Two-Minute Introduction

Jon Thaxton is recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s preeminent advocates for protecting our natural environment. He was an early critic of Florida’s failed growth management policies and offered viable alternatives to preserve Sarasota’s natural, economic and social amenities.

Born on Dec. 7, 1957, Jon was raised on a small family farm near Osprey. He’s a fourth generation Sarasotan, and still lives in Osprey with his wife Dru.

As a child he would frequent the nearby commercial fishing docks and explored the wildlands of what is now the Palmer Ranch community. Jon began working at his family-owned and operated real estate company at the age of 14, and at one time was the youngest real estate broker in Sarasota County.

He began his environmental advocacy at Venice High School in 1974 as a founding member of the Ecology Club. Jon’s passion for protecting the environment while selling real estate seems like a paradox to some. But as Jon explains it, “Who better to protect the environment than one who sells it to make a living?” He believes that Sarasota’s economy and its environment are inseparable and each must remain viable for the other to survive.

Commissioner Thaxton’s active involvement in both business and environmental issues has earned him respect from both sides and ultimately contributed to his first successful campaign for the Sarasota County Commission in 2000 and his re-elections in 2004 and 2008.

Jon Thaxton defies conventional labels by crossing traditional political, business and ideological boundaries. He is an acknowledged leader in growth management, environmental preservation, water conservation and transportation planning. He is known as a commissioner who is prepared, fair, articulate, and one who listens to all sides of an issue before making a decision.

Jon has been acknowledged with the 1,000 Friends of Florida’s – State Growth Management Award, The Congress for New Urbanism’s – Community Leadership Award and was twice awarded the Nature Conservancy’s Grassroots Activist of the Year. In 1996, Jon was featured in National Geographic for his work in preserving endangered species.

Please join me in welcoming Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton.