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

Politics

Sarasota Delays Discussion of New Home Sharing Rules Until Next Year

If eventually approved, a home sharing ordinance may allow for rentals shorter than seven days within city limits, as long as a homeowner is present.

11/16/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Politics

Home Sharing May Soon Be Allowed in the City of Sarasota

That would mean homeowners can rent out a portion of their home while they're on site.

10/19/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Politics

Sarasota City Commission Adjusts Meeting Times

Meetings will now begin at 9 a.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

10/12/2021 By Staff

Affordable Housing

Joint Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Makes Recommendations

They include modifying impact fee requirements and allowing flexibility in densities.

08/31/2021 By Staff

Politics

City of Sarasota Charter Review Committee Invites Public Feedback

The city charter outlines the basic organization, functions, powers and procedures of the city government.

08/26/2021 By Staff

Government

Marlon Brown Named Interim Sarasota City Manager

Brown succeeds Tom Barwin, who will retire at the end of this month.

12/08/2020 By Staff

Government

Selby Gardens Compromise Master Plan to Go Before City Commission

The meeting will take place Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.

12/01/2020 By Staff

Government

Citizens Can Participate Remotely in October Sarasota City Commission Meetings

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

10/01/2020 By Staff

Vote

Candidates Qualify for District Election

With more than two candidates qualifying for District 2 and District 3, a first election for those seats will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

06/12/2020 By Staff

'This Is An Incredible Time in History'

Sarasota's Mayor Says the Time for Anti-Racist Action Is Now

Jen Ahearn-Koch discusses the protests that have rocked America, how Sarasota city government should respond and whether we need to "defund the police."

06/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

City Commission Appoints Mayor, Vice-Mayor

Jennifer Ahearn-Koch has been named mayor and Shelli Freeland Eddie vice-mayor. Ahearn-Koch replaces outgoing mayor Liz Alpert.

11/11/2019 Photography by Staff

Environment

City Moves Forward With Ban on Single-Use Straws, Polystyrene Containers

A final vote will take place at the city commission's August meeting.

07/22/2019 By Megan McDonald

Election Night

Committee Picks Brand New Art for Brand New Roundabouts

As the City of Sarasota grows, so does its public art collection.

07/18/2019 By Olivia Letts