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Sarasota County Commission Approves Buddhist Monastery

WGCU | By Jessica Meszaros
Published October 13, 2015 at 5:49 PM EDT
Sarasota County Planning Commission Staff Report
The Sarasota County Commission approved rezoning more than eight acres of wooded land in Englewood for a Buddhist monastery.

Sarasota County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a Buddhist monastery in Englewood.

Southwest Florida has practicing Theravada Buddhists from Bradenton to Punta Gorda, said John Raab. He's secretary of the Buddhist Association of Central Florida. The association purchased a piece of Englewood land in August. That's where they'll now build the Sarasota Forest Monastery. 

"It's been a long process and we're happy now that we can move forward and that we have a home," said Raab.

RELATED: Buddhist Monastery Gets Approval From Sarasota County Planning Commission 

He said the worshipers have been meeting at local homes and bringing in monks from across the country temporarily for services. Raab hopes two monks can move into the property sometime next year.  
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Jessica Meszaros
Jessica Meszaros is a reporter and host of Morning Edition at WUSF Public Media, and former reporter and host of All Things Considered for WGCU News.
See stories by Jessica Meszaros
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