“Jon Thaxton has been a pioneer and a leader in Florida’s sustainability movement”
Governor Charley Crist, November 2007
“Third generation real estate broker, self-taught naturist, and indefatigable defender of Florida’s disappearing scrub habitat, Jon Thaxton is almost single-handily responsible for saving the 1,300 acre Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve in Osprey, Florida, named after his mother.”
National Geographic, The Company We Keep 1996
“One person has taken the political hits and has stood up for what is right, that person is Jon Thaxton.”
US Congressman Vern Buchanan, November 2007
“Not many politicians are public servants, but this thoughtful, well-informed county commissioner deserves that title. An environmental champion, he’s also a realtor who’s respected by business for his commitment to the county good.”
Sarasota Magazine, Summer 2007
“Jon Thaxton has brought a refreshing voice of conservation to the Sarasota County Commission. Not only has he consistently voted to preserve and conserve the sources of this community’s natural beauty and appeal, he’s providing long-term leadership to organizations outside of county government… he is certainly the acknowledged leader of the environmentalist movement on the commission. Thaxton has earned a reputation examining all side of an issue and cheerfully meeting with both proponents and opponents of issues coming before the commission. A much-needed voice calling for balancing conservation with surging growth in Sarasota County.”
Pelican Press, October 21,2004
“When he first ventured into politics, initially serving on the planning board, his reputation for environmental activism put some leaders off; but he soon won respect for his intelligence, integrity and his ability to work with competing groups”
Sarasota Magazine, 2004
“Thaxton’s outspoken desire to preserve as much open space as possible as Sarasota County tried to accommodate more people, homes, roads and commercial areas. Thaxton brings the conscience of a conservationist to crucial decisions on growth management and protection of the environment. The public needs him to continue to speak up for the natural attributes that have drawn, and continue to draw so many people to Sarasota County.”
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, October 19, 2004
“Once considered a political irritant, life-long Sarasotan Jon Thaxton has turned his passion for environmental protection into respectable public service.”
SRQ Magazine, September 2004
“Thaxton’s professional background as a real-estate broker, combined with his interest in environmental protection and service on the Planning Commission, gives him valuable knowledge and experience that would serve the public well in land-use planning. Thaxton has also staked out enlightened positions on issues that affect the county’s economy, quality of life and families. He’s a well-rounded candidate who has demonstrated his commitment to public service.”
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, October 2000
“…as a candidate he has been composed, repaired, studious and balanced in his views. Thaxton helped lead the initiative to create and fund a program for buying environmentally sensitive land. Thaxton offers a reasonable, detailed plan for managing development in Sarasota County. He calls for a “conservative” plan that would links rezonings and development to the availability of water and other resources. A record of community service and decision-making, roots in the community and a keen intellect make Thaxton an excellent candidate.”
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, August 25, 2000
“When it comes to experience with local boards and committees, no one else stands out like Thaxton. His dedication speaks for itself. We like the Osprey resident’s platforms, of which the key word is coordination – between the county’s long-range growth plan and resources like water; between the county and the school board; between the citizens and the county commission. He said the county should make an effort to get to know the citizens instead of the other way around. We agree. We believe no matter the issue, he’ll look at the facts and the law, and make a well-researched, well-thought out decision prior to voting.”
Venice Gondolier, August 16, 2000
“Long-time resident Jon Thaxton in known statewide as an environmentalist. He has served on multiple advisory boards in the state and the county including the county planning board, and storm water and environmentally sensitive lands advisory boards. The depth of Thaxton’s knowledge and involvement are strongly in his favor…. The Pelican Press endorses JON THAXTON…”
Pelican Press, August 2000
“I generally don’t get involved in the campaigns of others, but there’s a lot at stake here. I think Jon will carry on a tradition of a sensible pattern of growth development. He’s as caring a person as I’ve ever known, and I think he will serve the county well. I’m concerned about the future growth in the county, and I feel Jon is best equipped to deal with this from his concern for the environment and his service on the county’s planning commission.”
Former County Commissioner Bob Anderson, Venice Gondolier, August 2, 2000
“Jon Thaxton has used his real estate skills to almost single-handedly save the scrub jay, an endangered bird that is found exclusively in Florida.”
Today’s Realtor, National Association of Realtors, July 1997
