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.
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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.
