Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota Reverses Extended Parking Hours After Intense Pushback

"We didn't talk to our stakeholder. We didn't talk to the restaurateurs, the retailers, our residents, or our tourists. We talked to ourselves," said Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich.

08/04/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

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

Parking Pain

Update: Sarasota Will Implement Longer Paid Parking Hours Downtown

City commissioners approved a plan on Monday, May 18, that will extend meter enforcement to 8 a.m. through midnight, seven days a week—minus Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.—and raise many fines.

05/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Palm Reading

Sarasota Commissioners Reject Controversial Palm Avenue Tower Again

City commissioners voted 4-1 to reject a mediated settlement for the 1260 N. Palm Residences, keeping alive a fight over height, compatibility and the future of Palm Avenue.

05/05/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Smooth Operator

New City Manager Karie Friling Prepares to Step Into City Hall

Friling, the first woman selected for the job, talks about growth, local control, stormwater, housing and why her first year will begin with listening.

04/29/2026 By Kim Doleatto

City Manager

Updated: Karie Friling Named Sarasota City Manager

Friling will be the first woman to hold the position in the City of Sarasota.

02/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Mira Mar 2.0

Sarasota City Commission Clears the Way for an 18-Story Mixed-Use Project to Move Forward

After hours of presentations from the applicant, opponents and public comment, commissioners unanimously approved a comprehensive plan amendment at yesterday's legislative meeting.

05/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Going Down

City Commissioners Uphold Appeal to Halt the 327-Foot Obsidian Condo Project

The commission cited incompatibility with city standards in a 4–1 vote following extensive public opposition and hours of testimony.

05/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Full of Pride

Sarasota City Commissioners Approve Flying Pride Flag at City Hall Next Month

In a unanimous vote, commissioners OKed flying the flag from May 5 through May 12.

04/23/2025 By Kim Doleatto

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

Moving Target

The Historic McAlpin Home Must Be Moved or Demolished—With a Condition

City of Sarasota commissioners finally decided on the fate of the historically designated 112-year-old home at yesterday's meeting.

05/07/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

New Affordable Housing Incentives Will Allow Triple Density Along Some Sarasota Thoroughfares

City commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to expand developer incentives in exchange for affordable units to address the city's affordability crisis.

04/03/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Historic Home

The Historic McAlpin Home, Part of a Major Downtown Sale, Stays Where It Is—for Now

City of Sarasota Commissioners voted yesterday for a continuance in an appeal by the developer to demolish the 1912 George McAlpin home, known for its rare and pre-cast rusticated block.

10/03/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Listening to Diverse Voices

City Commissioner and Lawyer Erik Arroyo on His Journey to Success

The first Hispanic, immigrant mayor of the City of Sarasota talks about fitting in, and fulfilling his ambition against all odds.

08/24/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Lim's revenge

Check Out the Top Sculpture Contender for the U.S. 41-Fruitville Road Roundabout

Where The Sun Always Shines by Sujin Lim earned the City of Sarasota Public Art Committee's recommendation at yesterday's meeting. It will now go to city commissioners for approval.

05/04/2023 By Kim Doleatto

More Housing

A Multi-Family Apartment Complex With Affordable Units Is Coming to Tuttle and Bahia Vista

Yesterday, City Commissioners voted for a zoning change that will allow a 250-unit apartment building on the former Doctors Hospital site.

04/18/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Big Deals

City Approves Plan to Clean Up, Redevelop Environmentally Damaged Newtown Property

City commissioners voted to sell nearly 13.2 acres of land that was formerly an illegal dumping site to developers who aim to build a medical facility, offices and a light industrial warehouse.

04/04/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Image Is Everything

What the New City Seal Says About Sarasota's Possible Future

Reading the tea leaves of the city's new look.

01/04/2023 By Isaac Eger

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. The new ordinance is now in effect.

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

Cigarette butts, that is.

09/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Sarasota Magazine

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