March 13, 2026 Edition TOP STORIES: Smith leads fundraising among County Commission candidates, with Neunder in second place Development of new Siesta Key community plan to follow model for establishment of The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota Both county Commissioners Smith and Neunder facing opponents as they vie for second terms Mast wins full commission support for staff research into stormwater initiatives to improve Cow Pen Slough With U.S. Recycling and affordable housing developer unable to come to terms for project in city of Sarasota, County Commission to take back grant awarded out of 2025 federal funding Start of north Siesta bridge maintenance project pushed back until mid-April Scientists and members of the public keeping eye on shifts in Midnight Pass ‘Bed tax’ revenue continues to climb More favorable market conditions allow City Commission to add properties to new city insurance policy PGA Senior Championship at Concession Golf Club expected to generate significant ‘bed tax’ revenue for Sarasota County while offering opportunities to court business leaders considering relocation OTHER NEWS (free): A&E: Newer Martha Graham Dance Company ballet stands out amid older pieces on recent program presented by Sarasota Ballet League of Women Voters to present water resource management experts during March 20 luncheon in Sarasota Public invited to celebrate Alderman trail connector completion in city of Sarasota on March 31 Big Waters’ Wild About Nature Festival set for Saturday, March 28, in Osprey Resilience Incubator announces inaugural Suncoast Curtain Call, to be held April 4 at Sarasota Garden Club Next ‘Shred Stock’ to be held at Van Wezel on Saturday, March 21, for city of Sarasota residents Harvest House raises more than $350,000 during recent Home Again Luncheon
