Jun 13, 2025 TOP STORIES: County’s Public Works director suggests County Commission consider annual property owner assessment to keep up with road resurfacing projects, given rising expenses County commissioners direct county administrator to talk with new interim Sarasota city manager about potential return of city stormwater responsibilities to city Coastal Setback Variance petition hearing leads to County Commission call for staff research into expediting process for homeowners trying to protect coastal property In April, for first time this fiscal year, ‘bed tax’ revenue shows month-over-month increase 4-lane Lorraine Road extension south of Clark Road to Knights Trail Road remains top County Commission road priority Saba Sands pursuing legal action in aftermath of County Commission’s November 2024 denial of variance for residential structure fully seaward of Gulf Beach Setback Line on Siesta Key Federal government declines to appeal judge’s ruling declaring Army Corps of Engineers’ nationwide permit for ocean ‘fish farms’ to have ‘legal infirmities’ Better public education about storm surge risks among recommendations in county ‘After Action Report’ on 2024 storm season Because of inclusion of incorrect figure, County Commission has to revoke March FDOT agreement to help pay for design of temporary section of Manasota Key Road and then approve new contract County burn ban lifted again OTHER NEWS (free): County staff to host June 19 job fair with special focus on hiring of veterans City of Sarasota offices to be closed in observance of Juneteenth on June 19 Sarasota County releases ‘Agents of Discovery’ app to encourage residents to turn parks into classrooms League of Women Voters of Sarasota County wins state award for ‘Get Out the Vote’ campaign in 2024 Hundreds of local students earn scholarships from Community Foundation Big Waters Land Trust announces honorees for second annual Community Art Show County lifeguard receives National Medal of Valor for saving family caught in Gulf rip current in June 2024 Library Foundation awards $40,000 in grants to support summer programs at county libraries Gulf Coast Community Foundation announces members of 2025 Leadership Institute class
