Affordable Housing

Sarasota County Approves $26.9 Million in Affordable Housing Awards

Commissioners funded four multifamily projects using disaster recovery dollars and directed staff to seek more information on whether the remaining $3.1 million could help advance a 158-unit plan tied to Sarasota's U.S. Recycling site.

01/14/2026 By Kim Doleatto

St. Armands Moment

Sarasota County Approves $13.5 Million in Funding for St. Armands Circle

The money, from the Resilient SRQ Infrastructure Program, a HUD disaster recovery initiative tied to last year's storms, comes as private reinvestment plans are proposed for the Circle.

12/18/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Big Deal

Sarasota County's Purchase of Albritton Fruit Farms Is Final

The property will provide soil for covering waste at the county landfill located just south of the farm and "will not be used as a landfill," according to a county spokesperson.

10/29/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Siesta hotels

Judge Sides With Siesta Key Resident Suing Sarasota County Over Proposed High-Density Hotel

Lourdes Ramirez says she got a “grand prize” win in her battle against high-density hotels on Siesta Key.

08/22/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Burning Question

Should We Restore Midnight Pass?

Dr. Dave Tomasko of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program highlighted the pros and cons of restoring Midnight Pass to the Sarasota County commission this week.

04/12/2023 By Isaac Eger

In Memoriam

Remembering Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert

The longtime Florida politician passed away this week at age 78.

04/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

On the ballot

Local Officials Want to Make It Harder for Citizens to Change the County Charter

To draw attention to the issue, County Commission candidate Mike Cosentino wore a cowboy hat, a muscle-padded suit and a cape to a public hearing on the topic.

07/13/2022 By Isaac Eger

No Changes

No Changes for How Sarasota County Commissioners Are Elected, Public Schools Funded

The results are in from yesterday's special election.

03/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

If at First You Don't Succeed

The Sarasota County Commission Wants a Do-Over on Single-Member Districts

Voters are again being asked to decide whether Sarasota County Commissioners should be elected by the residents of their district or by the county as a whole.

02/08/2022 By Elizabeth Djinis

Update

Plan to Improve Vamo Drive Park Gets the Green Light

Sarasota County leaders on Tuesday OKed a plan to upgrade the park with proceeds from the sale of one of the homes on the property.

01/26/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Politics

State Lawmakers Vote Down Bill to Incorporate Siesta Key

A proposal to create a town on Siesta Key needed a majority vote to move on to the state Legislature.

01/05/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Development

Benderson Development Acquires Sarasota County Administration Building for $25 Million

The deal allows the county to lease back the space in the building for another four years.

12/31/2021 By Staff

Government

Sarasota County Commission Names Chair, Vice-Chair

Alan Maio, District 4, was selected as chairman for 2022; Ron Cutsinger, District 5, as vice-chair.

12/10/2021 By Staff

resident roar

Siesta Key Resident Takes Legal Action Against Sarasota County

Lourdes Ramirez is challenging the county's decision to vote in favor of a hotel project that lifts the cap on density limitations outlined in the comprehensive plan.

12/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

From the Editor

Elected Officials Are Putting Sarasota's Character and Natural Assets at Risk

More than ever, we need enlightened leaders who had the strength and vision to maintain a balance between unchecked growth and stagnation.

12/01/2021 By Susan Burns

Siesta Key Hotels

Another Siesta Key Hotel Project Moves Forward

The seven-story, 120-room hotel on Old Stickney Point Road from 1-800-ASK-GARY founder Gary Kompothecras will also include a separate five-story parking garage.

11/03/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Siesta key hotels

Eight-Story Siesta Key Hotel Moves Forward

Sarasota County commissioners voted in favor of increasing height and density limits to accommodate the 170-room hotel project. Plus, an update on the three other proposed hotel projects.

10/28/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Urban Sprawl

Hi Hat Ranch Density Changes OK'd by County Commissioners

Despite opposition from the public, county commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an amendment allowing up to six times more density on 10,000 acres of land.

09/09/2021 By Kim Doleatto

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