A $4 Million Secluded Waterfront Playground On North Siesta Key - Sarasota, FL - Affectionately referred to as the "Selby of Siesta," a nod to Sarasota's Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the native landscape is sublime.
3 months ago Share Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is preparing for a legal battle over its tax-exempt status in the beginning of the new year.
After years of being exempt from local property taxes, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is facing nearly $1 million in taxes and assessments on its bayfront campus near downtown Sarasota.
Selby Gardens officials said the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s decision to deny the nonprofit its tax-exempt status represents a change that jeopardizes the organization’s financial outlook. Selby has successfully claimed a tax exemption for decades, avoiding tax payments associated with the property at 1534 Mound St. valued at more than $60 million since 2016.
Top 5 Things to Do this Weekend in Sarasota-Manatee: Dec. 25-27
Family-friendly events including outdoor activities this Christmas weekend.
1. Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade
One of Sarasota s most beloved events, the 25th annual Christmas Day parade is scheduled to roll through the Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft again this December 25th. The parade starts at 3 p.m., with participants meeting earlier at the Der Dutchman parking lot at 3713 Bahia Vista St., and then it winds through the neighborhood. Bringing a lawn chair for a sidewalk seat is recommended with folks usually lining Birky Street an hour or more ahead of the parade start time. 3 p.m. Friday; Pinecraft neighborhood, Sarasota
In a year of unprecedented challenges Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and other area cultural institutions are forced to defend our longstanding tax-exempt status, thanks to an unprecedented attack by Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst.
Even though it’s clear that Selby Gardens fits the description of a nonprofit that deserves tax-exempt status, Furst is playing politics by claiming that our property is fully subject to taxation.
The Property Appraiser denied Selby Gardens’ longstanding tax-exemption by 100% and issued us an annual tax bill of more than $1 million – which is equivalent to nearly four months of payroll for our botanists, horticulturists, educators and operations staff. Furst is claiming that none of Selby Gardens’ activities are for charitable, scientific or educational purposes.
1. NBP Fiesta! Fridays
Nathan Benderson Park’s monthly concert series continues this week with performances by country acts The Divebombers and the Derek Lersch Band. NBP Fiesta! Fridays will also include food, drink and exhibitors on the park’s Regatta Island. Tickets, which cost $10 each for ages 15 and older and free for children 14 and younger, are limited to 1,500 people, and may be pre-purchased through the park’s website. The number of tickets “will help ensure social distancing,” organizers said. Both bands are appearing at the park for their first time with The Divebombers stating they perform the music of George Jones, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Non-Fat Elvis, with instrumental virtuosity and an irresistible sense of fun. The Derek Lersch Band will play more contemporary country music. 5:30-9 p.m. Friday; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org