Clean water and reproductive rights petition drives are lagging
Organizers blame absence of allies, hot summer weather.
News
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Sarasota County calls for Level A Evacuation
Out of an abundance of caution, #SRQCounty is calling out for Level A to evacuate, as well as individuals who
Lourdes Ramirez scores second legal victory, sees bright future for Siesta Key
It’s now two for Siesta Key activist Lourdes Ramirez, zero for Sarasota County in an ongoing legal battle over two high-density hotels approved to be built on the barrier island.
Rural residents sue county over construction of thousands of luxury homes
A lawsuit filed by residents of the county’s rural East has the potential to stop the construction of thousands of new luxury homes on pasture land. Here’s an update on the situation.
County seeks public input on affordable housing incentive plan
Last fall, the Sarasota City Commission voted to allow developers to build at higher densities in certain areas if their projects include affordable housing. But will it work?
Activist Calendar: August 25 – September 1
Get caught up on how you can get involved this week with our latest Activist Calendar.
Benderson Development caught using tax loophole, sues Florida auditors
Benderson Development, probably the most active commercial developer in the region, has benefited from a tax loophole to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now state auditors want to close it, but Benderson is suing Florida to keep the loophole open.
12-year-old Sarasota County student Baker Acted, anxieties swirl during public meeting
On his listening tour throughout Sarasota County, Superintendent Terrence Connor responded to anxieties and fear over a 12-year-old public school student suspected of planning to cause harm to his former teachers.
Sarasota Public Art Plan approved, doubles support from private developers
The Sarasota City Commission unanimously voted to approve the 2030 Public Art Plan, which doubles the fee luxury developers have to pay to support public art in order to match other competing Florida cities.
Manatee County Commission votes to gut local wetland protections
Commissioners say that state regulations are just fine. But residents, environmental activists and scientists all urged local officials not to go through with the plan.
Manatee County residents urge commissioners to unpause veterans housing project
A veterans housing project in West Bradenton was put in limbo by County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge. But at a recent town hall, none of the neighboring residents were confused as to why it had been shelved.
A local entrepreneur is growing crops with tidal power. The county wants to put a stop to it
A Sarasota entrepreneur is growing mushrooms offshore, and local restaurateurs love his stuff. But Sarasota County is giving him a hard time.
$200 million in hurricane relief coming to Sarasota County
Over $200 million in federal funds is coming to Sarasota to fix the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The county has created a priority list, and now wants input from residents.
