July 17, 2026 Edition


TOP STORIES:

 

With 4-1 city Planning Board vote, Saravela project can proceed with 3 administrative adjustments in design


Though Tax Collector Moran has agreed to waive fees for collecting special School Board tax for 2027 fiscal year, he asks County Commission to make formal written request for the action


Sarasota County Fire Chief Rathbun retiring as of July 17


$30-million bond issuance to pay for part of Sheriff’s Office Headquarters project wins County Commission approval


Property Appraiser Furst’s proposed 2027 fiscal year budget down 3%, compared to current year’s budget


Saravela developer’s past marketing of 3-day rentals a factor behind upcoming City Commission discussion of potential standards for ‘condo hotel and apartment hotel developments’


Sanderling Cabana Club clubhouse wins Sarasota County historic designation


County’s marine rescue call count trending higher this year than in 2025


24-year-old Nokomis man charged with 3 felony counts after allegedly shooting at person in pub parking lot in Venice


County burn ban lifted as of July 12 (free)



OTHER NEWS (free):

 

Sheriff’s Office launches Versaterm CommunityConnect™ automated messaging platform


‘Pack the Patrol Car’ school supply drive underway in city of Sarasota for ninth year


Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots for Aug. 18 Primary Election on their way to domestic voters


On July 25, Historical Society and Alliance for Historic Preservation to host City of Sarasota candidates forum


‘Operation Southern Slow Down’ underway in Sarasota County, with Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota Police Department targeting speeders and aggressive drivers


Sample ballots for Aug. 18 Primary Election available online and arriving in mailboxes soon


Library Foundation director leaving position on Sept. 1


County’s Communications Department wins state, national and international honors


Joel Johnson joins Big Waters’ board of trustees