About the Author: Christian Casale | Suncoast Searchlight
Two years after devastating floods, Sarasota County approves $32 million in fixes
After the rainfall from Hurricane Debby washed through Sarasota in 2024, some homes in the Amish-Mennonite village of Pinecraft sat underneath nearly 10 feet of water. After the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, some [...]
Sarasota hosts parking open house without public comment. Chaos ensues.
The meeting began with roaring boos. Then came the yells from the gallery. And accusations from attendees that they were misled by Sarasota officials. Roughly 80 people had come to City Hall on Monday [...]
County Administrator warns of potential cuts to sheriff’s office, key services if Amendment 3 passes
Sarasota County could see major cuts to critical services if Amendment 3 passes at the ballot box in November, with the Sheriff’s Office alone standing to lose more than $50 million of the property [...]
St. Armands garage is straining Sarasota’s parking finances
When the city of Sarasota debuted its St. Armands garage in 2019, the four-story building was heralded as a state-of-the-art solution to solve years of parking woes on the island. The $15.6 million project was [...]
Sarasota, Manatee voters deal a blow to grassroots candidates in primary
Voters across the Suncoast dealt a blow to grassroots challengers Tuesday night, while rewarding the establishment-backed candidates — including some who campaigned as outsiders themselves. With few exceptions, the results marked a staggering reversal [...]
Sarasota parking is supposed to pay for itself. It hasn’t for over a decade
When Sarasota rescinded its extended parking hours at a fiery meeting last week, Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich reiterated her desire that the city’s parking division be able to sustain itself. As an enterprise [...]
Florida’s new anti-DEI law threatens funding for Sarasota arts groups
Sarasota County arts organizations seeking a share of $2.1 million in public grant funding this year are facing a new requirement tied to recently approved Florida restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Some [...]
Sarasota reverses extended parking hours after intense pushback
In a stark reversal of its controversial new policy, the Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously to suspend its new extended parking hours during a marathon meeting on Monday. The move came after intense pushback [...]
Sarasota approves $51 million rehabilitation of wastewater facility
Following a series of sewage spills in recent years, Sarasota’s primary wastewater treatment facility will soon receive a much-needed facelift after the City Commission approved a $51 million rehabilitation project on Monday. The city [...]
Five vie for Sarasota City Commission in key election
With two Sarasota City Commission seats on the ballot, this year’s election will determine who helps steer the city through what could be its most consequential period in recent history. Mayor Debbie Trice, who [...]
Sarasota County proposes very small reduction to property tax rate
With heightened attention on how much local governments collect in property taxes and how they spend it, Sarasota County is eyeing a tiny reduction in its overall tax rate for the next budget. The [...]
Sarasota County blocks hyperscale data centers for at least one year
Sarasota County will not even consider the notion of any large-scale data centers for at least a year, citing concerns over utility resources and environmental degradation. Commissioners voted on Wednesday to halt the “acceptance, [...]
