Sand-tastic!

Some Sarasota Beaches Will Reopen This Weekend

Siesta, Nokomis, North and South Brohard and Maxine Barrit beaches will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 26.

10/24/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Helping the Helpers

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Partners With Southern Smoke Foundation to Support Food and Beverage Workers

The Southern Smoke Foundation will provide bridge funding fueled by Gulf Coast's Rapid Response Fund to ensure life-sustaining support for those in areas of greatest need.

10/03/2024 By Staff

Philanthropy

Foundations Provide Funding for Disaster Relief in Sarasota-Manatee

The Patterson Foundation has initiated major support for two initiatives managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

10/01/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Helene

Island Residents Reflect on Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

We spoke to business owners and residents from the barrier islands about the effects of the hurricane's historic storm surge, its aftermath and what comes next.

10/01/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Better Together

In the Wake of Hurricane Helene, Coastal Restaurants and Their Employees Have a Long Road to Recovery

From Manasota Key to Anna Maria Island, restaurants near the water are working tirelessly to reopen.

10/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Disaster Relief

FEMA Payments, Clean and Sanitize Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance Available

Two Disaster Recovery Centers are also open in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

09/30/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

The Town of Longboat Key asks that residents restrict wastewater usage, free medical services will be available in Manatee County this week, and debris clean-up begins.

09/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Helene

Here Are the Latest Local Road Closures Due to Hurricane Helene

Avoid the barrier islands and coastline communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. We'll keep this list updated as we learn more.

09/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

To the Rescue

Grey Bull Rescue Helped Florida Residents as Hurricane Helene Struck

The Tampa-based, veteran-led nonprofit team—which has done rescue missions in Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan and Russia—made its way to Sarasota to provide aid.

09/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Disaster Relief

How to Give and Get Help After Hurricane Helene

We'll keep this list updated as more services and resources become available.

09/30/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Access to Bradenton Beach will begin tomorrow, plus updates on cleanup efforts, water restoration, emergency disaster declarations, small bridge loans and more.

09/29/2024 By Megan McDonald

Disaster Relief

Supply Distribution Locations Open in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Supplies available include water, ice, sports drinks, tarps, flood buckets, non-perishable food items and Meals-Ready-To-Eat (MREs).

09/28/2024 By Megan McDonald

Alert

The National Weather Service Has Issued a Flood Warning for Areas Near the Myakka River

Areas immediately surrounding the river, especially low-lying areas, may experience up to 2 feet of flooding between Thursday and Saturday.

08/07/2024 By Staff

End of an Era

Albritton Fruit Farms Will Likely Be Sold to Sarasota County Later This Year

The county expects to purchase the 341-acre, sixth-generation family farm for $19 million. Sarah Albritton says she and her husband hope to restart their beloved you-pick operation elsewhere.

06/04/2024 By Kim Doleatto

R.I.P.

Longtime Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson Has Died

Patterson was 79 years old. She spent more than 20 years in public service in Sarasota.

02/08/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Walk This Way

The Legacy Trail Is Getting a New Pedestrian Overpass at Tuttle Avenue

Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the project. It's one of several overpasses poised to make the trail safer.

01/31/2024 By Kim Doleatto

resident roar

Siesta Key Resident Takes Legal Action Against Sarasota County

Lourdes Ramirez is challenging the county's decision to vote in favor of a hotel project that lifts the cap on density limitations outlined in the comprehensive plan.

12/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Siesta Key Hotels

Another Siesta Key Hotel Project Moves Forward

The seven-story, 120-room hotel on Old Stickney Point Road from 1-800-ASK-GARY founder Gary Kompothecras will also include a separate five-story parking garage.

11/03/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Happy at Home

Sarasota County's 2021 Citizen Opinion Survey Results Are In

Population growth was a top stressor—but an overwhelming majority of residents praised Sarasota living.

09/28/2021 By Kim Doleatto