Sarasota Police Department's Emerging Technology: The SPD is adopting cutting-edge technology, including smart glasses and drones, to enhance crime-fighting capabilities with a Real-Time Operations Center.

Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, with expectations of significant storm surge and flooding in the Sarasota area. Early reports highlight water levels previously seen reaching waist height, with the potential for even higher surges from this storm.

Sarasota Memorial and Cigna new agreement effective October 1, ensuring Cigna commercial plan members have in-network access to Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s acute-care hospitals, outpatient and urgent care centers, and SMH First Physicians Group, improving healthcare access for the community.

Nearly 900 traffic stops carried out in a state grant-funded roadway safety operation by the Sarasota Police Department, addressing 1,100 violations including speeding, cellphone use in school zones, and DUIs. The operation involved about 450 hours of enforcement, and SPD is seeking additional funding to continue efforts.

North Port to get a new $450 million Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) facility: North Port is set to receive an SMH hospital valued at $450 million, expanding healthcare options in the region.

Voters to be asked to approve a new $700 million Sarasota County jail—a major local infrastructure and public safety project is on the ballot, reflecting the county’s plans to expand detention facilities.

North Port will receive a new $450 million SMH hospital — A major health infrastructure project is underway to bring an SMH hospital to North Port, enhancing healthcare access in the region.

Sarasota County Sheriff highlights costly but effective law enforcement efforts — Sheriff Kurt Hoffman reported to the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce that the $221 million budget is helping reduce crime, with the county's crime rate on the decline despite rising costs. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is large, with 1,068 employees, and operates at a lower taxpayer cost compared to neighboring counties.

A swimmer was pulled from the Gulf waters near a Sarasota beach and died despite life-saving efforts, as reported by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. This tragic incident is one of several recent fatal accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and swimmers in the area.

One-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s impacts and ongoing recovery efforts: Sarasota County officials marked the anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s strike in late September 2024, discussing damage recovery, lessons learned, and the role of programs like Resilient SRQ and the Long-Term Recovery Group in helping low-to-moderate income households and storm-affected families.