April 24, 2026 Edition TOP STORIES: Unanimous County Commission vote directs Office of County Attorney ‘to re-engage’ with Holderness and his attorneys over amended settlement of federal litigation Crime down 18% in city of Sarasota from 2024 to 2025 Office of County Attorney to hire outside counsel to provide opinion to County Commission regarding land-use provisions of Live Local Act County issues solicitation for consultant to lead new Siesta Key community planning process Dickey Betts Memorial Highway segment to be marked on U.S. 41 in Osprey by July 1, after Gov. DeSantis signs applicable bill With prior nominee having turned down appointment, County Commission appoints yet another new member of Planning Commission ‘Bed tax’ revenue takes big month-over-month jump in February Two individuals win appointment to county’s Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee Sarasota County burn ban reimplemented on April 19 (free) Guest Column: Let’s get ready together for hurricane season (free) OTHER NEWS (free): April 24 Arlington Park event planned in recognition of Arbor Day in city of Sarasota Sarasota Police Department to take part in April 25 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day SiestaCon to be held on Saturday, May 9, at Roberts Arena in Sarasota Sarasota Opera’s DeRenzi named 2026 Voice of Sarasota by Visit Sarasota County Volunteers invited to county’s 6th annual Beach Blast Trifecta cleanup May 1-3 Once again, American Heart Association honors county Fire Department for rapid response to patients suffering heart attacks and strokes Art Center Sarasota to present North County Spring Art Show starting April 28 Big Waters Land Trust names Justin Smith chief program officer
