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Sarasota

For three months in 2020, the city temporarily suspended enforcement of its paid parking program because of COVID-19, leading to a steep decline in revenue. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
City keeps parking management in-house — for now

In addition to passing on options for teaming up with a private parking operator, the commission extended provisions allowing for expanded outdoor dining.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The concept includes a mixed-use complex including public parking, a gourmet market, a boutique hotel and town homes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
Concept floated for St. Armands hotel

A developer wants the city to consider turning a St. Armands parking lot into a mixed-use hub anchored by a hotel. Could that one day become reality?

  • Sarasota
  • News
It took Wigelsworth some time to put the castle together. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 6, 2021
Celebratory sand castle

Siesta Key Sand Sculptor makes sand castle for Sarasota Centennial.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
About 2,300 acres of sea grass has been lost.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Seagrass in Sarasota Bay drops to 12-year low

Data show an 18% decrease in Sarasota Bay, or a loss of 2,300 acres of sea grass.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School board leaders are considering a partnership that would move the training of its annual 450-member firefighter school to a new county site.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
School district, county consider fire training partnership

As the county prepares to build a regional fire training site, school leaders are considering switching from the district's current facility to a partnership at the new facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Superintendent Brennan Asplen began his role in August 2020 and now school board members will evaluate his effectiveness in his first year on the job.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Board members consider how best to evaluate superintendent

Superintendent Brennan Asplen has been on the job for nearly a year. Now board members will evaluate his effectiveness.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson was named a 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Sarasota teacher named finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year

Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson is one of five statewide finalists.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The fire department is considering improvements that include additional staffing and enhanced fire stations. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
County considers improvements to fire department

The county is considering expanding its Rapid Response Unit and improvement stations in south Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Riverview High beach volleyball team won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Class AA Championship on May 1. Photo courtesy Tim Britt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2021
Last team sand-ing

Riverview High's beach volleyball team wins SSAC state tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Landscape architect Phil Smith shared conceptual designs showcasing a plan for widening sidewalks and eliminating angled parking on Main Street. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Main Street makeover gets preliminary design

City officials expressed excitement about a proposal to widen sidewalks and eliminate angled parking, though some questions — including cost estimates — remain unanswered.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After the orchestra reiterated its belief that land in Payne Park was essential for the group to remain in the city, Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown said he believed both parties should be willing to compromise. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Orchestra, city engage in venue conversation

Although the orchestra initially pushed for action from the City Commission, both parties met last month for a private discussion about a music hall in Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.6.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Bruce Pearl's AUTLIVE program raises awareness for for cancer prevention and detection. Photo courtesy Shanna Lockwood/Auburn Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 5, 2021
Gala's guest offers pearl of wisdom

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By Adrian Moore and Guy Bentley
  • May 5, 2021
Florida setting the example on vaping regulations

Misinformation around vaping continues to plague much of the media, state legislatures and the general public.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Myles Summerlin, Dillon Smith and Zionna Williams graduating from Booker High School.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 4, 2021
Laptops on the way

The organization is providing 175 laptops to students in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Sarasota's Alderman MURT includes a rest area with a shade shelter, drinking fountain, benches and tables, and a bike repair station as well as landscaping. This view looks east, toward School Avenue.
  • March 30, 2026
City's latest transportation link opens Tuesday
2
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
  • March 30, 2026
City works to add parcel to workforce housing project
3
Kellen Dorsch and his wife Alanna Giuliani sit with Velly.
  • March 29, 2026
6th annual Get Your Mutt Movin' helps get support moving for rescue animals
4
Roland Nyarfadi, 7, finds an egg.
  • March 28, 2026
Kids make a splash for Easter egg hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
5
Steven Ball in front of the organ at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, where he directs organ and choral music for the parish’s principal services.
  • March 28, 2026
St. Boniface's new leader starts on a high note

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