Local News in Sarasota County
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City may develop list of historic properties
PUNTA GORDA — While city officials moved forward this week in an attempt to designate Punta Gorda’s waterfront parks as historic, they also disscussed designations for private property in the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Mayberry, Pozzie chase Sarasota School Board seat
Michelle Pozzie and Beth Mayberry, both residents of North Port, want to win the vacant District 5 seat on the Sarasota School Board.

Sarasota County drops burn ban
Thanks to recent rains, Sarasota County’s burn ban has been lifted as of July 12. The burn ban issued by Sarasota County Fire Department, which prohibited non-permitted open burns, ended when the Keech Bryan Drought Index fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, reducing the…
Senate to confirm Blanche, other key nominations next week
(The Center Square) – Both chambers of Congress will return to Capitol Hill this week after more than a week away for the July 4 recess, and the Senate will hold multiple confirmation hearings for several key administration posts.

Data centers firmly rejected for Sarasota County in unanimous vote
Sarasota County commissioners, by a 5-0 vote, approved a one-year moratorium on the acceptance or review of data center applications. Commissioners passed the 12-month ban at their Wednesday meeting. The pause will enable county staff time to evaluate how these developments —…
Venice Council to discuss police staffing
VENICE — City Council members have a full agenda in front of them for Tuesday's meeting, with their summer break in sight just beyond it.
Suncoast lawmakers hollowed out home rule. Do voters care?
On a late afternoon in May, Sarasota County’s statehouse liaison explained to a group of residents how a controversial state law required county staff to approve large apartment projects despite heavy opposition.
Sheriff's Office opens messaging platform to enhance communications
Residents, businesses and visitors in unincorporated Sarasota County have a new messaging platform they can use to stay informed. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office recently launched a new automated messaging platform, Versaterm CommunityConnect. “Utilizing this new technology…
FEMA funds arriving from 2017
$64 MILLION FINALLY COMING?: It seems Charlotte County is finally going to get about $64 million in FEMA funds - some of it that was set to arrive after Hurricane Irma nearly a decade ago.

Report: Sarasota County water meets all standards
VENICE — The 300,000 people who regularly hydrate with Sarasota County water imbibed a beverage last year that met all of the state's standards with no violations, according to the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report.