Happy at Home

Sarasota County's 2021 Citizen Opinion Survey Results Are In

Population growth was a top stressor—but an overwhelming majority of residents praised Sarasota living.

09/28/2021 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

Labor Day

Sarasota City, County Offices Closed Today

Most city and county government offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day.

09/06/2021 By Staff

The Rental Market

Sarasota and Manatee Residential Rents Go Up—Again

The bottom line? Rents won't be declining anytime soon.

09/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Utilities

New Bill Payment Options Available for Sarasota County Utilities Customers

The new website will offer a "Pay Now" function to make quick payments without registering an account, plus other features like autopay.

08/23/2021 By Staff

Sustainability

Registration Open for Sarasota County's 16th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop

The online event will be held Nov. 10 and feature speakers Meg Lowman, Rob Greenfield and Tai Simpson.

08/11/2021 By Staff

Rental Market

Sarasota Rent Prices Just Keep Increasing

Despite a looming eviction crisis, rents increased by 20 percent in Sarasota County and 27 percent in Manatee County compared to July 2020.

08/04/2021 By Kim Doleatto

The Rental Market

Sarasota Rents Are Skyrocketing Again

Since March of last year, monthly rents increased by 13 percent in Sarasota County and 19 percent in Manatee County.

07/02/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Centennial Celebrations

County Sets Week of Celebrations to Mark the Sarasota Centennial

Several local partnerships will commemorate the occasion.

06/28/2021 By Staff

Clean Up

Sarasota County to Host Community Cleanup in Lake Sarasota Area June 12

Discarded household items, appliances, junk, tree trimmings and other garbage will be collected at Sarasota Baptist Church.

06/04/2021 By Staff

Breaking News

Sarasota County Declares State of Emergency Over Water Shortage

The order includes a temporary ban on residential lawn irrigation using potable water and is effective until further notice. Residents north of Bee Ridge Road may also experience low water pressure.

05/27/2021 By Staff

Finance

Fitch Affirms AAA and AA+ Ratings for Sarasota County Bonds

The county's general credit rating of "AAA" demonstrates consistent maintenance of general fund reserves and low long-term liability burden.

04/26/2021 By Staff

Fast Track

Sarasota County Names New Solid Waste Director

Brian Usher previously served as the county's solid waste manager.

02/11/2021 By Staff

Centennial

Sarasota County Centennial 2021 Launches Partnership Program

Established as a cultural and historical event for the region, the centennial celebration will feature a variety of activities, both in-person and virtual.

01/04/2021 By Staff

Holidays

Sarasota County Government Offices to Close for the Holidays

Many departments will close on Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, 2021.

12/21/2020 By Staff

Environment

Sarasota County Acquires 100 Acres for Conservation

The county recently acquired 20 acres along the Myakka River and 80 acres in the Old Miakka area.

11/20/2020 By Staff

Covid-19

Financial Assistance Program Boosts Economy During Pandemic

The Sarasota County CARES Assistance program has distributed tens of millions of dollars to individuals and businesses.

11/20/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

Rent Assistance Available for Sarasota Residents Impacted by Covid-19

Residents who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have experienced unemployment or underemployment may apply for rental assistance to prevent eviction.

08/27/2020 By Staff

Awards

Sarasota County Fire Department Recognized by American Heart Association

In 2019, 4 percent of nearly 60,000 emergency calls for SCFD Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response were cardiac-related.

08/14/2020 By Staff

Nature

Sarasota County Buys 40 Acres for Environmental Conservation

The property links the existing Old Miakka Preserve to 120,000 acres of conserved land near the Myakka River and Tatum Sawgrass Marsh.

08/06/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker