Aug 29, 2025 TOP STORIES: Proposed new jail option to be researched, with potential of millions of dollars in savings to county Water and wastewater rates to rise for county customers for 2026 fiscal year County’s 2026 fiscal year stormwater assessments to be lower than commissioners agreed on in conjunction with creation of Stormwater Department Libou, Murphy appointed to Sarasota County Planning Commission Medical examiner explains that property tax payments required by landlord the primary factor in proposed budget increase for Fiscal Year 2026 5-year-old girl sucked into storm drain after water main breaks on Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota FDOT to be asked to rename portion of U.S. 41 through Osprey the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway Mast vents frustration over county residents’ misunderstanding of how property values are set 12 road segments to be targeted during Sheriff’s Office’s latest High Visibility Enforcement initiative Woman charged with multiple counts of animal abuse at grooming service to serve up to 5 years of probation after pleading ‘No Contest’ this week OTHER NEWS (free): Sarasota Memorial named to ‘Forbes’ list of ‘America’s Best-in-State Employers’ for third consecutive year City, county offices and facilities to be closed for Labor Day observance Grant to propel Greater Sarasota Chamber’s growth in career, internship and entrepreneurship programs Detective Rowe of Sheriff’s Office named Law Enforcement Officer of Year by International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators Four employees of Children First earn National Family Development Credential awarded through University of Connecticut Member of family that owns Hi Hat Ranch wins appointment to SWFWMD governing board
