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.
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.
Under provisions of the county charter, each commissioner
represents a district and must live in that district. Although
commissioners represent districts, they are elected county-wide
to four-year terms.
Contact Commissioner Jon Thaxton
jthaxton@scgov.net
1660 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-861-5344 |
