Politics

Sarasota Sidewalk Art Set to Be Removed

A new state mandate bans all “non-standard” markings on streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, insisting they're safety hazards and distractions to motorists—despite research showing street art actually results in safer driving habits and fewer crashes.

08/27/2025 By Kendall Southworth

The Arts

Ringling Museum Will Remain Under FSU's Management

The proposed transfer of the museum from Florida State University's stewardship to New College of Florida's was left out of the 2025 legislative budget.

06/17/2025 By Staff

Condo news

A New Condo Law May Offer Owners Some Relief. Is It Enough?

Florida’s new condo law aims to ease financial pressure after the Surfside collapse, but rising costs, insurance hikes, and mounting reserves continue to squeeze owners—especially in aging buildings.

06/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Public Health

Florida Bans Fluoride in Public Water, Ending Decades-Long Public Health Practice

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation prohibiting additives in municipal water, including fluoride, prompting a divided response from health experts and local officials.

05/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Disaster Relief

Property Tax Relief Available for Homeowners Who Lost Their Residences Due to Hurricane Helene

The Florida Department of Revenue will pro-rate property taxes for homeowners who apply for a refund and provide documentation that their home was uninhabitable for 30 days or more due to Helene.

10/02/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather

DeSantis Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine

The declaration affects 41 counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

09/23/2024 By Staff

Fly Pride

The Pride Flag Will Fly High at Sarasota City Hall for the Month of June

In response Gov. Ron DeSantis' allowing only red, white and blue lights on state bridges this summer, City of Sarasota commissioners voted to fly the Pride flag for a month.

05/21/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo

How Cinderella’s Castle Became the Latest Battleground in the Culture Wars

Is it changing from something aspirational and inspiring to something darker and even dangerous?

11/03/2023 By Robert Plunket

Hot Topics

What Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Means for Women

Physicians say the new law, if enacted, will prevent pregnant women from receiving needed care.

07/05/2023 By Elizabeth Djinis

Politics

A Massachusetts College Is Offering Admission to New College Students

In the wake of recent events, Hampshire College says it will welcome New College transfers and match students' current cost of tuition.

03/15/2023 By Megan McDonald and Elizabeth Djinis

Politics

A Look at New College's Cloudy Future

With a new conservative majority on its board of trustees, the college is poised to undergo major changes, and many affiliated with the school are worried it could lose what makes it special.

01/30/2023 By Elizabeth Djinis

Civil Rights

Recent Voter Fraud Arrests Threaten to Keep People Away From the Polls

Critics say the arrest of 20 former felons for voting could have a chilling effect on turnout this year.

11/01/2022 By Isaac Eger

Beam Me Up

Starlink Receivers Help Keep Sarasota County Connected After Ian

The state is also continuing to work to get generators to gas stations in Sarasota County and distribute meals and water.

10/03/2022 By Megan McDonald

Piling on

Faced With New State Education Laws and Policies, Many Teachers Feel Distrusted

A recent survey reveals low morale among many Sarasota County teachers.

08/23/2022 By Kim Doleatto

New Day Rising

Pine View Graduate Zander Moricz Challenged His School and His State Over LGBTQ Rights

Pine View’s decision to censor Moricz's graduation speech if he mentioned his activism brought him national media attention, including profiles in Rolling Stone and on NBC.

06/13/2022 By Elizabeth Djinis

Fast Track

DeSantis Appoints Canada West to Florida Rehabilitation Council

West, of Sarasota, is the senior vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Division of Vocational Rehab

05/06/2022 By Staff

Politics

Photos: Planned Parenthood's 'Save Roe' Protest in Downtown Sarasota

The rally—a response to leaked documents indicating the Supreme Court plans to overturn Roe v. Wade—was held at the Sarasota County Administrative Building.

05/04/2022 By Megan McDonald

Save the Manatee

DeSantis Announces $30 Million in Funding for Manatee Rescue Programs, Habitat Restoration

More manatees died in 2021 than in any other year on record.

05/02/2022 By Staff

Politics

DeSantis Signs 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Into Law

The bill bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

03/28/2022 By Megan McDonald