7 Aug 2020


SUMMER “DOG DAYS” ISSUE

LATE BREAKING NEWS:

 

In County Commission District 1 race, Hutchinson advocates for stricter controls on land development while incumbent Moran has taken in considerable amount of money from developers and real estate firms


Weeks after dredging began in Big Pass, FDEP finally posts compliance reports, following repeated Siesta Key Association requests for transparency


Total number of vote-by-mail ballots requested ahead of Aug. 18 Primary already about 30% higher than previous record, set for November 2018 General Election


Sarasota County voters urged to return vote-by-mail ballots promptly for the Aug. 18 Primary


Sarasota County Area Transit launches online survey


Supervisor of elections to voters: ‘Please consider voting early!’ for Aug. 18 Primary


TOP STORIES:

 

Suspect in vandalism at synagogues released on $45,000 bond


City Commission keeps millage rate at same level for 2021 fiscal year


Campaign finance reports detail backing for District 2 candidates in Sarasota City Commission race


County commissioners offer to take steps staff can suggest to speed up improvements to Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility


On split vote, City Commission accepts — but refuses to adopt — transportation master plan proposed by staff and consultant


Water rates for customers of Sarasota County Public Utilities to rise 1.5% starting Oct. 1 and another 2% in the 2022 fiscal year


With Commissioner Brody protesting the action, City Commission increases fines for noise violations


Proposals for two new Siesta Key hotels also call for changes in residential density calculations for Sarasota County’s barrier islands


39 arts and cultural organizations to benefit from about $1.7 million in county grants for the 2021 fiscal year


Site adjustment planned for Mote Science Education Aquarium at Benderson Park, with county administrator authorized to execute changes to county’s agreement with nonprofit


CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE (free):

 

Sarasota County staff seeking comments from local nonprofits regarding Coronavirus Relief Fund/CARES Act funds for which they may be eligible


Hines again seeks action regarding use of face coverings to help prevent spread of COVID-19


Mandatory mask ordinance in City of Sarasota amended to allow use of face shields, but proposal to require children under 18 to wear face coverings fails


Eight new COVID-19 cases reported among Sarasota County employees


OPINION (free):

 

Cartoon of the Day


OTHER NEWS (free):

Early voting scheduled for Aug. 18 Primary


As of July 20, Waste Management suspending curbside collections of yard waste for up to three weeks for customers in unincorporated Sarasota County


Sarasota County Extension launches virtual rain barrel classes and contactless purchases


$50,000 grant to facilitate efforts to win designation of Newtown Conservation Historic District on National Register of Historic Places


Sample ballots for Aug. 18 Primary available online


$27-million radiation oncology center unveiled on Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s University Parkway campus


Sarasota County earns SolSmart ‘silver’ honor for success in promoting use of solar energy