March 20, 2026 Edition TOP STORIES: Developer of proposed Saravela project in downtown Sarasota directed to start application process anew if goal is to provide hotel accommodations Average length of stay for county jail inmates convicted of felonies jumps 120% from 2015 to 2025, data show Tax Collector Moran proposes short-term vacation rental registration process to ensure county collects ‘bed tax’ it is due Evidence to be preserved in Zieglers’ federal lawsuit, as City of Sarasota requested, while city also seeks dismissal of two counts March 26 ribbon-cutting event to mark opening of Beneva Road Connector of Legacy Trail and Florida Gulf Coast Trail Bids sought on work related to Tuttle Avenue Legacy Trail overpass Venice man charged with murder in April 2025 case First responders find no one in distress in Gulf offshore of Siesta Public Beach after being alerted to person ‘screaming for help’ OTHER NEWS (free): Sarasota County property tax payments due March 31 Free Community Conversation on Hurricane Preparedness to be held on April 11 at Riverview High, with county staff members as hosts For 42nd consecutive year, Sarasota County designated Tree City USA community All Faiths Food Bank opens new Wellness Market at Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County African Children’s Choir to perform on March 25 at Abundant Life Church in Sarasota Truly Valued honors ‘community champions’ and celebrates its impact across the Suncoast Mom’s Book Nook celebrates one year of bringing joy of reading to local children Big Waters Land Trust celebrating permanent protection of 50 acres of Florida wildlife corridor in Collier County
