Jon Thaxton is recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s preeminent advocates for protecting our natural environment. He was an early critic of failed growth management policies and offered viable alternatives that would preserve Sarasota’s natural, economic and social amenities. Jon Thaxton is chair for the Sarasota County Commission for 2009.

Born Dec. 7, 1957, Jon was raised on a small family farm near Osprey. He’s a fourth generation Sarasotan. As a child, Jon frequently visited nearby commercial fishing docks and explored the wilds of what is now the Palmer Ranch community.

Jon’s father, Ed Thaxton, first worked for Paver Construction and then opened a family-owned and operated real estate sale company. Jon began helping at his father’s real estate firm 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 he believes the person who sells land for a living is in the best position to protect the environment. Jon believes that Sarasota County’s economy and its environment are inseparable and each must remain healthy for the other to survive. Jon’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-election in 2004.

Jon 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. Jon is known as a commissioner who is prepared, fair and articulate, and as one who listens to all side of an issue before making a decision.

Jon’s commission appointments include the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Regional Water Planning Alliance and the National Association of Counties Growth and Land Use Committee. Jon has been awarded the 1,000 Friends of Florida State Growth Management 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.

Commissioners are elected at large for four-year terms. Sarasota County is divided into five districts and commissioners are designated by the district where they live.

Contact Commissioner Jon Thaxton
jthaxton@scgov.net
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, FL  34236
941-861-5344