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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Fashion Show for a Cause and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Ben Quartermaine was hired to fix Sarasota stormwater. A year later, problems persist (wusf.org) — Sarasota residents still face serious flooding risks two years after Tropical Storm Debby, as key stormwater fixes, including major dredging on Phillippi Creek and drainage upgrades in neighborhoods like South Gate and Harbor Acres, lag behind schedule. The new county stormwater director has increased ditch cleaning and launched transparency tools, but staffing shortages, permitting delays, and frustrated homeowners show how far the system remains from reliable protection.
2. Breast Cancer Awareness Month on the Suncoast: Where to Get Screened and How to Get Help Paying for It – WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM (wengradio.com) — For Sarasota residents, Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes with practical help: Sarasota Memorial offers screening mammograms you can schedule directly, and a state program provides free or low-cost tests for eligible locals. The piece also shares helplines, stresses that new breast symptoms need prompt medical attention, and encourages you to finally schedule that long-postponed screening.
3. Millions awarded for Sarasota, Manatee hurricane recovery (miamiherald.com) — Sarasota is receiving more than $751,000 from FEMA to repair Hurricane Milton damage at Indian Beach Park, alongside earlier grants for a generator at Englewood Sports Complex and Proctor Road Bridge design. Neighboring Manatee County will get nearly $44 million for hurricane debris removal, while additional mitigation funds aim to better protect local homes and infrastructure from future storms.
4. Remembering Carlie Brucia and the abduction that devastated Sarasota (heraldtribune.com) — Sarasota residents are reminded of the 2004 abduction and murder of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia, a case that shook the community and led to a massive local search and high-profile trial. Archival photos revisit vigils, memorials, and courtroom moments in Sarasota, as well as the creation of lasting memorial gardens that still honor her memory today.
5. Southwest Florida 2026 honor flight (mysuncoast.com) — Local veterans in Sarasota can apply now for free Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C., with one-day journeys departing from Sarasota in October and Punta Gorda in April. The Southwest Florida Honor Flight group covers all costs, provides guardians and medical staff, and focuses on giving veterans meaningful time at national war memorials and a heartfelt public welcome home.
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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: "The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I ?" — Footsteps (Thank you Patty G. for sending it in!)
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