Jan 31, 2025 TOP STORIES: Facing potential $700-million expense for new jail, County Commission settles on 2 location options and directs staff to work on refining figures 252 county capital projects underway as of December 2024, with those under construction budgeted at more than $936 million, Commissioner Knight says Sarasota County staff seeking community comments on use of latest federal funds for hurricane recovery Water and wastewater capacity fees to rise March 1 in Sarasota County to help cover expense of new infrastructure for population growth On Feb. 5, County Commission to conduct workshop on proposed changes to policies and regulations to allow voluntary demolition and reconstruction of aged condominium complexes on Siesta Key Commissioner Battie decides not to pursue recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs in Franklin case WCIND designates Midnight Pass a navigable waterway, as Sarasota County commissioners had requested $115,000 FDOT grant to aid Sarasota Police Department in combatting speeding and aggressive driving 44-year-old Sarasota man charged in connection with Jan. 18 shooting on North Tamiami Trail City of Sarasota residents encouraged to participate in online survey to help City Commission with strategic planning for next two years OTHER NEWS (free): SMH board approves $450 million for North Port’s first hospital, which will stand on Sumter Boulevard On Feb. 11, Lobeck to provide Siesta Key Condominium Council members update on legal issues of importance to condo associations Feb. 8 to be observed as History Day in the Park at Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota Feast Upon the Fields to be held Feb. 23, hosted by Big Waters Land Trust at Walton Ranch Sculpture recently installed in roundabout at U.S. 41 and 14th Street in Sarasota to be showcased during Feb. 11 public event Children First names new board leadership for 2025 Safe Children Coalition receives major gifts for Youth Shelter Campaign
