Local News in Sarasota County
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Sarasota County 56 storiesWiden to Greater North Port

Suncoast Women of Action will celebrate leaders this Saturday
The nine 'Women Leading with a Purpose' are being honored for driving positive change.

More Than Just Teeth
DR. JILL MORRIS founded World Class Dentistry in Sarasota in 1987 to create a haven where advanced science, artistry and whole-body wellness intersect. Nearly four decades later, the practice has evolved into a multi-generational enterprise where her husband and three children…

Family Fest returns to the Van Wezel with Asolo Rep’s take on ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
Celebrate the back-to-school season at the Van Wezel’s annual Family Fest, a free, one-day celebration featuring live performances, literacy activities, food trucks, games, a photo booth and more. Back by popular demand, Family Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.…

Sarasota African American Culture Center takes first permitting step
The proposed complex at the heart of Newtown would offer exhibition and event space, classrooms and more.

Manasota Beach Road expansion opponents get their day in court
The project’s primary challenger has requested a delay, citing a ‘humanly impossible’ timeline.

‘This is a constitutional amendment. It better be perfect’
A county commissioner, a think tank analyst, and a proponent of the measure discussed Amendment 3 on WSLR's Talk of the Town.

Activist jiu-jitsu aims to spare bear lives
Want to save Florida black bears? Buy a hunting license, conservationists urge.

The Scoop: Mon. Sep. 14, 2026, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF
Preliminary approval for the expansion of Palmer Ranch East was granted, amidst controversy over unconstrained growth.

This Week in Local Government
In a joint meeting Friday, Sarasota county and city commissioners will discuss stormwater management, transit, parks, and Amendment 3. On Wednesday, city planners will hold pre-application conferences for the African American Cultural & Arts Center and for a workforce housing…

Peace & Justice Report this Wednesday: God Is in This Fight. Then: WBCN and the American Revolution
This Wednesday, Sep. 15 at 9 am, Tom will interview Ted Greenfield, creator of an anti-human trafficking organization. Then he'll talk to the director of the film 'The Airways Belonged to the People'.

The Progressive Page Turner: The Day the World Stops Shopping
Could we stop the destruction of the environment by curtailing our consumption? In his book, J. B. MacKinnon examines how our insatiable appetite for consumer goods is at the heart of every environmental problem.

Sarasota County Commissioners approve 5,000-home project
Granting developer-requested zoning changes, they vote unanimously for - and gush over - Palmer Ranch East.