Coastal Artist Retreat Proposes Purchasing Land from Sarasota County

Key Information

• Hermitage Artist Retreat signed a lease with Sarasota County that could extend to 2055.
• County buildings are still damaged from hurricanes Helene and Milton and remain closed for recovery work.
• The Hermitage seeks to acquire the 8.5-acre property to expedite repairs and operations.
• The proposal includes a $600,000 payment to the county and public access to the beachfront.
• Current programming reduced significantly due to the ongoing damage.

Less than three months after dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Hermitage Artist Retreat and Sarasota County entered into a lease agreement that could potentially allow the nonprofit to remain through 2055.

Since that agreement, the organization has been unable to begin recovery measures due to county orders, leading to many of its buildings remaining boarded up and in disrepair.

The Hermitage, sitting on approximately 8.5 acres of Gulf-front property, is now forced to scale back operations and suspend many performances and on-site presentations as hurricane season looms.

In light of these challenges, the Hermitage is now looking to acquire the property from the county, seeking to take over restoration efforts completely without relying on county resources.

County Commissioner Mark Smith addressed the Hermitage’s proposal during an August 26 meeting, prompting both support and caution from the commissioners, ultimately leading to plans for a public hearing on the topic.

Historically, Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO, Andy Sandberg, emphasized the potential benefits of the proposal, suggesting it could relieve taxpayers from the burden of maintenance costs while enabling immediate restoration efforts.

The Hermitage had already invested approximately $1.7 million in repairs post-Hurricane Ian before the recovery work was halted. Sandberg stated that ongoing exposure to severe weather poses a significant threat to the remaining structures.

Sandberg highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that timely remediation is crucial in the event of water-related disasters, having previously engaged significant funds toward damage control.

The local team had even taken emergency measures to prevent further damage to the Hermitage House during the storms by digging a moat.

Sandberg remarked, “Had we not done that, the Hermitage House might have sunk under a pile of sand and water.”

Key aspects of the Hermitage’s proposal include:

• Payment of $600,000 to the county.
• Commitment to maintaining beachfront access for the public.
• Assuming responsibility for all current and future storm mitigation and repairs.
• A reverter clause ensuring property return to the county if the Hermitage ceases operations.

This clause would prevent the property from being sold for development or commercial use.

Despite the limitations imposed by ongoing repairs, Hermitage has managed to keep some programs alive this year.

“We normally have about six artists in residence, but we’re down to two,” Sandberg shared, noting the drastic reduction in program offerings due to building damage.

Commissioners Proceed Cautiously

While the commissioners were open to discussing the proposal, some expressed caution regarding the value of the prime county property.

Sandberg mentioned that the county had previously considered alternate uses for the land, such as a beach parking lot, before the establishment of the Hermitage 23 years ago.

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger voiced strong support for the Hermitage while also stressing the fiduciary duty to carefully evaluate the potential impacts on the county.

Commissioner Teresa Mast viewed the Hermitage proposal as a “good starting point” but echoed Calls for thorough fiscal evaluations.

The future fiscal implications remain uncertain, pending appraisals and decisions from the county regarding property management and the role of the Hermitage.

The condition of the buildings and prospects for discussions will be addressed at future hearings.

Smith remarked that after public hearings, negotiations could progress depending on the feedback received.