Nov 1, 2024 TOP STORIES: Circuit Court judge clears way for construction of 112-room hotel on Siesta Key, near public beach Arroyo may have failed to list $12,000 Corona Cigar Co. ‘giveaway’ gift in state financial filing ‘Population growth/new development’ remains most important issue facing Sarasota County, latest Citizen Opinion Survey shows With eye on 2026 voter referendum to pay for project, County Commission majority agrees with staff proposal for construction of new facilities in downtown Sarasota to ease jail overcrowding On Nov. 2, Siesta Key trolley’s route to be expanded to downtown Sarasota Write-in candidate Williams withdraws from County Commission District 1 race Early voting in Sarasota County continues through Sunday, Nov. 3 (free) FWC issues first midweek red tide update since end of May 2023, citing ‘bloom concentrations’ in 21 samples taken over past seven days With more than 429,000 cubic yards of storm debris collected through Oct. 29, Sarasota County staff launches interactive map so residents can learn about timelines for specific neighborhoods (free) Florida Highway Patrol partnering with Sarasota Police Department to investigate police officer’s collision with child on dirt bike in Newtown (free) City and County of Sarasota suspending certain permit fees to facilitate residents’ recovery from Hurricane Milton (free) 14th shooting reported this year in Newtown community OPINION (free): Cartoon of the Week OTHER NEWS (free): Lido Beach to reopen Saturday, Nov. 2 Supervisor of elections urging citizens planning to vote by mail ballot to return ballots as soon as possible to one of 3 election offices or one of early voting sites Nov. 19 public hearing scheduled on increase in standard Sarasota County Breeze OnDemand fare As of Oct. 28, Orange Avenue-Gulfview Drive intersection traffic control changed temporarily because of hurricane damage With Daylight Saving Time ending Sunday, residents encouraged to change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms Public parking remaining free on St. Armands Circle and Lido Key for time being, City of Sarasota staff reports
