Hi Sarasota! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Classic Car Show Returns to Hooters in Port Charlotte on August 19 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Sarasota Commissioners Clear the Way for Benderson's Transformation of Former County Building (sarasotamagazine.com) — Sarasota city commissioners have cleared the way for Benderson Development to turn the former county administration building on Ringling Boulevard into a taller Class A office and retail hub. The unanimous votes realign zoning so the entire downtown site falls under higher-density Downtown Core rules, while preserving a buffer for nearby Laurel Park. Final design, traffic details, and construction timelines will come later through site-plan review.
2. Sarasota County releases school zone ticket numbers after first week of class (mysuncoast.com) — Sarasota County deputies issued 238 citations across 24 school zones in the first week of classes, highlighting ongoing speeding concerns near campuses like Fruitville Elementary. Parents are urging drivers to slow down and pay attention to flashing 15 mph signs as students walk to and from school. The report follows similar speed-camera enforcement numbers released in nearby Bradenton.
3. Sarasota, SRQ airport partner on public art postcard project (yourobserver.com) — Visitors flying into SRQ will soon be greeted with free collectible postcards showcasing Sarasota's arts and culture, created by four local artists. The city's Public Art Committee and the airport approved the Spirit of Sarasota Postcard Project, with a competitive artist call coming this fall. Selected artists, who must have Sarasota ties, will receive stipends and ongoing exposure.
4. Gulf Coast Foundation gives $49 million to local causes (heraldtribune.com) — Major philanthropic support is flowing into Sarasota County, with Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its donors directing part of $49 million in grants to projects like child welfare services in south Sarasota, PLANit Sarasota, and Suncoast Technical College. The funding also backs Legacy Trail connections, early learning programs, and workforce training that directly affect local families, students, and commuters.
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Ok Sarasota! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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