Bye bye butts

It's Official: No More Smoking at City-Owned Public Beaches and Parks

City of Sarasota commissioners voted unanimously to ban cigarette smoking in non-designated areas.

10/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

No Butts About It

City of Sarasota Public Parks and Beaches Are One Step Closer to Being Butt-Free

City of Sarasota officials voted unanimously to move forward with banning smoking in city-owned parks and public beaches.

09/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Street Beat

The City of Sarasota Wants Public Input on Plans for Shade Avenue

Planners are asking to hear from those who live or travel along Shade by Wednesday, Aug. 31.

08/29/2022 By Bethany Ritz

You Complete Me

Ringling Boulevard Upgrades Will Make the Street Safer for Cyclists

Sections of the road will soon become what is known as a “complete street.”

05/23/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Planning

City Approves Affordable Housing Measures, But Scraps Changes to Building Height Rules

If implemented, the changes could add an estimated 2,000-3,000 more affordable housing units to the city.

05/17/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Back to the drawing board

City Rejects Art Slated for Fruitville Road and U.S. 41 Roundabout

City commissioners said they felt “lukewarm” about the coral-like sculpture recommended by the Public Art Committee.

04/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Breaking News

Van Wezel Foundation, City of Sarasota Execute Partnership Agreement for Sarasota Performing Arts Center

The foundation has assembled a team of theater experts for the new performing arts center

04/04/2022 By Staff

Solidarity

The Ringling Bridge Will Light Up in Yellow and Blue in Support of Ukraine This Week

For seven nights, the bridge will be lit in the colors of the Ukraine flag.

03/04/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Development

Fillmore Parking Lot on St. Armands Will Remain Just That—For Now

Due to the requirements of a parking-garage bond that ends in 2038, City of Sarasota commissioners voted to put proposals to develop the lot on hold.

02/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

First Senior-Focused Affordable Housing Development in 50 Years Opens in Newtown

The senior-focused affordable housing project in north Sarasota replaces a subsidized housing project called Newtown Heights.

02/02/2022 By Kim Doleatto

park politics

City Commission Rejects Proposal to Sell Section of Downtown Pocket Park

A New York City-based development firm had proposed turning part of Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park into a two-story food court and bar.

01/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Beep Beep, Scoot Scoot

Scooter, Bike Share Program Coming to Sarasota

Beginning in March, about 350-400 scooters and 50-75 bicycles will be available for rent.

01/18/2022 Photography by Staff

Teed up

Plans to Renovate Bobby Jones Golf Complex Get the Green Light

After years of neglect and delays, the Sarasota City Commission approved plans to move forward with renovations and conservation of the 300-acre property.

01/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Bright Lights, Medium-Sized City

New Top-of-the-Line Lighting System Coming to Payne Park Tennis Center

The Sarasota City Commission voted Monday to spend $535,000 to upgrade the tennis center's lights in preparation for the Sarasota Open in April.

01/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Vacation Rentals

City of Sarasota's Vacation Rental Registration Open

The vacation rental ordinance establishes an occupancy limit and requires 24-hour contact information for the rental.

12/31/2021 By Staff

Keys Open Doors

What Does It Take to Receive a Key to the City of Sarasota, Anyway?

Past recipients include Kenny Rogers, Ringo Starr and Patti LaBelle.

12/22/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Celebrity access

Guess What? We Now Have a Royce Gracie Day in Sarasota.

Mayor Erik Arroyo gave mixed martial arts superstar Royce Gracie the key to the City of Sarasota and named a day after him.

12/11/2021 By Kim Doleatto

park politics

Developer's Hopes to Build a Food Court on Downtown Park Property on Hold

Several residents spoke out against the plan at a Sarasota City Commission meeting on Monday.

12/07/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Building Up

Here's a Look at What Could Be Coming to St. Armands Circle

A rundown of the proposals for the Fillmore parking lot site that City of Sarasota commissioners received this week.

11/18/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Big News

The Bay Will Be Completed Five Years Sooner Than Originally Planned

An amended partnership agreement between the City of Sarasota and the Bay Park Conservancy will save major money and time on the 53-acre park project.

11/16/2021 By Staff