Politics

Politics

Sarasota Chamber to Host Online Campaign School and Leadership Training

The no-cost, nonpartisan three-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, candidates, campaign workers and more.

06/15/2021 By Staff

rainbow road

The City of Sarasota Still Wants to Light the John Ringling Bridge With a Pride Rainbow

Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody says he is "optimistic" that the bridge lighting may eventually take place, despite a previous denial by the Florida Department of Transportation.

06/14/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

Diverse Voices

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

DeSantis Signs Bill to Preserve Property Tax Exemption for Nonprofits

The law takes effect July 1 and maintains that as long as the predominant use of a property is for nonprofit purposes, the property should remain tax exempt.

05/21/2021 By Staff

Fast Track

Jack Bispham Appointed to Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board

Bispham is the owner/operator of Myakka City's Red Bluff Plantation and Paul’s Parrish.

05/17/2021 By Staff

Politics

DeSantis Signs Into Law Controversial New Voting Bill

The new law limits the use of ballot drop boxes and restricts vote-by-mail procedures. Republicans say it cracks down on potential fraud; Democrats say it's voter suppression.

05/06/2021 By Staff

The military

The Push for Justice for Survivors of Military Sexual Assault May Soon Succeed

New legislation championed by Sarasota's Nancy Parrish and Protect Our Defenders could dramatically change how allegations of sexual assault in the military are handled.

05/04/2021 By Kim Doleatto

The Pandemic

Gov. Ron DeSantis Ends Local Covid-19 Restrictions

The order comes after DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 2006, which will allow the governor to override local emergency orders.

05/03/2021 By Staff

Rescue Plan

Restaurants Can Start Applying for Revitalization Fund Money on Monday

Grant money can be spent on payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities, maintenance, supplies and other expenses.

04/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q&A

A New Book From a Sarasota Native Tells the Story of the Fight to Save the Everglades

Amy Green's Moving Water: The Everglades and Big Sugar was recently published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

04/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Crisis in Palmetto

DeSantis, State Officials Plan to Close Piney Point Facility

Full cleanup and closure costs could top $200 million.

04/13/2021 By Staff

Piney Point

Environmentalists Warn That Piney Point Pollution Could Affect Sarasota Bay

More than 200 million gallons of wastewater have been discharged into Tampa Bay. That could have major effects on the health of Sarasota Bay.

04/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Environment

Environmentalists Call for Complete Cleanup and Closure of Piney Point

Organizations say that at the current rate of wastewater discharge, nearly 500 tons of nitrogen are on track to be released in the course of about a week.

04/07/2021 By Staff

Politics

Sarasota Moves Ahead With New Rules for 'Hotel Houses'

The regulations are intended to curtail large-scale vacation rentals on Lido and St. Armands keys.

04/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Pandemic

City of Sarasota Revisiting Mask Mandate

The city commission voted 3-2 on Monday to begin reinstating the expired mask mandate.

04/06/2021 By Staff

Crisis in Palmetto

Piney Point Evacuation Leaves Residents and Business Owners Scared and Anxious

"It will have lasting effects for years to come for the entire county."

04/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q&A

How Dangerous Is the Water Leaking From Piney Point?

ManaSota-88’s Glenn Compton describes phosphate wastewater’s risk to human health and the environment.

04/05/2021 By Susan Burns

Politics

Will Sarasota Crack Down on 'Hotel Houses'?

Next week, the Sarasota City Commission will debate implementing new rules to regulate vacation rentals that residents say are ruining their neighborhoods.

03/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sound Off

Tallahassee vs. The People of Florida

Why do we want a legislature focused on boosting big money and punishing voters?

03/23/2021 By Pam Daniel

Politics

Sarasota County Commission Indicates It Will End Citizen-Initiated Reviews of Land Use

The citizen-initiated process allows a group of 20 voters to petition the county to initiate a comprehensive plan amendment.

03/09/2021 By Staff