SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN TV) – A North Port attorney calls the petition to contract its city limits an “attack” on the commission.
A citizens group wants North Port’s city limits contracted to the Myakka River, and for residents living west in Wellen Park to not be under the jurisdiction of the commission. The group is asking a judge to force the city to schedule a referendum on the issue. A city attorney calls that an “improper collateral attack.”
According to the Herald Tribune, the request from the West Villagers Citizens for Responsible Government is currently before 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Danielle Brewer.
Attorney Elizbeth Neiberger of Bryant Miller and Olive, North Port’s outside law firm for the case called the request an end run around the established practice for such city board decisions.
The West Villagers’ attorney , represented by Luke C. Lirot, argues that the city is required to place a city limits contraction ordinance on the ballot based on an Oct. 28, 2020 petition filed by the residents.
North Port’s attorney argues that the request can only be made if they have a legal right to request it, or that there is no other available remedy.
She argues the clear remedy is to send the case back to the City Commission for review.
