Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could your Sarasota tax bill rise to fund a stormwater project?

Also check out League of Women Voters to Speak on Ballot Measures on the Sarasota Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Sarasota! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could your Sarasota tax bill rise to fund a stormwater project?
  • How far can Sarasota High's star swimmer go this season?
  • How a late-night Sarasota assisted living fire unfolded Saturday night

Also on today's calendar: League of Women Voters to Speak on Ballot Measures and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 90, low: 73.
  • Friday: Humid with a t-storm or two, with a high of 89 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sarasota homeowners could face new fee under county plan (miramarflnews.com) — Sarasota County homeowners in the Matheny Creek and Elligraw Bayou areas could see a new annual assessment of roughly $340 to $500 for 20 years to help buy the former Gulf Gate Executive Golf Course for stormwater improvements. County commissioners are exploring the purchase to reduce flooding and improve water quality, and will first survey affected residents before deciding whether to move forward.
   

2. Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jackson Irwin (yourobserver.com) — A standout Sarasota High swimmer, senior Jackson Irwin, has been named Sarasota's Athlete of the Week after earning another spot on the USA Swimming Junior National Team. He talks about Sarasota's chances in the state swim meet, how he's improved in the pool, and why the sport's tight-knit community keeps him motivated since moving to Florida.
   

3. Fire at Sarasota County assisted living facility sends one to hospital (mysuncoast.com) — A late-night fire at an assisted living facility on South Beneva Road in Sarasota County sent one resident to the hospital with significant injuries and briefly displaced others. Firefighters contained the blaze in about 20 minutes, and residents have since returned inside, with investigators now working to determine what sparked the fire.
   

4. The Harvest Sarasota Presents Diverse Fest 2026 (srqmagazine.com) — Sarasota residents are invited to Diverse Fest 2026, a free, family-friendly celebration of inclusion and connection hosted by The Harvest Sarasota on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3650 17th Street. Expect live music, local nonprofits, LGBTQ+ groups, BIPOC-owned businesses, and community organizations creating a welcoming, empowering space for all ages.
   

5. Sarasota County's published in-state tuition and required fees were $6,916 in 2024-25 (sarasotareview.com) — New College of Florida in Sarasota County currently charges $6,916 in published in-state tuition and required fees for 2024-25, the highest among Florida counties with complete data. The article compares Sarasota's costs with statewide and national averages, highlighting how local tuition fits into broader trends of rising college expenses and growing student aid.
   

📸 Around Sarasota

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Sarasota

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Harvest Sarasota presents 4th annual Diverse Fest 2026 —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • Arts Advocates Announces October 2026 Events —Kelly Fores Read on Patch
  • Safe Children Coalition announces 2027 Champions for Children —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Kicks Off 31st Season on October 11 —Kelly Fores Read on Patch
  • Anyone have recommendations for a masonry company to work for?
    I Haven't found a suitable company to work for down here. I am a brick and stone mason and concrete finisher that takes pride in my work. These guys… (Nextdoor De Soto Lakes)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Edo, a cat who went missing in Sarasota, FL, has been safely reunited with their family after 5 hours, 7 minutes. Message from Owner: "Our sweet boy… (Nextdoor Cedar Creek)
  • Lifetime Fitness - Life Time, Inc. posted a job opening for Party & Events Team Member in Sarasota. Apply here.
  • ResProp Management posted a job opening for Bilingual Leasing Consultant - Greenway Apartments in Sarasota. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sarasota here.

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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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