February 20, 2026 Edition TOP STORIES: Judge Carroll dismisses Protect Siesta Key litigation that sought to overturn transfer of 162 Beach Road parcel to Holderness Sarasota city manager finalists to participate in Feb. 23 open house for public, with commissioners planning to make selection at special meeting on Feb. 27 Boatyard property on Stickney Point Road to be purchased by county to provide greater public access to the water Phillippi Creek residents continue to plead for faster dredging of middle section of waterway $3.5-million fundraising agreement for Bobby Jones Nature Park amenities wins unanimous City Commission approval Magistrate to issue recommended order on City of Sarasota motion to dismiss Franklin’s petition seeking amendment to Jan. 16, 2024 meeting minutes More details provided about victims of Amberlea neighborhood shootings Continued investigation into 1999 Sheriff’s Office cold case nets arrest About 38,000 gallons of untreated sewage spills from pipeline in far eastern portion of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office launches educational campaign about use of electric vehicles, including e-motos and golf carts (free) OTHER NEWS (free): Sarasota County Master Gardener Volunteers Spring Plant Sale set for Saturday, March 7 Sarasota Memorial joins international study exploring new treatment for advanced skin cancer Supervisor of Elections Turner streamlines voting precincts and polling locations ahead of 2026 elections Sarasota County Bay Fest planned on March 7 at The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota Breeze Transit staff plans ‘How to Ride’ training session for the public on morning of Feb. 23
