Sarasota County · Fiscal Audit
Local Government Accountability Institute · Independent Fiscal Research · Nonpartisan
Independent Research · Sarasota County Commission
Where Sarasota Goes Next
The incumbents' record, the challengers' reform agenda, and everything you need to vote: registration, deadlines, and how to make your vote count.
14 questions · Approximately 5 minutes · 100% anonymous
This survey is published by the Local Government Accountability Institute (LGAI), the parent research organization, and SarasotaCountyFacts.org, LGAI’s Sarasota County investigative project.
Using a proprietary AI-driven fiscal audit system, LGAI processed five years of Sarasota County Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (FY 2021–FY 2025, audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), every Board of County Commissioners meeting minute, and every bond authorization on record. Every fact below is sourced and verifiable. For 21 documented findings, line-item analysis, and full source documents, visit SarasotaCountyFacts.org.
Which best describes you?
Considering the full record — $876M in new spending and debt, zero NO votes, a $100M building approved in silence — how do you rate Neunder and Smith's performance?
The county's OWN staff projects deficits of -$31.6M (2028), -$40.8M (2029), -$39.2M (2030). The incumbents created these conditions. Should they be trusted to clean up their own mess?
In District 4: incumbent Joe Neunder vs. Jim DeNiro — retired 30-year Sarasota PD sergeant, Florida PBA endorsed. If the primary were today, who gets your vote?
In District 2: incumbent Mark Smith vs. Kristina Sargent — U.S. Army and Army National Guard veteran, former prosecutor. If the primary were today, who gets your vote?
Both challengers have committed to the same Day One reform agenda. Which of these matters MOST to you?
AFTER seeing the reform agenda — District 4: who gets your vote now?
AFTER seeing the reform agenda — District 2: who gets your vote now?
CRITICAL DATE: You must be registered Republican by JULY 20 to vote in this primary. In Sarasota County, the Republican primary IS the election. Are you registered Republican?
How will you cast your vote? (Mail ballots must be requested by Aug 8; early voting runs Aug 8–15; Election Day is Aug 18.)
Will you get at least 3 friends, family, or neighbors to vote on August 18?
Will you SHARE these facts — send the quiz, post it, text it — so your neighbors know before they vote?
Which single fact made you angriest?
Would you give a short testimonial on why accountability matters? (Name never published without your permission.)
Want the one-page fact sheet to print and share, plus a heads-up before key dates? (Optional — your info is never sold.)