Weather Report

Isaias Comes Ashore Tonight. It's the 11th Major Hurricane to Hit the Gulf Coast in 10 Years.

The storm is now a major Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds.

10/09/2026 By Bob Bunting

TROPICAL UPDATE

Will Isaias Impact Sarasota?

Sarasota’s hurricane expert tells us what to expect as a storm brews in the Gulf of Mexico.

10/07/2026 By Bob Bunting

Suncoast Searchlight

Ben Quartermaine Was Hired to Fix Sarasota Stormwater. A Year Later, Problems Persist

After catastrophic flooding exposed deep problems in Sarasota County’s stormwater operation, the county has a new department, a new director and more workers. But a year into the turnaround, stubborn problems remain.

10/05/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Spin Cycle

Climate Adaptation Center Releases 2026 Hurricane Forecast

The verdict? The CAC predicts 12 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

04/24/2026 By Bob Bunting

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AccuWeather Releases 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

Plus, NOAA is updating its "cone of uncertainty" for 2026.

03/25/2026 By Megan McDonald

Cover Story

What Does It Take to Protect Sarasota School of Architecture Homes from Climate Change?

A new generation of stewards, advocates and craftspeople is proving these landmark homes can endure.

03/02/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Sea Change

What Does the Future Hold for St. Armands Circle?

As storms intensify and sea levels rise, St. Armands Circle weighs its future.

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota County Seeks Stormwater Rate Increase, but Audit Finds Millions Available

New Stormwater Director Ben Quartermaine, who has proposed raising annual rates by more than one-fourth, on average—but the recommendation contradicts a newly released audit

09/05/2025 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Michael Barfield/Florida Trident

Storm Spotters

Sarasota County Is Partnering With the National Weather Service to Offer Free Weather Safety Training

Love weather and helping others? The National Weather Service's free online SKYWARN seminar on Aug. 16 is for you.

08/12/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Tropics

High Sea Surface Temperatures, Dissipating Saharan Dust and More: Conditions For Hurricane Formation Are Becoming Ideal

Watch out for storm development in the tropical Atlantic this week.

08/04/2025 By Bob Bunting

After the Storms

Ten Severely Hurricane-Damaged City Parks Are Now in the Permitting Phase of Recovery

Work is expected to begin in 2026.

08/04/2025 By Staff

Hurricane Prep

Sarasota County to Open Voluntary Self-Service Sandbag Stations

The sites will be open on June 14, July 19 and Aug. 10 so residents can pickup free empty bags and sand to help prepare for potential storms.

06/06/2025 By Staff

Tropical Update

Keep Your Eyes on the Tropics This Month

June can be a concerning month for the Suncoast, because storms form in the southern Caribbean and then move northward through the Yucatan area into the Gulf.

06/02/2025 By Bob Bunting

Collateral Damage

What Are Natural Disasters Doing to Our Mental Health?

Hurricanes wreak havoc on our houses and businesses, but just as serious is the harm to our mental health.

05/30/2025 By Megan McDonald

Be Prepared

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30. Here's how to get ready.

05/29/2025 By Staff

Not an April Fool's Joke

Climate Adaptation Center Predicts 17 Named Storms, 10 Hurricanes and Five Major Hurricanes for 2025

We'd love to say we're pulling an April fool's joke, but record-high ocean temperatures and other meteorological conditions tell a different story.

04/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Waste Water

The Historic Hurricane Season Flexed Its Muscles. A Suncoast Sewage Crisis Followed.

From the Manatee River to Sarasota Bay, 177.8 million gallons of wastewater were released last hurricane season.

02/26/2025 By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

After the Storm

After Hurricane Devastation, the Suncoast Is Grappling With a Category 5 Economic Storm

From the onset of Debby through the immediate aftermath of Milton, businesses across the Suncoast suffered $187 million in direct revenue losses from customers compared to the same three months the year before.

02/21/2025 By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Hurricane Relief

The Deadline to Apply for FEMA Hurricane Relief Assistance Is Jan. 7

If you have damage from both storms, you will need to apply separately for both disasters.

01/06/2025 By Staff