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

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

Through March 10, the bridge will be lit in the colors of the Ukraine flag in a show of solidarity amid the Russian invasion of the country.

03/04/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Development

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

City of Sarasota commissioners voted to put the brakes on proposals to turn the lot into a mixed-use project.

02/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

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

This comes as Sarasota County rents keep skyrocketing, surpassing a countywide median overall rent of $2,000 a month for the first time late last year.

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

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