Aug 8, 2025

BREAKING NEWS:

With latest FDOT grant, Sarasota Police Department again to put focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety at specific city locations

Woman arrested in Nokomis murder-arson case had been living with victim for several months, victim told deputies after June battery incident that left him bleeding from his forehead

Autopsy results indicate two adults found behind Ollie’s Bargain Outlet died in murder-suicide incident, Sheriff’s Office reports

25-year-old member of Army Reserve charged in robberies of USF Credit Union on Clark Road

Sarasota Memorial Hospital earns nation’s 5-star rating for quality care

Free SKYWARN training available to county residents on Aug. 16 in person or virtually, with program planned by staff of Sarasota County Emergency Services and National Weather Service

OPINION (free):

Guest Column: With the gravy train about to crash, now is the time for county officials to start a diet

TOP STORIES:

Interim Sarasota city manager recommends slight increase in millage rate for 2026 fiscal year to build up reserves in aftermath of dealing with 2024 storm expenses

Violent crime down nearly 63% in Sarasota County from 2009 to 2024, sheriff reports to County Commission

Colson Hotel plans call for transformation of historic structure into ‘space for community and ideas,’ with focus on young people

Griggs removes request for salary boost from July 21 City Commission agenda

Demolition of dam in Phillippi Creek among projects to be delayed after County Commission agrees to $10-million budget amendment to pay for immediate stormwater maintenance needs

After request regarding Siesta stormwater maintenance, following May 12 flooding, county Public Works staff provides Siesta Key Beautification Alliance leader more than 900 pages of reports

2nd robbery with similar suspect and circumstances occurs July 18 at USF Credit Union on Clark Road

Thanks to Beach Club employee’s 911 call about smelling smoke, Lobster Pot ends up with minor fire damage

With tweaks to questions and criteria for new manager, Sarasota City Commission approves materials to be sent to three firms vying to handle city manager search

Office of County Attorney opinion calls for Sheriff’s Office expansion and renovations project to be handled by County Commission-controlled department

Registered sex offender in city of Sarasota charged with new counts related to incidents involving victim under age of 16

Contractor’s crew breaks sewer force main near Lorraine Road-Bee Ridge Road intersection, leading to spill of 7,000 gallons of sewage

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of sewage spills on Beachwalk Drive in Englewood after lift station equipment problem occurs

Gulf Coast Community Foundation releases refreshed Water Quality Playbook (free)

Sarasota city residents encouraged to participate in transportation survey, with Aug. 10 deadline set (free)

OTHER NEWS (free):

Sarasota Memorial campuses recognized as role model for lifesaving stroke and heart care

Selby Gardens announces details of 45th Annual Juried Photo Exhibition

‘Early bird’ tickets on sale for Big Waters’ Party in Paradise

Deputy Binkley named community affairs manager for Sheriff’s Office

Early childhood mental health specialist with Children First selected for Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 2026 Adult Leadership Class