GOP CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR MISUSED TAXPAYER DOLLARS

SARASOTA—Republican Sarasota County Commission Chair Mike Moran spent taxpayer dollars on lavish trips and expensive dinners while serving as executive director of the Florida PACE Funding Agency (FPFA), according to the Florida Center for Public Accountability’s publication, the Florida Trident.

FPFA is the state government special agency formed in 2011 to help economically disadvantaged homeowners finance improvements, such as wind-resistant roofs,high-impact windows, and solar panels.

According to information the Florida Trident obtained through a public records request, Moran racked up more than $35,000 in meals and alcoholic beverages while FPFA’s executive director from 2019 to 2023.

Moran has served on the Sarasota County Commission since 2016. He is currently running for Sarasota County Tax Collector against incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates.

“The news of a candidate for tax collector caught bilking taxpayers out of tens of thousands of dollars is what erodes public trust in elected government officials,” said Daniel Kuether, chair of the Sarasota County Democratic Party. “The worst thing about this discovery is that it’s not surprising. Moran has always shown himself to be all about himself and not his constituents or the community.

“All Sarasotans, Republicans, Democrats and independents alike, should be outraged by Mike Moran’s corruption and vote against him in November.”

In its reporting, the Florida Trident disclosed an audit that found FPFA experienced an astounding 2,800 percent increase in annual executive and administrative expenses from 2019 to 2023.

Meanwhile, as Sarasota County Commission chair, Moran and his fellow Republican commissioners defunded three local arts organizations, early learning and childcare programs, and the 211 helpline for residents in crisis situations.

“I have no doubt that the public will be outraged as news of Mike Moran’s corruption continues to spread through the community,” said Kuether. “Simply, we deserve better from our elected officials.”