September 19, 2025 Edition TOP STORIES: City Commission approves slightly higher operating millage rate of 3.273 for 2026 fiscal year For third time, County Commission denies application for commercial development in northwest quadrant of Proctor and Clark roads On 4-1 vote, City Commission denies Laurel Park resident ‘aggrieved person’ status to appeal Planning Board approval of Selby Gardens Phase 2 ‘Bed tax’ revenue higher this July than in same month of 2024 Sheriff’s Office investigating drowning reported on Blind Pass Road on Siesta Key on Sept. 13 County Stormwater Department has eliminated maintenance project backlog that was put at six months earlier this year As completion of new county Administration Center nears, all County Commission meetings to shift to Venice in not-too-distant future Smoldering electric bicycle battery found in area of trailhead next to Legacy Trail segment between Webber Street and Bee Ridge Road Investigation underway into Sept. 12 shooting in Newtown Bradenton man charged in Sarasota County on count of trafficking in cocaine Application window open for nonprofit and for-profit developers and other entities to apply for Resilient SRQ Multifamily Affordable Housing Program funding (free) OTHER NEWS (free): New text-messaging service to allow persons to provide feedback after interaction with county’s Public Safety Communications Center Fire Department deploying new ultrasound equipment to enhance emergency medical responses Big Waters Land Trust announces winners of People’s Choice awards in sixth annual Summer Photo Contest County utility system maintains its AA+ bond ratings with stable outlook from Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Members of community to celebrate National Public Lands Day and Take A Child Outside Week on Sept. 27 South County Courthouse project awarded Silver LEED certification