Feb 7, 2025 TOP STORIES: More research requested before County Commission holds another hearing on voluntary condominium demolition and rebuilding proposal for Siesta Key On split votes, County Commission approves rezoning petitions for nearly 2,400 new homes in Lakewood Ranch Southeast Commissioner Smith advocating for economic development aid to Siesta Key out of new federal hurricane recovery funding TSA reports overall decrease in the number of firearm discoveries at Florida airports in 2024, though SRQ total same as two previous years Sarasota resident organizing hurricane debris clean-up efforts on Stickney Point Road approach to south Siesta Former long-time Tax Collector Ford-Coates receives County Commission recognition As Avenue B and C traffic signal operation changes on Stickney Point Road, Siesta resident continues to warn County Commission about potential danger to the public Suspect in Sarasota homicide case detained in West Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana Commissioner Battie tells colleagues about decision to drop pursuit of attorneys’ fees in civil complaint About 3,000 gallons of raw sewage spills at Laurel lift station site after hose ruptures Rabies identified in raccoon killed in Bee Ridge Road area, county Health Department reports (free) OTHER NEWS (free): Sunrise beach walks planned by county staff this month and in March on Siesta and Nokomis beaches Roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and Pine Place in downtown Sarasota open for use City Commission to conduct Town Hall at 9 a.m. on Feb. 14 in SRQ Media Studio Sarasota Police Department debuts new Mobile Command Center Free public lecture on historical and cultural significance of Florida Highwaymen to be held at Sarasota City Hall on Feb. 20 Beach University series planned once again at Siesta Beach in March
