Assault Weapon Ban Passes U.S. House: What FL Reps Say

Florida Democrats in the U.S. House supported an assault weapon ban, which passed in a 217-213 party-line vote Friday.

FL Hospitals Must Offer Abortions To Save Mother’s Life: Biden

In Florida, a new 15-week abortion ban is being challenged in court by the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and several medical providers.

Respect For Marriage Act: How FL Republican House Members Voted

Six of FL’s GOP House reps supported the Respect for Marriage Act. See how your local representative voted.

After Special Olympics Threat, Gov. Newsom Targeted FL, DeSantis In Ad

Because FL threatened to fine the Special Olympics $27.5M over vaccine mandate, CA Gov. Newsom targeted the state's GOP in a July 4 ad.

FL Agency Refused To Pay For COVID Tests Ordered In Pandemic: Lawsuit

An AL company is suing FL’s Division of Emergency Management after it refused to pay for COVID tests ordered in March 2020, records show.

‘Freedom Is Under Attack In Your State’: CA Governor Tells Floridians

In a 4th of July ad, Gov. Gavin Newsom targeted Florida’s Republican leaders and policies, and urged Floridians to “join us in California.”

Sarasota Police Union Concerned Over Lack Of Progress In Negotiations

Biggest concerns during contract negotiations between Sarasota police, city are compensation, anti-discrimination policy, police union said.

If Kids Go To Drag Show Parents Should Be Charged: FL State Rep

Gov. DeSantis said he supports a GOP lawmaker who wants parents who bring their kids to drag shows in FL to face felony charges.

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Student Activist Joins Hagen Brody’s Campaign Team

Sarasota County student making headlines for opposing FL’s "Don’t Say Gay" bill will campaign for a Democratic county commission candidate.

Roe V. Wade: Take Our FL Patch Survey On Abortion Access

Patch wants to know how you feel about the Supreme Court possibly overturning Roe v. Wade and abortion access in Florida. Take our survey.

Save Siesta Key Incorporation Efforts Renewed With Petition

As the Save Siesta Key organization rejuvenizes efforts to incorporate the barrier island community, it’s asking residents to sign petition.

FL’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Lawsuit Has Ties To Sarasota County Student

A Pine View School senior is part of a suit against Gov. DeSantis and FL Dept. of Education seeking to strike down the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

College Admissions Scandal: Sarasota Leader Wrote Reference Letter

When he was Sarasota mayor, Hagen Brody wrote a reference letter for Mark Riddell, who was just sentenced in the college admissions scandal.

CDC’s Mask Mandate For Public Transit Overturned By FL Judge: Report

A federal judge in FL said the CDC overstepped its authority in extending its national mask mandate for public transportation, reports said.

No County Funds For Rumble After Commission Ends EDC Incentive Grants

With Sarasota County ending the EDC incentive grants, Rumble won’t receive $825K for opening its U.S. headquarters in Longboat Key.

FL Swimmer ‘Rightful Winner’ Over Trans Athlete, DeSantis Says

DeSantis said Sarasota Olympian Emma Weyant is the "rightful winner" after losing an NCAA championship race to trans swimmer Lia Thomas.

Rescind Rumble’s $825K Grant, Some Sarasota Residents Say

With Rumble offering a platform to Russian state-controlled news outlets, Sarasota County residents are protesting the company’s move to FL.

Countywide Voting Rejected, Schools Tax OK'd: Unofficial Results

Sarasota County voters decided in favor of single-member voting districts and the continuation of a school tax, unofficial results show.

Controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Passes Florida Senate: Report

Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passed the state Senate Tuesday and heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to be signed into law.

Martin Hyde Tells Tucker Carlson He’s Still Running For Congress

With questions about whether Martin Hyde was running for Congress after threatening a cop’s career, he spoke with Fox's Tucker Carlson.

Russian State News Has A Platform On Sarasota’s Rumble

The YouTube alternative Rumble, which opened a headquarters in Longboat Key, continues to broadcast RT, a Russian state-owned outlet.

End To Russian Sister City Relationship Sought By Sarasota Leader

Commissioner Hagen Brody wants to end the sister city relationship between Sarasota and Vladimir, Russia, during the Ukraine invasion.

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Protest Set At Sarasota’s Ringling Bridge

The Emergency Say Gay Rally organized by Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida is set for Sunday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Ringling Bridge.

Early Voting Starts Saturday At 4 Sarasota County Locations

The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections has also announced polling place changes in eight precincts.

What’s Ahead For Martin Hyde Political Future? We Don’t Know Yet

​The candidate, who threatened to end a Sarasota cop’s career over a ticket, hasn’t filed to run in the District 16 U.S. House race, yet.

GOP Candidate Threatens Sarasota Cop’s Career Over Ticket: Video

Congressional candidate Martin Hyde later apologized on Facebook to an officer for being “belligerent and rude”​ during a traffic stop.

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Targeting Schools Advances In FL House

If passed, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill would limit discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools.

Sarasota Schools Could Lose $12M For Mask Mandate: Report

Top GOP lawmaker suggested steep funding cuts for Florida school districts that defied Gov. DeSantis’ executive order banning mask mandates.

Mike Pompeo Named ‘Statesman Of The Year’ By Sarasota County GOP

The former secretary of state for President Trump will be honored at a barbecue hosted by the Republican Party of Sarasota County in March.

Brody Will Run For Sarasota County Commission Seat: Report

Sarasota City Commissioner Hagen Brody is vying for the Sarasota County Commission District 2 seat held by Christian Ziegler, reports said.

Retired Police Chief To Run For Sarasota County School Board

Tim Enos, who retired as chief of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department in December, is running for district 5 school board seat.

Sarasota Commissioners Explore Siesta Key Annexation

After a bid for the incorporation of Siesta Key fell flat, Sarasota city commissioners will explore annexing the barrier island community.

Crumbling FL Bridges Finally Getting Repaired

With 408 bridges in poor condition, Florida will get millions of dollars over five years for repairs and upgrades.

Sarasota-Area Unemployment Still Low: New Update

The Sarasota County unemployment rate improved recently, according to the newest figures.

Cyber Ninjas Shutting Down After AZ Election Audit: Report

A judge ordered FL's Cyber Ninjas to pay $50K daily sanctions until it turns over records from its AZ 2020 election audit, reports said.

Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Riot: 76 Floridians Charged In Breach So Far

Floridians at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 included a Michael Jackson impersonator, an opera singer, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and GOP candidates.

Profane, Political Holiday Lights Anger Sarasota Candidate's HOA

Martin Hyde, who is challenging Rep. Vern Buchanan next year, will host a party to unveil his holiday lights, “celebrate freedom” Wednesday.

Sarasota-Area Unemployment Rate Improves: Latest Figures

The Sarasota County unemployment rate improved somewhat, according to the newest figures.

Sarasota-Area Unemployment Rate Decreases: Latest Data

The Sarasota County unemployment rate improved somewhat as fall approached.

Rittenhouse Visits FL Eatery After Filming Interview: Report

After being acquitted in the fatal shootings of 2 WI protesters, Kyle Rittenhouse came to Southwest FL for an interview with Tucker Carlson.