**Sarasota Housing Action Plan released, highlighting shortages and strategies.** Local funders including Gulf Coast commissioned the plan from the Florida Housing Coalition, which quantifies the housing crisis in Sarasota County and recommends coordinated actions for affordable housing.

The most valuable story for readers today is the **Alleged Double Homicide Tied to a 51-Year-Old Woman, Susan Avalon**.

Excerpt: Authorities have arrested Susan Erica Avalon in connection with the suspected killings of her two ex-husbands, one in Manatee County and another in Hillsborough County, as investigations into the bizarre and multi-layered case continue. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is collaborating with Tampa police, aiming to seek first-degree murder charges and present the case to a grand jury.

A 51-year-old woman, identified as Susan Avalon, was arrested after investigators say she fatally shot two former husbands — one in Bradenton (Manatee County) and one in Tampa — in what the Manatee County Sheriff described as a planned, targeted attack; deputies located and arrested her at her Citrus County home and say they will seek upgraded charges and possibly the death penalty with the state attorney’s office[2][1]. [2][1]

**Taylor Morrison will build a 1,200-home Esplanade community, “Esplanade at Cammaray,” in Lakewood Ranch (sales expected early 2027).** The gated resort-style development will include about 1,200 single-family homes, condos, and twin villas plus amenities such as a resort pool and spa, culinary center, wellness and fitness centers, tennis/pickleball/bocce courts, spa services, and multi-use trails; Taylor Morrison closed on the land in mid-December 2025 and plans sales to begin in early 2027.

**$13.5 million approved for St. Armands Circle flooding resiliency.** Sarasota County commissioners approved funding for tidal valves, pumping systems, and generators to combat flooding like that from Hurricanes Debby and Helene, which inundated businesses with feet of water for days; this is one of three recent stormwater projects.

**Arrest in Targeted Shootings: Woman Accused of Killing Two Ex-Husbands**

Manatee County detectives have arrested Susan Avalon, who is accused of fatally shooting her ex-husband in Bradenton and is linked to another fatal shooting in Tampa. The incidents are described as targeted, with coordination ongoing between Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Tampa police, and the state attorney’s office on charges including first-degree homicide and potential pursuit of the death penalty.

**Manatee County deputies are searching for a suspect who shot and killed a resident at his front door in Bradenton on Wednesday afternoon, December 17, 2025.**[1]

This breaking incident marks the most recent governmental involvement reported, with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office actively investigating and seeking public tips. No suspect description or motive details were immediately released in available updates. The event occurred amid other local stories like a contractor fraud case and landfill energy conversion plans, but this shooting stands out for its recency and urgency.[1]

**Taylor Morrison acquires land for 1,200-home Esplanade at Cammaray resort community in Lakewood Ranch.** Homebuilder Taylor Morrison closed on a land deal on December 17, 2025, to develop a gated community with single-family homes, condos, and amenities like a resort pool, wellness center, tennis courts, and trails; sales are expected to start in early 2027.

**Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport's record 2025 growth**, including $200 million in expansions like a new concourse, 17 concessions, new baggage system, 11 airlines, and 69 nonstop destinations, setting up major 2026 plans.

**Manatee County Unveils Comprehensive Strategic Plan**

Manatee County has introduced its inaugural organization-wide Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 16. The plan is designed to enhance government efficiency and address community needs through initiatives focused on technology, public safety, environmental and economic development, and improved social services, setting a robust framework for future county progress and service delivery.