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Elections

Suncoast Searchlight

Blue Wave Misses Suncoast as Republicans Maintain Power

Along the Suncoast, Republicans maintained their grip—clinching victories in county commission races across Sarasota and Manatee counties and helping deliver congressional seats to Sydney Gruters and incumbent Greg Steube.

11/04/2026 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Politics

Photos: No Kings Rally, October 2026

Despite the rain, hundreds of people showed up for downtown Sarasota's No Kings event on Saturday, which focused on early voting and civic engagement.

10/19/2026 By Staff Photography by Damon Powers

Vote!

Early Voting Has Started in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

From Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, registered voters in both counties can opt to vote ahead of the Nov. 3 general election at any of these polling places.

10/19/2026 By Staff

Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Nonprofits Preparing for Potential Cuts if Property Tax Amendment Passes

If the referendum passes, Sarasota County could lose almost $400 million in tax revenue over the next five years, while Manatee County could lose almost $500 million, according to projections by the Florida Association of Counties.

10/08/2026 By Emily Andersen/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

Candidate Forums Offer Sarasota, Manatee Voters a Chance to Hear From Contenders

Local chapters of the League of Women Voters are hosting a series of nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

09/22/2026 By Suncoast Searchlight Staff

Suncoast Searchlight

County Administrator Warns of Potential Cuts to Sheriff’s Office, Key Services if Amendment 3 Passes

Sarasota County could see major cuts to critical services if Amendment 3 passes at the ballot box in November, with the Sheriff’s Office alone standing to lose more than $50 million.

08/25/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota School Board Flips to Liberal Majority After Years of Conservative Control

The next Sarasota County School board will see a liberal-leaning majority take control after voters rejected the conservative policies and culture wars that for years dominated the board.

08/20/2026 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

Local Voters Mostly Stick With Establishment, Developer-Backed Candidates in Primary

Because the majority of the state—including both Sarasota and Manatee counties—is solidly Republican, the GOP primaries usually put winning candidates on a clear path to victory in the November general election. But there were some surprises.

08/19/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

Vote!

How to Vote in the August 18 Primary in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Florida is a closed primary state. Here's what to know before you head to the polls.

08/17/2026

Suncoast Searchlight

Five Vie for Sarasota City Commission in Key Election

Joining incumbent commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch on the ballot are four first-time candidates from diverse professional backgrounds: Flo Entler, John Harshman, Rob Rominiecki and Yevgeny Khodorkovsky.

07/20/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

First Person

Manatee County Commission Candidate Adam Johnson on the Issues

How serious is Johnson, really? And can he transition from his mischievous trolling on X (formerly known as Twitter) for the unsexy slog of zoning ordinances?

07/01/2026 By Isaac Eger

Playing the Fool

Adam Johnson, the Smiley Guy Who Grabbed Nancy Pelosi’s Lectern on Jan. 6, 2021, Is Running for Manatee County Commission

Should voters take him seriously?

07/01/2026 By Isaac Eger

Mr. Nice Guy

Mr. Gruters Goes to Washington

Congenial new RNC chair Joe Gruters juggles Trump, midterms and a fractious Republican Party. How long can he keep smiling?

02/03/2026 By Isaac Eger

Election 2024

A Guide to Election Results in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Both counties saw voter turnout higher than 80 percent.

11/06/2024 By Staff

Election 2024

Who Designed Our Cute 'I Voted' Stickers?

Sarasota and Manatee counties both held student design contests. You'll see the winning stickers when you go to the polls.

11/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

Election 2024

Voting in Person Today? Take Note of These Polling Location Changes

Due to the recent hurricanes, several polling places in both counties have been relocated.

11/05/2024 By Staff

Sweet relief

Baking These Cookies Is Guaranteed to Make Your Election Day Sweeter

Take out your feelings on these cookies, which require you to slam down your baking sheet to achieve a magical ripple effect.

11/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

Vote!

How to Vote in Manatee County, Florida, in 2024

Whether you're a first-time voter in Manatee County or an old pro who simply needs a refresher, here's everything you need to know.

11/04/2024 By Staff

Vote!

How to Vote in Sarasota County in 2024

Everything you need to know—from how to register to how to track your vote-by-mail ballot.

11/04/2024 By Staff

Vote!

How to Vote in Sarasota County and Manatee County in 2024

Whether you're a first-time voter in Sarasota County or Manatee County, or an old pro who simply needs a refresher, here's everything you need to know.

08/20/2024 By Megan McDonald

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

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