News Briefs

+ Sarasota County bags Sunday booze ban
The Sarasota County Commission has put a cork in the long-standing ban on alcohol sales before noon on Sundays, leaving some downtown restaurants wondering when the city will follow suit.

On Nov. 5, commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance amending the County Code to allow alcohol sales beginning at 7 a.m. every day.

The change applies to unincorporated areas of the county, and is effective immediately. The changes do not apply to cities within the county, including the city of Sarasota.

+ Wawa slated for North Sarasota
Wawa will continue its push into Southwest Florida with yet another convenience store slated for Sarasota County.

The Sarasota County Development Review Committee will discuss plans for a 6,119-square-foot gas station at the intersection of North Washington Boulevard and Myrtle Street during a meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, according to the meeting agenda. Wawa, which has a devoted following of Northeasterners familiar with the brand, earlier this year filed permitting documents for a location on University Parkway.
Wawa plans to build 300 stores in Florida, including at least 80 on the Gulf Coast. Each store costs roughly $6 million to build.

+ Longboat resident charged in road rage stabbing
The Sarasota Police Department arrested a Longboat Key resident in connection with a stabbing that occurred following a road rage incident before 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Steven Walters, 50, allegedly began punching 41-year-old Michael Gatz during the altercation in front of a store in the Paradise Plaza parking lot near the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and South Tamiami Trail. Walters then slashed Gatz in the face several times before fleeing the scene.

Officers found Walters walking through the parking lot, and he was treated for a cut on his hand at Sarasota Memorial Hospital before his arrest.

+ Correction
An article about Blackburn Point Park in the Nov. 6 edition of the Sarasota Observer should have stated Sarasota County is constructing a new bathroom facility on the western portion of the park.

Meetings & agendas
Regular City Commission meeting — 2:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Commission Chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Siesta Key Condominium Council meeting — 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Avenue, Siesta

Sarasota County School Board meeting — 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, School Board Chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota

Special City Commission meeting — 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.