NewsSuncoast SearchlightAugust 28, 2026Sarasota County
Auditors find Florida PACE Funding Agency's $100,767 payout to Mike Moran violated state law
Auditors have determined that a $100,767 payment made to Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran by the Florida PACE Funding Agency was illegal. The payment occurred six days after Moran assumed his new office, following his five-year tenure leading the agency while simultaneously serving as a county commissioner.
Read the full story at Suncoast SearchlightWhy It Matters
The audit identifies a potential conflict of interest and violation of state law regarding a six-figure payout to a high-ranking local official from an agency he previously directed.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personMike Fasano“Critic of PACE financial practices and travel spending.”personWendi Leach“Succeeded Mike Moran on January 1, 2025.”personEd Brodsky“Reviewing audit findings for potential referral to the Florida Department of Law”organizationFlorida PACE Funding Agency“Subject of a 57-page state audit regarding financial and operational practices.”organizationSuncoast Searchlight“The publisher of the report.”personMike Moran“Subject of audit findings regarding a $100,767 transition payment and travel exp”organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Recipient of potential criminal investigation referrals.”locationSarasota County“The county where Mike Moran serves as Tax Collector.”personDerek Noonan“Performed the review of PACE operations.”personBarbara Ford-Coates“Predecessor to Mike Moran in the Sarasota County Tax Collector office.”