Hello again Sarasota! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Planet 13 Sarasota Grand Opening: Fri 8/21 & Sat 8/22! and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Sarasota Police Probe Report of Gunfire On North Tamiami Trail (patch.com) — Sarasota police are investigating a mid-morning report of gunfire along the 3400 block of North Tamiami Trail, where all involved parties are cooperating and no injuries were reported. Detectives believe the incident was isolated but are still gathering information, and residents are urged to share tips with Detective Maria Llovio or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County.
2. These Are The Best Public High Schools In FL For 2026-27: U.S. News (patch.com) — Families around Sarasota may be interested to know Pine View School in nearby Osprey was named Florida's top public high school and ranked 13th nationally in U.S. News' 2026-27 list. The report highlights 25 leading Florida schools based on test performance, graduation rates, and college readiness, using data from the 2023-24 school year.
3. Sarasota County School Board Loses Conservative Majority: Unofficial Results (patch.com) — Sarasota County voters have upended the school board's conservative majority, with Democrat-endorsed candidates leading two races and another headed to a November runoff. The shift follows years of culture-war battles over books, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and parental rights, and new candidates are promising to refocus on students and classroom learning. Unofficial results from the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections highlight strong support for Megan Tennimon, Beth Mayberry, and runoff contender Jimmy Glover.
4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Phase Two, Sarasota (oftmw.com) — Phase Two of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota will complete the bayfront campus, adding a new conservatory, exhibition spaces, and a learning pavilion where Sarasota Bay meets Hudson Bayou. Building on Phase One's welcome plaza and research center, this stage is designed to bring more of Selby's plant science and living collections into public view for local visitors and members.
5. Wastewater investments pay off with a rejuvenated Sarasota Bay (yourobserver.com) — Massive wastewater upgrades by Sarasota County, including the $280 million Bee Ridge facility, are paying off with a cleaner, more resilient Sarasota Bay. Seagrass is rebounding, nitrogen levels are down, and local advocates say these investments protect both the environment and the tourism- and real estate-driven economy residents rely on.
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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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
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