13 May 2022 TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA ISSUE TOP STORIES: Environmental Appeals Board orders Southeast Region of EPA to clarify finding that proposed ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County’s coast would not harm the Gulf County commissioners fully in support of $20 million allocation for Benderson Park boathouse/indoor sports complex, with funding to come out of ‘bed tax’ revenue County staff stymied so far in trying to hire new contractor to take over stalled construction on Beneva Road and Bahia Vista Street FDOT’s filing of ‘road swap’ documents leads to Second District Court of Appeal giving Siesta Promenade attorney more time to file answer in litigation over stoplight planned at Avenue B and C ‘Bed tax’ revenue sets yet another record for March, exceeding $5 million for one month for first time in county history COVID-19 positivity rate up to 15.19% in Sarasota County, CDC reports, with transmission level raised from ‘Low’ to ‘Medium’ Leaders of Siesta Key incorporation initiative optimistic about success with second attempt With 2 new stop signs approved at Ocean Boulevard intersections in north Siesta Village, commissioners direct staff to work on plans for new trolley turnaround in same vicinity Suspect arrested in one May 5 shooting in Sarasota while Police Department continues to investigate that case and second shooting the same day May 24 the date for final public hearing on expanding Sarasota County seat to incorporate site of new North County Administration Center on Fruitville Road Speed cushions installed just north of Siesta Village on Ocean Boulevard Multi-use recreational trail to be constructed at Ted Sperling Park on South Lido Key OPINION (free): Cartoon of the Week OTHER NEWS (free): Library Foundation for Sarasota County raises $125,000 for pop-up mobile library for underserved communities Sarasota Memorial continues its straight A safety streak in Leapfrog Group report cards Conservation Foundation announces virtual Summer Photo Contest with multiple categories, including one for youth age 15 and under