September 2026 Luncheon - Property Tax Referendum: What It Means for Our Community & Businesses

Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

Florida voters will decide the fate of Amendment 3 this November, a proposed constitutional amendment that could significantly change Florida’s property tax landscape and have far-reaching implications for local governments, businesses and the communities they serve.

Join the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for an informative conversation, moderated by Casey Welch - University of South Florida, examining what Amendment 3 could mean for Manatee and Sarasota Counties, local businesses, healthcare, public services and the future of our community.

Hear directly from community leaders, including Manatee County Commission Chairman Tal Siddique, Kevin Cooper, Chair of the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Board, and a representative from Sarasota County, as they share their perspectives on the potential local impacts of the amendment and the challenges and opportunities it may create.

This program is intended to be informational and educational. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance does not currently have a position on Amendment 3 and is not advocating for or against the measure. Our goal is to provide our members with the information and perspectives they need to better understand the issue ahead of November’s election.

Moderator

Casey Welch - University of South Florida

Speakers

Kevin Cooper - Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Board Chair

Ron Cutsinger - Sarasota County Commission Chairman

Ron Cutsinger was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in November 2020. Since his election, he served as Vice Chair in 2022 and 2025, and as Chair in 2023, with an additional term as Chair in 2026. 

He represents the Commission on the boards of the Canvassing Board, West Coast Inland Navigation District, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, Value Adjustment Board, and the Tourist Development Council. He previously served on the boards of the Coastal and Heartland Estuary Partnership and Suncoast Continuum of Care Leadership Council.

Cutsinger has been a south Sarasota County resident for over 45 years. He and his wife Alison moved from Michigan in 1973 and have owned several local businesses, including Ron’s Restaurant in Englewood, which they opened in 1974. After selling Ron’s, Cutsinger completed formal training in Bible and Ministry, returned to pastor a local congregation for 12 years, and founded Suncoast Christian School. He continues to serve as a leader in his church.

For nearly 30 years, Cutsinger has been a financial advisor and is the owner and managing director of Waypoint Wealth Management, a full-service financial services firm. He holds his Series 24 Securities Principal License and is certified by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment advisor.

An active water sports enthusiast, Cutsinger enjoys scuba diving, fishing, boating and kayaking. Sarasota County’s natural wonder and pristine beauty are what brought him to the area, and one of his top priorities will be to always safeguard our treasured environment assets.

Cutsinger loves and is committed to Sarasota County and has served as a member of civic and nonprofit community service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, and the Rotary Club of Sarasota. He served as president of the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library and as a member of the Sarasota County Library Advisory Board. He has also served on the Sarasota County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and was recognized by the Friends of The Legacy Trail for his support of the successful referendum to extend the trail. He most recently served as Chairman of the Sarasota County Planning Commission, from which he stepped down to run for Sarasota County Commission.

Cutsinger's three sons were born and raised here. He has three grandsons and three granddaughters who are the pride and joy of his life.

Tal Siddique - Manatee County Commission Chairman

Commissioner Tal Siddique's professional background is software engineering and project management in the defense technology industry. His past work includes supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and civil service employment for the United States Air Force.

Tal earned his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Sciences with a minor in Computer Science at The George Washington University. He enjoys sporting clays, woodworking, building computers and volunteering in the community. Tal is a parishioner of Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church.