July 4, 2025 Edition TOP STORIES: Advertisement posted on county website for director of new Stormwater Department after County Commission affirms its June 3 vote on department’s creation Sheriff Hoffman to add 28 employees in 2026 fiscal year, with total proposed budget of nearly $225.5 million July 1 Property Appraiser Office reports show slight upticks in property values for Sarasota County and municipalities Public Works director appears to blame county residents for lack of maintenance in Phillippi Creek over past two decades With Phillippi Creek residents venting anger about lack of county staff leadership on dredging, County Commission agrees to advertise higher level of stormwater assessments for 2026 fiscal year Ocean Boulevard on Siesta Key to be closed from Givens Street to Higel Avenue from July 7 through July 21 Florida attorney general charges Sarasota convicted felon with $3-million fraud scheme State funding approved for 3 diverse Sarasota County projects Clark Road Legacy Trail overpass opens 2024 water quality report for Sarasota County cites ‘full compliance’ with FDEP and EPA standards Sheriff’s Office investigating June 28 shooting in Nokomis OTHER NEWS (free): Road closures and parking advisories provided in advance of July 4 Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular in downtown Sarasota City and county facilities to be closed for July Fourth observance Clark Road detours planned for Legacy Trail overpass work on nights of July 6 through July 8 County Libraries and Historical Resources staff launching summer lecture series
