Privacy Policy and Legal Disclaimer for Sarasota County Watch/Camp Venice Residents Speak
Last Updated: August 17, 2025
Welcome to Sarasota County Watch
SarasotaCountyWatch.org, operating as Sarasota County Watch: A Citizen Journal, is a citizen-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in Sarasota County. This site documents verified experiences related to community issues, including those reported by residents of Camp Venice RV Resort, where Sarasota County Parks and Recreation has noted the presence of 13 park model homeowners with yearly leases, as publicly stated by Director Nicole Rissler. Managed by concerned citizens, we advocate for justice and public interest under applicable laws. We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining trust in our mission.
1. Information We Collect
- Voluntary Submissions: We may collect personal information you provide, such as names, email addresses, or messages, through contact forms, comments, or subscription requests to support our advocacy efforts.
- Analytics: We use basic analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to gather non-identifiable data, including IP addresses, browser types, and page views, to improve site functionality. No personally identifiable information is tracked beyond this.
- No Sensitive Data: We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers, financial details) unless explicitly volunteered for advocacy purposes (e.g., legal correspondence) with your consent.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Advocacy and Communication: Your data is used to respond to inquiries, coordinate resident support (e.g., community updates), and share information on issues affecting Sarasota County residents, including those at Camp Venice RV Resort.
- Public Records Support: Information may be used to facilitate Florida Statutes Chapter 119 public records requests to enhance transparency in public matters.
- No Third-Party Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or disclose your personal information to third parties, except as required by law (e.g., court orders) or to protect our legal rights in response to legal challenges.
3. Data Security
- We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption and secure hosting, to safeguard your information from unauthorized access or breaches. However, no online platform is entirely secure, and we advise against submitting sensitive data unless necessary.
- In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users in accordance with Florida Statutes §501.171 (Florida Information Protection Act) and take prompt action to mitigate harm.
4. Your Rights
- Access and Correction: You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us at justice@sarasotacountywatch.org
- Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from communications or request data deletion (where not legally required) by emailing justice@sarasotacountywatch.org
- Legal Compliance: We adhere to Florida privacy laws, including §501.171, and respect your rights under applicable regulations.
5. Content Disclaimer and Legal Notice
- Verified Content: All content on SarasotaCountyWatch.org is based on documented resident experiences, public records (e.g., sunbiz.org, police reports), and official statements (e.g., Nicole Rissler’s public acknowledgment of 13 park models with yearly leases). This site serves as a platform for advocacy and information, not legal advice.
- First Amendment Protection: Opinions and commentary are protected under the first Amendment as they address matters of public interest (e.g., community displacement, taxpayer-funded decisions). We strive for accuracy and invite corrections or challenges to be submitted to justice@sarasotacountywatch.org
- No Liability: We are not responsible for the accuracy of external links or third-party content. Users assume responsibility for their actions based on this site’s information.
- Defamation Defense: Any claims of defamation or libel must be supported by evidence of falsity and actual malice, as required by Florida Statutes §770.01 and relevant case law (New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254). We assert our rights to publish truthful, public-interest content based on verified sources.
6. Third-Party Links
- This site may include links to external platforms. We are not liable for their privacy practices or content. Review their policies before engaging.
7. Contact Us
8. Policy Updates
- This policy may be updated to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will be posted here with the effective date.