About the Author: Suncoast Searchlight Staff
FDOT ordered street art removed. Then Sarasota got a faux brick crosswalk
Last summer, city workers erased colorful artwork from streets and sidewalks across Sarasota, including rainbow crosswalks downtown, painted sea creatures near Mote Marine Laboratory on City Island and nearly 300 sidewalk panels created by [...]
Are alligators commonly found at Sarasota’s Ted Sperling Park?
No. Alligators aren’t typically spotted at Ted Sperling Park because they are freshwater animals. The water at Ted Sperling Park interacts with the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, Big Pass and Brushy Bayou –– most [...]
Did Florida’s Revenue Estimating Conference predict billions in losses from Amendment 3?
Yes. The Revenue Estimating Conference is predicting a $4.95 billion shortfall on local non-school property tax revenues in Fiscal Year 2027-28 if Amendment 3 passes. If passed, Amendment 3 would provide an additional property tax [...]
Has DeSantis overseen more executions than any administration in Florida’s history?
Yes. Gov. Ron DeSantis has overseen 40 state executions since taking office in 2019, which is more than any previous administration in modern Florida history. Former Gov. Rick Scott oversaw 28 executions across two terms [...]
Can a lien be put on your Florida home even if you pay a contractor in full?
Yes. A homeowner may still face a lien against their property if the contractor they paid in full doesn’t compensate its subcontractors or suppliers who completed the work. A lien is a legal claim put [...]
Are some Sarasota residents owed money from the county?
Yes. Hundreds of Sarasota residents and businesses have unclaimed money being held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court from court-related activities. Unclaimed money can stem from reasons including uncashed checks issued by the clerk, [...]
Can Floridians still vote if they’re turned away at the polls?
Yes. If Florida residents are turned away at the polls during the Aug. 18 primary –– or any election –– they can request a provisional ballot to cast their vote. A resident’s eligibility to vote [...]
Is it legal to cruise in the left lane?
No. Florida law requires drivers on highways and multi-lane roads to keep the left lane clear to let faster vehicles pass in order to avoid impeding the flow of traffic. State Statute 316.081(3) states that [...]
Does Florida allow elderly drivers with poor vision on the road?
No. Florida drivers over the age of 80 must pass a vision test before renewing their license. The test must be taken regardless of if someone renews in-person, online or by mail. It can be [...]
Meet the Manatee County School Board candidates seeking change
The Manatee County School Board has undergone years of upheaval. Since 2018, the district has had four superintendents, including one interim leader, while grappling with turnover, politically-charged debates over education, and ongoing challenges retaining [...]
Are some full-face snorkel masks dangerous to wear?
Yes. Some full-face snorkel masks, as opposed to traditional two-piece ones, have posed dangers to consumers, leading experts to advise against wearing them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning in March advising [...]
Is Sarasota County’s burn ban over?
Yes. The burn ban in Sarasota County was lifted on July 12 after drought conditions improved. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures drought conditions on a scale of 0-800, fell below 500 for seven consecutive [...]
