October 31, 2025 Edition TOP STORIES: Dredging of high spots in Phillippi Creek between Tuttle and Beneva to begin in November, Stormwater Department reports For 6th year in a row, population growth/development cited in Sarasota County Citizen Opinion Survey as most important issue While expressing support for Bay Park, County Commission agrees to hold off until at least April 2026 before committing to help pay for Phase 3 amenities Oct. 21 marks final County Commission meeting at decades-old structure standing at 1660 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota Work getting underway on first bifurcated section of Legacy Trail Saba Sands attorneys characterize county argument in case involving County Commission denial of variance for proposed 2-unit condo complex on Siesta’s Beach Road as ‘nonsense’ Phase 3 of Bay Park in downtown Sarasota to feature more parking and launch space for boaters who use Centennial Park As county’s Land Acquisition Program marks 25th anniversary, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources provides details about purchases Company that owns Sharky’s on Pier in Venice to operate first restaurant in The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota President of Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association wins County Commission appointment to Citizens Advisory Committee for Public Transportation OTHER NEWS (free): Annual Veterans Day Parade to be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in downtown Sarasota Residents encouraged to change smoke alarm batteries as Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 2 Harlan Coben to be featured speaker at 14th annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon Sarasota County receives national recognition from Emergency Management Accreditation Program On Nov. 15, Sarasota County to mark 25 years of land conservation with event at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve South Children First celebrates grand opening of renovated playgrounds at Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center Big Waters Land Trust announces permanent protection of 13 acres adjacent to Crane Park in Manatee County Visit Sarasota County expands leadership team, announces promotions
