May 22, 2026 Edition TOP STORIES: After hearing pleas from leaders of downtown churches, City Commission agrees not to charge for parking from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays With unanimous vote, County Commission formally rescinds August 2025 decision to make School Board pay commissions to Tax Collector’s Office this fiscal year for handling of revenue from special tax Siesta Key Beautification Task Force’s working timeline to be 24 months, County Commission agrees Phase 1 of Phillippi Creek dredging complete, with 60,000 cubic yards of sediment removed Locations of planned parking garage and proposed new performing arts hall among facets of Bay Park update for City Commission With continued worries about state action on property tax revenue, County Commission holds off on full commitment to helping pay for Phase 3 of Bay Park in downtown Sarasota ‘Bed tax’ revenue exceeds $8 million in one month for first time, in March First shaded trolley stop near Siesta Public Beach under construction, county staff reports this week Two apparently unrelated shootings 10 blocks and a day apart in Newtown under investigation, Police Department reports OTHER NEWS (free): Click It or Ticket campaign in effect for Sarasota Police Department through May 31 Road closures announced in preparation for May 25 Memorial Day Parade in downtown Sarasota Poll workers sought for Aug. 18 Primary Election Sarasota Memorial named among country’s Top 15 Health Systems May 26 ribbon-cutting ceremony planned to celebrate latest renourishment of Lido Beach Big Waters Land Trust’s Community Art Show opening reception set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3 City and County of Sarasota administrative offices and facilities to be closed on Memorial Day Library Foundation for Sarasota County awarded $25,000 grant from Community Foundation
