This Week in Local Government On Monday, the Sarasota County Public Works director will host a press conference to give an update on stormwater efforts. The same day, the Purple Ribbon Committee will make its final recommendation for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Read Article »
Sarasota County launches $6.5m buyout program for flooded homes Most of the depopulation expected along South County rivers, for now. Read Article »
Sarasota County will help big development with roads Commission votes to contribute $14 million, land access to extend Bee Ridge Road. Hi Hat Ranch is the main beneficiary. Read Article »
Advisory board, commissioner press for affordable housing funding Sarasota County’s trust fund for land purchases needs a recurring source, Jon Thaxton says. Read Article »
Venice Council member resigns Joan Farrell says she is frustrated with the ‘Neal-loving city council majority’. Read Article »
‘Cowpoke correspondent’ discusses the Great Florida Cattle Drive Isaac Eger: ‘It was just Florida as it’s meant to be.’ Read Article »
Sarasota schools to end mental health program Disappearance of therapists from schools worries parents, advocates, and at least one board member. Read Article »
Nationwide ‘Hands-Off’ protest draws thousands in Sarasota Of six in the region, the bayfront demonstration was the largest. Read Article »
Venice city council weighs appeal against Neal shopping center Recently elected development skeptics make the outcome uncertain. Read Article »
USF Sarasota faculty fear a New College takeover USF Sarasota-Manatee administrators say nothing is imminent. But one professor expresses her concern. Read Article »
New College postpones controversial speaker’s ‘Socratic Stage’ appearance College blames logistics, ‘media climate’. Russell Brand prompted protest and apparent distancing by the Sarasota Film Festival. Read Article »
This Week in Local Government On Wednesday, following revelations by an investigative news report, Sarasota County commissioners will discuss the sale of access through public land to the Hi Hat Ranch mega-development. Read Article »
Slabscrapers, light theft, and ground-level boredom Urban planners criticize shortcomings of downtown Sarasota developers, planning. Read Article »