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: Open House - North Port and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Sarasota superintendent rejects blanket book bans - WSLR+Fogartyville (wslr.org subscription) — Sarasota Schools Superintendent Terry Connor says the district will follow Florida's book laws without resorting to blanket bans or clearing shelves out of fear. He outlined a review process that keeps collections age-appropriate, transparent to parents, and focused on student reading interest, while allowing families to restrict specific titles and formally challenge books through established district policy.
2. Sarasota County approves first Hi Hat 'village' - WSLR+Fogartyville (wslr.org subscription) — Sarasota County commissioners have approved the first village at Hi Hat Ranch, rezoning 2,000 acres for up to 3,000 homes and shifting a planned sports complex to Fruitville Road near rural neighborhoods. Supporters tout open space and road funding, while residents and one commissioner raise concerns about infrastructure costs, village design, affordable housing rules, and environmental and well-water impacts.
3. Sarasota County commissioner's husband paid $42K by lobbyist for developers (wusf.org) — Sarasota County residents are learning that political committees funded by developers and other county contractors have paid $42,000 to a consulting firm run by Commissioner Teresa Mast's husband, while some of those donors had business before the commission. Ethics experts say the arrangement raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and public trust, even as the Masts insist their finances are separate and lawful.
4. Sarasota Farmers Market named No. 1 in America (bradenton.com) — Sarasota's year-round downtown Farmers Market has just been voted the No. 1 farmers market in America, and it happens every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lemon Avenue at Main Street. With nearly 11,000 votes nationwide, the market's long-time vendors, local farmers, and small businesses are being celebrated for creating a community hub that supports Sarasota's economy and social life.
5. Cheapest E15 gas in Sarasota County reach $2.99 in week ending Oct. 3 (sarasotareview.com) — Drivers in Sarasota County saw the cheapest E15 gas drop to $2.99 per gallon at one station during the week ending Oct. 3, while the countywide average sat at $3.47. With only two stations offering E15 locally and statewide prices still higher, residents may want to shop carefully and expect continued volatility at the pump.
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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: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
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