City staff to hold budget steady for next fiscal year

A fund balance shortfall of $4.3 million has prompted Sarasota officials to instruct departments to trim operating costs and suspend capital purchases.

Shoreline damage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is among the nearly $40 million in city recovery expenses left behind by the 2024 hurricane season.
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening

Business

Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In is back at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
  • April 25, 2026
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens in Sarasota
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s
Rebecca Resinski and Amy Stevens show their support.
  • April 26, 2026
Runners cross Ringling Bridge to raise support for students and teachers
Molly Biter, Winfred Van Workum and Katie Moulton get the meal sizzling.
  • April 25, 2026
Parents and staff cook up meals in support of arts education
Elizabeth Hall of Cypress Pillar Healing Arts teaches Liam Lopez, 6.
  • April 19, 2026
YMCA Healthy Kids Day gives families ideas for an active summer break
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million
Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest
The team aboard the "Triple Threat," captained by John Novak, rounds the first marker of the Bird Key Yacht Club's annual Sarasota Bay Cup regatta on April 11.
  • April 13, 2026
Seasoned sailors take advantage of smooth seas at Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta
Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
  • April 11, 2026
Over 1,000 turn out to Siesta Key Beach for Run for the Turtles
Eggs are droped from the helicopter.
  • April 5, 2026
Good Friday at the Sarasota Fairgrounds draws thousands
Jack Dudonis, 3, and Maxwell Dudonis, 9 meet the Easter Bunny.
  • April 4, 2026
Easter Bunny brings seasonal cheer to Siesta Key Village
Rev. Mason Waldhauser, associate rector for adult formation at Church of the Redeemer, leads the walk.
  • April 3, 2026
Stations of the Cross draws 1,000 in worship down Main Street