Mar 28, 2025 SPRING DOUBLE ISSUE TOP STORIES: EPA decision on modified permit for Ocean Era ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast expected before May 26 Even with no federal reimbursement possible, County Commission directs Public Works staff to proceed with plans for temporary road on Manasota Key With Benderson Development seeking to buy historic Scott Building from Sarasota County, commissioners first want more information from tenant, Architecture Sarasota This week, county commissioners agree unanimously to hold future discussion on whether to change policy to require in-person Neighborhood Workshops on land-use applications Two more City of Sarasota Utilities Department projects win City Commission approval, with total cost of more than $52.6 million County administrator authorized to pursue negotiations for new records center for Clerk of Court’s Office Suspect charged with Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon in Royal Palms Mobile Home Park stabbing reported on March 17 Sheriff Hoffman recognizes multiple members of agency, including Siesta Deputy Eve, for life-saving action in 2024 Siesta Farmers Market secures another Temporary Use Permit from County Commission for continued operations in Siesta Village Selby Gardens marks receipt of 82% of funds it needs for Phase Two of Downtown Sarasota Master Plan Tampa Bay Marine crew strikes force main in Venice, resulting in spill of raw sewage onto road and into stormwater system March 31 the start of new garbage service for Sarasota County customers Burn ban implemented again countywide Turtle Beach Campground reopens with limited operations until staff ensures all systems functioning properly OPINION (free): Editorial: Tell Joe Gruters to stop Senate Bill 7016 OTHER NEWS (free): Keep Sarasota County Beautiful to host annual Great American Cleanup on April 12 On April 5, public invited to anniversary celebration of Gulf Gate Library facility completed 10 years ago Sheriff’s Office’s Property and Evidence Section reaccreditedthrough international association Big Waters Land Trust’s Wild About Nature Festival planned for Saturday, April 5 Publix Super Markets Charities grant to help All Faiths Food Bank ‘drive away hunger’ Sullivan of Children First honored as 2025 ‘Sarasota Magazine’ Unity Awards recipient Sheriff’s Office to host its first Block Party on April 12 at headquarters on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota
