared and accepted.

Potentially Significant (C) - These sites may meet the National Register of Historic Places criteria for significance, but more in-depth evaluation is required to assess their potential.

Not Evaluated (B) - These sites have been recorded on the Florida Site File, or in the files of the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources. However, they either have not been professionally assessed, or their condition has not been evaluated recently, or the level of work undertaken is insufficient to determine their condition and potential to contribute information important in local history or prehistory.

Not Significant (E) - Although these sites are on the Florida Site File, they have been evaluated and found not to warrant preservation. Many of these sites have been destroyed or severely altered.

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The sites and structures in each category are shown in Appendix A, Section 3. The Florida Site File number is given for each site or structure along with the source from which the significance evaluation was obtained, the address, and/or the location of the site by township, range and section. The sites and structures that were classified as significant are shown on Figures 1-3 and 1-4.

Prediction of Archaeological Sensitivity Zones

An Archaeological Sensitivity Zone is an area that, because of its environmental characteristics and/or the presence of known archaeological sites in a similar setting, has been determined to have a high potential to contain archaeological sites. It has been found that environmental and topographic characteristics can be used to predict archaeological site location. Prehistoric and early historic people tended to locate their settlements in dry, protected areas, near potable water, food supplies, and transportation routes. Using these characteristics and previous site locations, Historic Property Associates prepared a series of archaeological sensitivity maps that show major areas believed to have a high potential to contain archaeological sites (Figure 1-5).

The Department of Historical Resources uses these maps and other materials to help identify areas that should be investigated for the presence of archaeological sites when development is proposed. The sensitivity maps are only a beginning in identifying areas that require investigation. They are based on large scale soils and topographic maps that cannot reflect the detailed characteristics of particular parcels of land. When specific land parcels are examined for archaeological sensitivity, it is the presence of the environmental variables (well drained soils, potable water, topographic elevations, food sources) that are considered to be indicators of the possible presence of an archeological site.

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Figure 1-3:
Historically Significant Archaeological Sites in Unincorporated Sarasota County

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Historically Significant Structure Sites in Unincorporated Sarasota County
Figure 1-4:

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Archaeological Sensitivity Zones
Figure 1-5:

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Protection of Historic Resources

Sarasota County has relied on the development review process to protect its historic resources. This system has been successful in protecting many of the County's historic resources and is particularly suited to the locationally scattered nature of the resources and the state of the knowledge about them. The guidelines for the protection of significant historic resources in the unincorporated county are set forth in Ordinance No. 95-050, the Historic Resource Protection Ordinance. This Ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Historical Resources to review the following types of plans:

Types of Development Plans - Development plans can be divided into five general types based on the immediacy of the proposed development. Because these proposals are at different levels of specificity concerning development, their potential for impact on cultural resources varies, and the appropriate preservation response to the proposals will vary.

The first type of plan falls under the Critical Area Planning Regulations (Ordinance No. 89-93) and includes Sector Plans, Corridor Plans and Commercial Corridor Plans. These proposals are plans for appropriate development in areas considered critical to the County's growth. Often these plans are prepared by the County prior to any specific development proposal. There also is a provision for the private sector to initiate Critical Area Plans. Since these proposals are generalized land use plans, the impact on cultural resources is unknown. At this planning level it is appropriate for the Critical Area Plan to address the issue of resource identification and preservation by presenting a plan for these concerns. The actual work of identification and preservation can take place once development is proposed.

The second type of plan involves large scale development applications including Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) and Developments of Critical Concern (DOCC). At the first stage, the proposed development plan is conceptual in nature. Although the impact on specific resources is uncertain since there are no firm "on-the-ground" development plans, it is clear that a 500-acre commercial development or a 2,000-unit residential development, for example, has the potential to have a significant impact on resources on the property unless a preservation plan is built into the development plan from the beginning. At this planning stage, it is appropriate to initiate identification of cultural resource probability zones, and to present a plan for preservation of any known or newly identified resources.

A third plan type includes rezone and special exception petitions. These proposals may or may not include a specific development plan, but the potential for impact on cultural resources is clear since the zoning type and intensity will shape the development to be proposed. As with DRIs and DOCCs, it is appropriate to ask for identification of cultural resources so that proposed development can take these into account. A plan for preservation also should be presented by the applicant.

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The fourth type of plan involves specific development plans including Preliminary Plans and Site and Development Plans. In these proposals, the impact of the development on any known resources is clear, and the need for identification of potential resources is critical. At this planning level it is appropriate to initiate both identification and preservation immediately.

The final plan type involves permits issued for a variety of construction and development needs. Since, these permits address specific plans, the impact on identified and potential resources is clear, and it is appropriate to initiate identification and preservation immediately. The Department is authorized under Ordinance No. 95-050 to review construction, operation and demolition permits; tree removal permits; water and sewer permits, on site wastewater treatment and disposal system permits coastal zone setback variances, Water and Navigation Control Authority Major Work Permits, and Right-Of-Way permits.

Review Process - Land development projects are subject to varying levels of review and permitting depending upon the proposed development's size and type. Generally, the complexity of the review and permitting process is related to the geographic scope of the proposed development. A project classified as a DRI, for example, is currently subject to review at State, regional and local governmental levels. At each of these levels, the historical resources component of the project is reviewed. The DRI application requires a description of historical and archaeological sites within the proposed development and suggested protection measures for such resources. Activity that occurs on State or federal land, or that requires a State or federal permit, necessitates review by the State Historic Preservation Office. That task is performed by the Compliance and Review section in the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources. Relatively few projects in Sarasota County undergo such review.

Most land development projects in Sarasota County are reviewed by the County itself. For certain types of projects, the County review process routinely has included the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources. The kinds of projects reviewed by that Department include Developments of Regional Impact, Developments of Critical Concern, rezoning and special exception requests, Preliminary Plans, Site and Development Plans, Earthmoving Permits, Critical Area Plans, and Comprehensive Plan Amendments. For the review of rezone and special exception petitions, Preliminary Plans, and Site and Development Plans, a representative of the Department of Historical Resources joins the County Development Review Committee (DRC), which is composed of representatives from the Planning, Health, Transportation, Natural Resources, Zoning, and Utilities Departments. For Sector Plans and DRIs, the DRC is composed of representatives from these Departments as well as the School Board, Soil and Water Conservation District, Sheriff's Department, County Attorney's Office, Mosquito Control District, Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the County Parks and Recreation and Emergency Management Departments. The Department of Historical Resources provides comment on whether there is a potential for archaeologically or historically significant sites on the property and, based on further assessment, whether preservation or mitigative action is warranted.

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A development application is first reviewed by the Department of Historical Resources with reference to the historical and archaeological data base. The purpose of the review is to determine if the site contains any previously identified or potential historic resources. The review may show that the property has either a recorded site or structure or a high probability for an archeological site.

In the case of parcels that have a high probability for containing an archaeological site, a parcel visit is made to look for environmental indicators of possible site presence and for evidence of archaeological sites, and to evaluate the level of previous disturbance to the property that can affect the integrity or even the presence of an archaeological site. If the parcel visit verifies the potential for archaeological resources, evaluation measures (generally a survey) are recommended.

The applicant’s consultant and the staff assess the potential significance of known and discovered resources according to National Register of Historic Places guidelines for integrity and significance. In some cases, additional studies may be needed to determine the value of the resource(s). If it is determined to be significant, a decision is made about appropriate protection measures. Options include methods such as preservation in situ, rehabilitation, intensive excavation, moving a structure for preservation, and recording a structure before demolition.

The following State and Federal guidelines are used to assess the adequacy of archaeological/architectural research designs and reports, professional qualifications of consultants, design plans and rehabilitation proposals:

• The Historic Preservation Compliance Review Program of the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Historic Compliance Review Section, Bureau of Historic Preservation.
• The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, Washington, DC;
• Archaeology and Historic Preservation: Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines, Department of the Interior, National Park Service (Federal Register 48 (190), September 29, 1983: 44716-44739; and
• The Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Architectural and Engineering Documentation, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, Washington. D.C.

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County-Owned Resources

Sarasota County owns property that contains significant historic resources including buildings and archaeological materials. Examples of these are the Sarasota County Terrace Building and the Courthouse, both of which were designed by an important architect and which reflect a popular style of architecture of the Florida Boom Period; the Edson Keith Estate and the property on which it rests; Indian Mound Park; the Hermitage on Manasota Key; and, the Pinelands Reserve and the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve which may contain historical and archaeological resources.

The County should institute administrative procedures to subject such properties to a review process that will ensure the protection and preservation of eligible historical resources. This process would include a professional survey of County-owned lands and buildings to identify and evaluate their significance. The alteration of any building owned by the County that is eligible for recording in the Florida Site File should be done in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The preservation of significant archaeological resources that rest on open lands owned by the County can be promoted through compatible uses, such as reserves for parks and recreation.

Incentives

A variety of incentives and instruments are available for use by government and its citizens to assist in these preservation efforts. Some are already provided through federal or state law or regulations; others must be adopted by the local government. In most cases, the instruments that local government and the community's residents can employ in the preservation process are similar to devices found in real estate and tax law. Many of these incentives have not been utilized by the County.

Awards

Such programs involve the awarding of plaques or certificates of historical significance to the owners of buildings that meet specific criteria established for the program. Awards of this kind are often employed to encourage preservation by recognizing outstanding efforts by property owners, as well as to identify important sites and buildings.

The Sarasota County Historical Commission is presently authorized to conduct a program to create appropriate historic markers identifying the location of significant sites. The Board of County Commissioners approved guidelines for the Marker Program in 1978. The Sarasota County Historical Commission has installed nearly 40 such markers to identify sites in Sarasota County of archaeological and historic significance. They span the County, from Sarasota to Englewood, from the barrier islands to Old Miakka and North Port.

Easements

An easement is a restriction placed against the future development of a property. In use as a historic preservation instrument, the easement is usually placed with a non-profit organization or government entity that is qualified to maintain it over a period of time. Tax advantages are available for some

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easements. Federal law permits, for example, the donation of a facade easement for the purpose of preserving the exterior integrity of a qualified historic building. Scenic or open space easements are used to preserve archaeological sites.

Restrictive Covenants

Restrictive covenants are prohibitions against particular uses of a property. A covenant attached to a deed, for example, might prohibit subdivision of the property or demolition of a structure.

Purchase of Development Rights

This device, equivalent to an easement, involves the acquisition of certain rights to a property. The value of the development right is defined as the difference between the property's market value and its use value.

Rehabilitation Tax Credits

Federal tax credits, for the expenses incurred in the rehabilitation of a qualified historic structure, have been present for a decade. Present law (the 1986 Tax Reform Act) provides for a twenty percent credit for certified historic structures and a ten percent credit for structures more than fifty years old.

Ad Valorem Tax Relief

Section 193.505, Florida Statutes, provides for an owner of a historically significant property to enter into a covenant with the local government to maintain the assessed value at a reduced level, in return for preservation of the property's historic features. The program has not been administratively implemented at the state level, however. In November 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that allows local governments to provide property tax relief for improvements to historic properties.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

The Federal Community Development Block Grant Program permits the use of funds distributed as community block grants for historic preservation purposes, such as a survey of historic resources. Sarasota County has used CDBG funds to investigate historic and archaeological resources in areas targeted for redevelopment efforts, including the community of Laurel.

Transfer of Development Rights

This legal instrument is employed to protect historic resources, such as archaeological sites, by permitting the right to develop a property to be transferred to another location, sparing the original property from destruction or alteration. Section 20.7 of the Sarasota County Zoning Regulations (Ordinance No. 75-38, as amended) allows a parcel containing historic or archaeological significance to be used as a sending zone for the transfer of development rights.

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Tax Increment Financing

This measure provides for use of the tax, upon an increased valuation of an improved property, to amortize the cost of the bond issue floated to finance the improvement.

Revolving Fund

A revolving fund, normally administered by a non-profit or governmental unit, establishes a monetary basis on which property can be bought, improved, maintained, and sold. Revolving fund monies are subsequently returned and reused. The funds act to create a new economic and social force in the community.

Certified Local Government (CLG) Program

Since its establishment by Congress in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Program has operated as a decentralized partnership between the federal government and the states. The federal government set up a program of identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties based on the National Register of Historic Places. The program is carried out by the states, under the direction of the National Park Service. Participating states receive funding assistance in the form of annual grants from the Federal Historic Preservation Trust Fund to support the staff of the State Historic Preservation Office. A portion of the funds may be re-granted in the form of sub-grants for survey and planning activities.

The success of this working relationship has prompted Congress to extend the partnership to provide for direct participation by qualified local governments. The National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 (P.L. 96-515) provide the legal basis for the new federal-state-local preservation partnership commonly referred to as the Certified Local Government Program (CLG). The amendments direct the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Secretary of the Interior to establish procedures for the certification of local governments to participate in this partnership. The Certified Local Government Program permits the states to delegate limited responsibilities to local government that meet specific qualifications for certification and provide limited grant-in-aid funding to assist them in that process.

To become a CLG participant, Sarasota County must adopt a historic preservation ordinance that provides for the designation and protection of historic buildings and includes a qualified review authority; maintain an inventory of historic resources; and encourage public participation in the historic preservation program.

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Summary

• Comprehensive surveys have been done of Laurel, the coastal zone of the unincorporated area of the County, portions of the Myakka River area, and portions of Old Miakka. These surveys have increased the number of recorded sites and structures, and provided some evaluation of these resources. However, a comprehensive survey of historical and archaeological resources has not yet been done in the interior area of the County.
  
• Sarasota County has an important collection of historic archival materials and artifacts, but much of the material is unprocessed and in need of conservation and is therefore largely unavailable for research and public use.
  
• The Department of Historical Resources has developed an historic and archeological database. The system shows graphically the location of all identified historical sites and structures as well as containing reports, period maps and other archival material. The system needs further development to increase its utility and to include all historic information appropriate for computer storage.
  
• The Department of Historical Resources participates in development review of Developments of Regional Impact, Developments of Critical Concern, Rezones, Special Exceptions, Preliminary Plans, Site and Development Plans, Earthmoving Permits, Corridor Studies and Critical Area Plans, and Comprehensive Plan Amendments.
  
• Sarasota County Government owns a number of significant and potentially significant archaeological and historic properties, including the Vicker's Head site (FSF No. 8So422) and Turpentine Camp #2 (FSF No. 8So426) on the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, the Edson Keith Estate, the Hermitage at Blind Pass Park, Indian Mound Park, the Courthouse and the Sarasota County Terrace Building, as well as undeveloped lands with the potential to contain historic resources such as the Carlton Reserve and the Pinelands Reserve.

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN

Intent

The fundamental purpose of any historic preservation program, particularly the historic preservation element of a local comprehensive plan, is to protect the historic resources within the local government's jurisdiction against adverse impacts and to promote awareness among residents and government officials of the wisdom of preserving such resources.

The Historic Preservation Plan sets forth a program for the identification and protection of the historical and archaeological resources located in the unincorporated areas of Sarasota County. The Plan recommends additional surveys of historical and archaeological resources in order to locate buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects significant to the history of Sarasota County, and for the development of a management program for the County's valuable collection of historic archival materials and artifacts. The Plan encourages the utilization of these archival materials to develop educational and informational programs designed to inform citizens and visitors of Sarasota County's unique and diverse cultural heritage, as well as, use in the development review process.

The Plan calls for the establishment of legal and regulatory procedures to review and mitigate the impact of future development on prehistoric and historic resources. It is the intent of the goals and policies to protect the significant and potentially significant historic resources of Sarasota County during the development process. Preservation of resources is the preferred treatment, but it is not always possible because of factors unique to an individual site. If a development project will adversely affect a resource, Sarasota County will promote measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate that effect.

Goal 1

It shall be the Goal of Sarasota County to identify, evaluate, document, and promote the protection of its prehistoric and historic resources. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Objective 1.1

Identification

To identify and evaluate Sarasota County's historic resources on both public and private lands.

(RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.1.1.

Continue to seek funding for a comprehensive survey to locate buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects significant to the prehistory and history of Sarasota County. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

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Policy 1.1.2.

List all identified historic resources on the Florida Site File. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.1.3.

Nominate eligible County owned archaeological and historical resources to the National Register of Historic Places. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.1.4.

Encourage the nomination of eligible privately owned archaeological and historical resources to the National Register of Historic Places by providing assistance to the private sector in the nomination process. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Objective 1.2

Documentation

To develop and maintain the historic resource data management system to promote responsiveness to patron requests, public education, and efficiency in reviewing development applications.

(RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.2.1.

Maintain and expand the existing data base that includes the U.S.G.S. topographic map series upon which recorded archaeological sites and structures are shown; the series of soil survey map sheets upon which archaeological sensitivity zones are shown; the complete set of Florida Site File forms and National Register of Historic Places forms for sites recorded in Sarasota County; all site reports filed by professional historians and archaeologists working in the County; and, archival materials that relate to Sarasota County's heritage. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.2.2.

Maintain and update the List of Historic Resources contained in Appendix A, Section 3. Resources on this list are classified according to their local significance, which is established by the guidelines contained in the Sarasota County Historic Resources Protection Ordinance, as amended.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.2.3

Show on the set of zoning, maps maintained by the Construction and Property Standards Department the significant historic resources on the List of Historic Resources contained in Appendix A, Section 3, as updated by the Administrator’s List of Significant Resources. The zoning maps will be updated at least annually. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

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Objective 1.3
Collections Management

To make Sarasota County's collection of historic archival materials and artifacts

available for preservation uses, as well as for research by the public and private sectors by processing, conserving, organizing and inventorying the collection. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.3.1.

Create a collections management program for the acquisition of historical collections, and for effective and efficient access to, and control and management of the historic collections and resources of the County. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.3.2.

Provide survey data and archival materials relating to the prehistoric and historic resources of Sarasota County in a public access depository. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.3.3.

Maintain a comprehensive physical conservation program in accordance with prescribed archival standards for the historical collection. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.3.4.

Seek supplemental funding sources to support the development of the archival/collections management and conservation programs. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.3.5.

Develop and implement an oral history program, as one method of recording the history of Sarasota County. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.3.6.

Provide technical guidance and assistance to other historical/archival collections throughout Sarasota County to insure consistent procedures in accord with prescribed archival standards.

(RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Objective 1.4

Education

To establish and expand educational and public outreach programs to promote the protection of historic resources. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.1.

Continue to encourage and expand the staff supervised volunteer program within the Department of Historical Resources. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

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Policy 1.4.2.

Educate the public about Sarasota's unique and diverse heritage by providing brochures, lectures, exhibits, etc. regarding historical resources, thereby promoting preservation and tourism and strengthening the local economy and provide for the utilization of County-owned prehistoric and historic resources for educational purposes. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.3.

Encourage the preservation of prehistoric and historic resources by providing incentives for preservation through such programs as the Sarasota County Marker program, plaque programs, and awards programs which recognize outstanding preservation efforts. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.4.

Seek funding sources to support public education programs. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.5.

Maintain current information on federal, state, and local historic preservation programs and organizations and make this information available for public use. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.6.

Seek to establish, maintain, and strengthen preservation partnerships with municipal agencies and local institutions for implementing preservation objectives. (RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.7.

Co-sponsor and coordinate workshops, seminars, and other events with local historic preservation organizations and historical societies to advocate and educate about preservation principles.

(RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Policy 1.4.8.

Provide technical assistance to property owners in appropriate preservation techniques.

(RU-13, Ord. 94-020, February 15, 1994)

Objective 1.5

Protection

To ensure protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historically significant resources in Sarasota County. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.1.

Evaluate development proposals to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts on historical resources within Sarasota County through the use of various techniques such as establishment of conservation easements; and designation of areas as historic resource protection areas. Mitigation measures shall be designed to preserve, reclaim, and compensate for as many of the values of the historic resource as are adversely affected. Mitigation may also include other measures to assure

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preservation of significant elements of the resources disturbed, such as voluntary transfer to a public or nonprofit agency for curation purposes.(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.2.

Modify existing county ordinances and regulations to include express provisions for the protection of historic resources, according to the Sarasota County Historic Resources Protection Ordinance, as amended, including the Land Development Regulations (Sarasota County Ordinance No. 81-12, as amended), Critical Area Plan Regulations (Sarasota County Ordinance No. 89-93, as amended), Zoning Ordinance (Sarasota County Ordinance No. 75-38, as amended), Development of Regional Impact Procedures (Sarasota County Ordinance No. 88-53, as amended), and others as appropriate.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.3.

Review applications for Developments of Regional Impact, Developments of Critical Concern, Rezones, Special Exceptions, Preliminary Plans and Plats, Site and Development Plans, Earthmoving Permits, Critical Area Plans and Comprehensive Plan Amendments in accordance with the procedures and standards of the Sarasota County Historic Protection Ordinance. The review shall include an examination of the historic resource database to establish the presence of previously recorded historic resources and/or archaeological sensitivity zones, and an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed project on any such resources and/or archaeological sensitivity zones. Recommendations will be made concerning necessary protection measures. No application shall be approved unless it has been designed to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts on the County’s historic resources.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.4.

Review applications for Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Permits, Tree Removal Permits, Water and Sewer Permits, On Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Permits, Coastal Zone Setback Variances, Water, and Navigation Control Authority Major Work Permits and Right of Way Permits for properties shown on the zoning maps maintained by the Construction and Property Standards Department (Policy 1.2.3.), as the location of historic sites identified as significant, in Figure 1-3, Historically Significant Archaeological Sites in Unincorporated Sarasota County, and Figure 1-4, Historically Significant Structure Sites in Unincorporated Sarasota County of Apoxsee, in accordance with the Sarasota County Historic Protection Ordinance, for the purpose of avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating adverse impacts on the historic resources.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.5.

Establish written guidelines for the investigation and analyses of historic resources and for treatment of artifacts and collections, including survey and report guidelines, monitoring guidelines, curation guidelines, and collections management guidelines, during the development review process. All preservation planning, resources identification, evaluation and registration, historical documentation, architectural and engineering documentation, archaeological documentation, rehabilitation, and

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selection of professionals shall be done in accordance with "The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation", and "The Historic Preservation Compliance Review Program of the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources" (Tesar, 1990).(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.5.

Within a year after the effective date of this policy, investigate the possibility of providing incentives for preservation such as Building Code relief, Zoning Ordinance relief, Land Development Regulation relief, tax relief, easements, lot coverage, transfer of development rights, etc, and adopt those deemed appropriate. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.5.6.

Within a year after the effective date of this policy, adopt a Historic Preservation Ordinance which allows for the designation of historic properties in order to qualify, and subsequently petition, for membership in the Certified Local Government Program. The ordinance shall utilize, as appropriate, the incentives identified through the implementation of Historic Preservation Policy 1.5.5., above.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Objective 1.6

County Resource Management

To provide for the preservation and management of prehistoric and historic sites owned by the County (such as those on the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, the Pinelands Reserve, the Keith-Prodie property, the Hermitage at Blind Pass, Indian Mound Park, the Courthouse and the County Administration Center) as well as those sites purchased by the County in the future.

(RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

Policy 1.6.1.

Within one year after the effective date of this policy, prepare historic resource management plans for historic resources owned by the County. These plans shall assure review of all potential impacts to such resources and protection of resources as warranted. (RU-29, Ord. 97-060, July 8, 1997)

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END NOTES

1. Matthews, Janet Snyder. Edge of Wilderness: A Settlement History of Manatee River and Sarasota Bay 1528-1885. Tulsa: Caprine Press, 1983.

2. Moore, Clarence B. "Certain Antiquities of the Florida West Coast." Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences 11 (1900).

3. Almy, Marion M. "A Survey and Assessment of Known Archaeological Sites in Sarasota, Florida." M.A. Thesis. Tampa: University of South Florida, 1976.

4. Bullen, R.P. "The Sarasota County Mound, Englewood, Florida." The Florida Anthropologist 24 (1971): 1-30.

Bullen, R.P. and A. K. Bullen. "The Palmer Site." Florida Anthropological Society Publications No. 8. Gainesville: The Florida Anthropological Society, 1976.

5. Fales, John and Doris Davis. "An Archaeological and Historical Survey of Sarasota County Florida." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, n.d.

6. Almy, Marion M. "A Survey and Assessment of Known Archaeological Sites in Sarasota, Florida." M.A. Thesis. Tampa: University of South Florida, 1976.

7. Williams, J. Raymond, Joan Deming, Rebecca Spain Schwartz, Patricia Carender and Daniel Delahaye. "A Historic Resources Survey of Old Miakka and Selected Portions of the Myakka River, Sarasota County, Florida." Report prepared for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Historical Resources, 1989.

Williams, J. Raymond, Joan Deming, Rebecca Spain Schwartz, Patricia Carender and Daniel Delahaye. "An Historic Resources Survey of the Coastal Zone of Sarasota County, Florida." Report prepared for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Historical Resources, 1990.

8. Kenyon, Judith B. and Robin Strassburger. "An Archaeological and Historical Survey of the Proposed City of Sarasota 201 Wastewater Management Facilities, Sarasota County." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, 1977.

Monroe, Elizabeth B., Sharon Wells and Marion Almy. "Historical, Architectural, and Archaeological Survey of Sarasota County, Florida." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, 1977.

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Piper Archaeological Research, Inc. "Cultural Resource Assessment Survey of the Proposed University Place DEI Development Property, Sarasota County, Florida." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, 1991.

9. Williams, J. Raymond, Joan Deming, Rebecca Spain Schwartz, Patricia Carender and Daniel Delahaye. "An Historic Resources Survey of the Coastal Zone of Sarasota County, Florida." Report prepared for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Historical Resources, 1990.

10. Ibid.; also see note 8.

11. Ibid.

12. Ibid.

13. Ibid.

14. Ibid.

15. Ibid.

16. Ibid.

17. Williams, J. Raymond, Joan Deming, Rebecca Spain Schwartz, Patricia Carender and Daniel Delahays. "An Historic Resources Survey of Old Miakka and Selected Portions of the Myakka River, Sarasota County, Florida." Report prepared for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Historical Resources, 1989.

18. Piper Archaeological Research, Inc. "An Archaeological and Historical Study of the Ringling-MacArthur Reserve, Sarasota County, Florida." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, 1987.

19. Williams, J. Raymond, Joan Deming, Rebecca Spain Schwartz, Patricia Carender and Daniel Delahaye. "A Historic Resources Survey of Old Miakka and Selected Portions of the Myakka River, Sarasota County, Florida." Report prepared for the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Historical Resources, 1989.

20. Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines, Federal Register 48 (190), September 29, 1981, 44716-44739.

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21. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park service, Interagency Resources Division, 1987, National Register Bulletin 15.

22. Almy, Marion and J. Raymond Williams. "An Archaeological and Historical Study of the Proposed City of Sarasota Wastewater Effluent Irrigation Site in Sarasota County, Florida." Manuscript on file at the Sarasota County Department of Historical Resources, 1978.

23. Archibald, Lauren. "Historic Resource Review Manual." Prepared for Sarasota County Planning Department, 1988.

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