Sarasota Officials Consider Cost-Effective Jail Option Offering Only Ten Years of Relief

Decisions on Sarasota Jail Expansion

The county’s latest initiative to enhance criminal justice facilities initially proposed an expansive complex, potentially costing $630 million contingent on voter approval. However, a recent meeting revealed a significant shift towards a more modest, $401 million plan that involves demolishing just the jail’s west wing and constructing an eight-story addition to create 725 beds, raising total capacity to 1,237 by 2033.

Despite this, jail capacity is projected to reach full status again by 2042.

The ongoing dilemma for county leaders is underlined by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, reporting an increase in arrests and a doubling of pretrial stays since 2021, resulting in a population surge at the jail that surpasses its intended capacity.

However, any pathway forward hinges on voter approval to finance what could amount to hundreds of millions in construction costs. Recent rejection of a $115 million referendum for a new police department by North Port residents raises concerns about the feasibility of a larger ask from Sarasota voters.

Chairman Joe Neunder expressed uncertainty over public support, noting the jail issue ranks among the most significant challenges faced this year. He stated, “What I can tell you is that we absolutely need to do something and we need to have a plan here.”

The earlier favored proposals involved a complete replacement of the county’s outdated Criminal Justice Center on Ringling Boulevard with plans for a five or six-story jail. The five-story option was estimated at $549 million, generating 823 beds by 2033, while the more expansive six-story model could accommodate county growth past 2050, with a price tag of $630 million.

However, county officials and the sheriff’s office have now expressed that a sixth floor may be unnecessary based on revised population forecasts.

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman has urged swift action, advocating for the revised jail-only approach citing its viability given the jail is currently operating at 115% to 120% of its rated capacity.

“All those other governmental inspections that come into the jail and monitor us are on us for the population situation,” Hoffman explained.

Major Brian Meinberg, who oversees courts and corrections, emphasized the operational efficiency of the proposed addition, noting it would require fewer correctional officers and alleviate the costs associated with transferring inmates during construction. Currently, the west wing, intended for 77 inmates, houses 110 to 115.

The $401 million figure includes $27.5 million for maintenance at the existing Criminal Justice Center, along with a projected $10.9 million for expanding the parking garage on Ringling Boulevard. In contrast, the complex proposals would total an additional $145 million for a complete CJC replacement.

This places the jail-only option around $148 million cheaper than the five-story complex and $229 million less than the six-story alternative.

Former sheriff and current Commissioner Tom Knight highlighted that discussions surrounding this issue have persisted for over two decades. “We’ve been talking about it for 20 years,” he remarked, noting the urgency for decisive action.

He referenced previous lower-cost proposals that have inflated over the years, with estimates ranging from $80 million a decade ago to $150 million for a smaller addition that would now open under already overcapacity conditions.

Commissioner Teresa Mast pushed for urgency in moving forward, demanding refined estimates to be returned by December. “I really want you to sharpen your pencil and expedite this,” Mast insisted, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

Amidst these discussions, project estimates remain in flux, described by Capital Projects Manager Brad Gaubatz as preliminary figures. Independent consultants are slated to review and refine these figures before resubmitting them to the commission. The timeline remains uncertain, initially aiming for community workshops to begin in Fall 2023, with a referendum eventually positioned for 2026.

This story was produced by Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom of the Community News Collaborative serving Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Learn more at suncoastsearchlight.org.

Key Information

• Proposed budget for the original criminal justice complex: up to $630 million.
• Revised plan budget: $401 million for demolition of the west wing and new addition.
• Projected total capacity by 2033: 1,237 beds.
• Projected overcrowding by 2042.
• History of rejection for similar projects: North Port’s $115 million police HQ referendum.
• Current jail operating at 115% to 120% capacity.
• Timeframe for voter referendum: aimed for 2026.