Sarasota News Leader

07/01/2025

Given concerns raised about the potential for heavy rainfall later this week, Sarasota County staff just announced that it will make sandbags available to the public on Wednesday, July 2.

These are the details:

The sandbag operations will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, "as we are actively monitoring the weather projected for later this week," the advisory said.

Self-service sandbags will be offered to Sarasota County residents at the following locations:
Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road.
Ed Smith Stadium (parking lot), 2700 12th St.
South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road.

There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Bags and sand will be provided. Individuals are asked to bring their shovels. Continue to monitor local weather. Updates and more information will be available at scgov.net and on social media pages.


Attached are two infographics about using sandbags.

07/01/2025

If you plan to go to the Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular at Marina Jack on Friday, July 4, you need to know this information about parking and road closures, courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department:

The Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular will take place on Friday, July 4, beginning at 9 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department is reminding the public.

As the festivities “will attract thousands of people to the City of Sarasota,” a news release says, the Sarasota Police Department is committed to keeping residents and visitors safe.

In an effort to promote safe enjoyment of the event, the release continues, department personnel are asking the public to remember “if you SEE something, SAY something. Report any suspicious activity or behavior to law enforcement immediately."

Road closures/limited parking

From 7 to 10:30 p.m., the release notes, Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) will be closed from Orange Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue for the fireworks show.

The parking lot locat3ed at Bayfront Park/Island Park will be closed when it has reached maximum capacity, the release points out. “No parking is permitted on the grassy area on the south end of Bayfront Park,” the release adds.

“Parking will not be allowed in the median on John Ringling Boulevard,” the release stresses. “Drivers should observe ‘No Parking’ signs,” the release points out.

For further emphasis, the release says, “NO STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING on the John Ringling Bridge.”

Further, the release continues, vehicle traffic leaving the Bayfront/downtown area following the fireworks “will be subject to certain restricted traffic control measures as part of a comprehensive exit plan.” Drivers and passengers should “expect long traffic delays of up to one hour when exiting the event.”

Use of designated drivers urged

The release also notes that the AAA Tow to Go Program will be offered on July 4 “to make sure those who are celebrating the holiday get home safely. The free, confidential, local ride” is offered within a 10-mile radius of a safe location, the release notes. The service will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 4, and continue until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 7, in Florida. Call 1-855-TOW-2-GO (1-855-286-9246) or visit https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/safety/tow_to_go.aspx

The release adds, “It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.”

06/30/2025

The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County has announced plans for a big rally on Saturday, July 5:

The nonpartisan rally will support the League's mission to “Empower Voters and Defend Democracy,” the organization has announced.

The rally will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on South Bayfront Drive, between Ringling Boulevard and Selby Gardens, a news release says. “All concerned citizens are invited to participate,” the release adds. “Issue-based signs will be furnished by LWVSRQ to maintain non-partisanship,” it notes

This rally will be part of Unite and Rise 8.5, “the League’s nationwide campaign to mobilize 8.5 million voters to protect our democratic institutions and fight back against authoritarianism through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement,” the release also explains.

On April 17, the release points out, the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) declared a constitutional crisis. Celina Stewart, LWVUS CEO, said, “Holding elected officials accountable to the public interest is not a partisan act; it is a vital function of a healthy democracy.”

For more information about the Sarasota County rally and to register for it, visit lwvsrq.org/events.

06/25/2025

If you are an animal lover and have room for a new addition to your family, please consider this opportunity:

From Friday, June 27, through Sunday, June 29, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) will be part of a statewide effort whose goal is to find homes for 2,000 shelter pets, the nonprofit has announced.

The Petco Love Florida MEGA Adoption Event will involve nearly 50 animal welfare organizations across 31 counties, a news release points out.

The HSSC is located at 2331 15th St. in Sarasota (34237).

The most recent nationwide data available shows that “Florida ranks 46th in the nation when it comes to saving the lives of pets in shelters,” the release says. “In 2024, more than 35,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in animal shelters across Florida,” the release continues. “With help from Petco Love,” the release notes, “local animal shelters are aiming to close that gap through high-impact adoption events.”

The Humane Society of Sarasota County will be waiving adoption fees for all available animals during its three-day event. Moreover, the release says, the shelter will be open during special hours.
“All pets will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home the same day. No appointments are necessary,” the release adds. All adoptions will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, it points out.

06/10/2025

If you routinely drive in Venice — or if you plan on being in Venice later today or later this week, you need to be aware of this traffic situation, courtesy of Sarasota County Communications:

"The traffic signals at Center Road and Venice East Boulevard and Center Road and Rockley Boulevard in Venice have been placed on a standard timing cycle because of issues with newly installed detection equipment. This means the lights are operating in a ‘recall’ mode, which means they are cycling through all signal phases, even if no vehicles or pedestrians are present. This safe and temporary measure may cause slight delays in the area. We are hoping you can share with your readers and viewers. Team members are working closely with the contractor to resolve the hardware issue as quickly as possible. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as these upgrades are completed."

06/05/2025

Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran has announced two big changes for his offices:

As of June 16, all four Tax Collector Office locations will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., “and services will be limited to Sarasota County residents,” a news release points out.

In the release, Moran said that “while maintaining our commitment to exceptional service, updated hours are being implemented to allow staff time for state-required training, continuing education, and the completion of end-of-day audit procedures.”

The release further stresses that “appointments or walk-in services will be provided to Sarasota County residents, businesses, seasonal residents, and those establishing residency only.”

“This change will enable our staff to more efficiently serve the residents of Sarasota County,” Moran added in the release.

“Appointments are recommended for all services,” the release says, while they are required for certain transactions: “the Road or Written Test, Concealed Weapon License, and any transaction in the North Port Office.”

As always, the release points out, “many services are available online at www.SarasotaTaxCollector.gov.”

Visit www.facebook.com/SarasotaTaxCollector for office updates and information.

05/30/2025

Starting on Tuesday, June 3, a major sewer line project will get underway in the city of Sarasota, and it will necessitate road closures, city staff has announced.

The sewer force main along South Osprey Avenue will be replaced over a period estimated to take five months, a city news release says.

The goal of the project is "to enhance the resilience of the City of Sarasota’s sanitary sewer infrastructure," the release adds, as sections of the 8-inch force main "are nearing the end of their useful lifespan."

To accommodate the project’s first phase, starting on June 3, the following road closures and traffic modifications will be in place through July 8:
• South Osprey Avenue will be closed to traffic between Floyd Street and Waldemere Street, and from Clematis Street to Wisteria Street.
• South Osprey Avenue will be restricted to one-way traffic from Lincoln Drive to Floyd Street.
• Left turns toward South Osprey Avenue will be prohibited at the intersections of Alta Vista Street, Irving Street, Loma Linda Street, and Prospect Street.

The project’s construction schedule was coordinated to coincide with Sarasota County Schools' summer vacation, to lessen traffic impacts on South Osprey Avenue. The work is estimated to be completed in the fall.

The accompanying city map shows the Phase 1 segment.

Additional information about this project, as well as a map showing each phase of the project, can be found at www.Sarasotafl.gov/OspreyAveForceMain

05/29/2025

If your home was damaged during Hurricane Ian or during one of the 2024 storms, Sarasota County staff has provided details bout a program that may be able to assist you: the Resilient SRQ Housing Recovery Program.

This program, which offers help with repairing or rebuilding homes, can reimburse homeowners for out-of-pocket expenses if they are determined to be eligible for that assistance, a news release explains.

The funding for the initiative will come out of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants issued to the county through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, the release points out
Sarasota County was awarded two separate allocations, which total $411.6 million, the release notes.

Resilient SRQ initially launched the Housing Recovery Program in June 2024, with $55 million allocated to rehabilitate and reconstruct homes and reimburse eligible homeowners affected by Hurricane Ian, the release continues. “An additional $33.3 million is proposed for homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton,” with the draft Action Plan for the 2024 storms having been submitted to HUD on April 25, the release adds.

The program is open to homeowners who were affected by any of the above storms, the release says; it aims to address the community’s ongoing recovery needs.

Homeowners can begin the application process by completing an online survey through ResilientSRQ.net, the release explains. The survey is required to determine conditional eligibility, the release notes; a homeowner deemed conditionally eligible for the program will receive an invitation to complete the full application. “Full applications will be sent to eligible homeowners on a rolling basis as Resilient SRQ staff reviews surveys and prepare for next steps,” the release adds.

To qualify for the program, Sarasota County residents must meet the following criteria at the time of application submission:
• Provide proof of ownership of the damaged home (both currently and at the time of the qualifying disaster).
• Demonstrate that they experienced damage to the home from the qualifying disaster.
• Provide documentation showing that the damaged home is their primary residence (both currently and at the time of the qualifying disaster).
• Show that they maintain a mortgage in good standing or that they are on a payment plan in good standing.
• Have a household income at or below 120 percent of Sarasota County’s area median income (AMI), which is set annually by HUD.

Application process
The following are the steps that will lead to assistance:
• 1. Submit the homeowner interest survey online.
• 2. Conditionally eligible applicants will be invited to complete a full application.
• 3. Applicants will be assigned an eligibility specialist to assist them with questions, as well as with finalizing the application and completing required documents.
• 4. Program staff will conduct a home inspection to verify the home’s condition.
• 5. If found to be eligible for assistance, applicants will receive an award determination in accord with the following: for reimbursements, homeowners will receive funds for repairs that were completed prior to their submitting applications; for rehabilitation or reconstruction, a Sarasota County contractor will be assigned to begin the process.

“Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available,” the release points out.

“For assistance completing the survey,” the release says, “call 941-861-5309 or email [email protected]. Translation services are available,” the release notes.

To stay informed about program developments and upcoming events, sign up at ResilientSRQ.net.

05/29/2025

The 2025 SRQCon is set for June 7 at Selby Library in downtown Sarasota. Sarasota County's Libraries and Historical Resources staff is inviting the public to this free event that has become very popular in Southwest Florida.

These are the details:

The staff of the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Department is inviting the public to attend SRQCon, “a free pop culture convention” that will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Selby Library, which stands at 1331 First St. in downtown Sarasota, the county has announced.

“SRQCon transforms the library into an all-ages celebration of comics, gaming, cosplay, storytelling and creative expression,” a news release explains. “Attendees can expect an action-packed day featuring panels, workshops, interactive activities, live demonstrations, virtual reality, crafts, and a cosplay contest,” the release adds.

“This event is quickly becoming one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting comic conventions,” said Renée DiPilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, in the release. “What makes SRQCon truly special,” she noted, “is that it’s completely free to attend and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.”

The following is the schedule of events for the June 7 event:

11 to 11:45 a.m.
Gesture Drawing Workshop — Conference Room (ages 15 and up).
Katie Adams’ Shadow Puppet Show — Auditorium (all ages)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (drop-ins)
Dragon Eye Craft — Creation Station (ages 5 and up).
VR Exploration — Upstairs Art Area (ages 10 and up).

Noon to 12:30 p.m.
ShimmyBoom Cosplay Dance — Auditorium (all ages).

1 to 1:45 p.m
Cosplay Contest — Auditorium (ages 5 and up).
Drawing with Dean — Conference Room (ages 9 and up).

1 to 3 p.m.
Decorating Parasols, Caps, or Fans — Youth Program Room (ages 5 and up).

2 to 2:45 p.m.
Comic Creation with Bat City Comics — Auditorium (ages 13 and up).
Cosplay Tips Panel — Conference Room (ages 8 and up).

2 to 4 p.m.
Kodama Craft — Auditorium (ages 5 and up).
Video Games — Teen Room (ages 8 and up).

3 to 3:45 p.m.
Magic Bunny Q&A — Auditorium (ages 3+)
Horror Writing Workshop — Conference Room (ages 18+)

“Cosplay is encouraged,” the release says, though it points out that “guests are reminded to ensure costumes are appropriate for all ages and comply with county and library rules of conduct.

“SRQCon is free and open to the public,” the release adds. “No tickets or registration are required.”

The release also says that the Mr. Bulgogi food truck will be on site.

For more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-1110.

05/19/2025

Our editorial regarding the critical need for the BCC to light a fire under county staff in dealing with the stormwater crisis:

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05/13/2025

An important announcement from Tax Collector Mike Moran:

Sarasota County Tax Collector offices will be closed on Friday, May 16, for state-required training, Tax Collector Mike Moran has announced.

This closure will include all four locations, a news release notes:
• Downtown Sarasota, in the Terrace Building, which stands at 101 S. Washington Blvd.
• Mid-County, which is located at 6100 Sawyer Loop Road in Sarasota.
• Venice, in the R.L. Anderson Administration Center, which stands at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail
• North Port ,inside North Port City Hall, which is located at 4970 City Hall Blvd.

“During this time, staff will participate in state-required training programs to learn new systems and procedures for the issuance of motor vehicle” and for the handling of driver’s license transactions, the release continues. Thus, the staff “will not be available to answer phone calls or emails,” the release explains.

While the offices may be closed, the release notes, services still will be available online at www.SarasotaTaxCollector.gov.
“Normal hours of operation will resume in all offices on Monday, May 19,” the release adds.

Visit www.facebook.com/SarasotaTaxCollector for office updates and information.

05/01/2025

VERY IMPORTANT update for motorists who use Bee Ridge Road regularly:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will close Bee Ridge Road tonight, May 1, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., at the Legacy Trail Overpass. The eastbound and westbound detour is necessary so crews can conduct overhead bridge construction on the new pedestrian / bicycle overpass.

Additional closures with detours are scheduled for May 4-8 at the Legacy Trail overpass at McIntosh Road and Clark Road. That will be in effect from 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. for overhead bridge construction. Motorists may prefer to take an alternate route or allow for additional travel time. Please use caution in the area.

For real-time traffic updates please access our website https://fl511.com/.