Local News
Community news from our local sources
Palmetto lawyer vies for District 1 Republican nomination
With two attorneys already seated on the Manatee County Commission — Amanda Ballard and Bob McCann — another attorney has entered the race for District 1: Leland Taylor. Taylor said lawyers can make good county commissioners because they’re open-minded, know how to apply the…
McADAM: Gloversville mayor: Big picture or big problems?
Gary Antonucci has been criticized for a lack of vision, but says he's a problem-solver.
McADAM: Gloversville mayor: Big picture or big problems?
Gary Antonucci has been criticized for a lack of vision, but says he's a problem-solver.
Councilmember Shaw Reports on Hurricane Preparedness
Vice Mayor Marlene Shaw attended a Florida Division of Emergency Management hurricane preparedness briefing covering the 2026 hurricane season outlook, emergency preparedness, state disaster resources, recovery and mitigation funding, and evacuation guidance. Officials emphasized…
Buchanan proposal on school-tax fees now law
A proposal that requires county governments to either pay tax-collector fees on school taxes or waive them all together is now Florida law. The provision, proposed by State Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, was part of a broader tax package signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this week.…
My Mayor 2026 – Episode 2
Welcome back to season 2 of My Mayor, the Catalyst series that helps you get to know the person behind the policy. We sat down with each candidate and asked them each the same five questions, with a few follow up questions sprinkled in. For Episode 2, we asked: What’s something…
Civil rights groups sue Florida officials after DeSantis designated CAIR a terrorist organization
Hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that the state would soon designate the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) a domestic terrorist organization, the Muslim civil rights advocacy group filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging that designation as…
City to mull food trucks in downtown zone district
For the first time in the 21 months since the retirement of Marlon Brown, the chair of the city manager at the dais of the meeting chamber at Sarasota City Hall will be occupied by an official city manager during a City Commission meeting. Coincidentally, the agenda of the…
DeSantis labels antifa, CAIR Florida as a domestic terrorist groups under new law
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he has received a recommendation to designate the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida, the Muslim Brotherhood, and antifa as domestic terrorist organizations. He cited authority given to state officials through…
City of Tampa Announces New Housing and Community Development Director
City of Tampa Announces New Housing and Community Development Director Tony D. Wed, 07/01/2026 - 01:27 pm Robert Scott joins the City of Tampa as the Housing Department’s new director. City of Tampa Names Robert Scott as Housing and Community Development Director The City of…