YIGBY Housing Initiative Progress: Efforts to adopt the YIGBY (You’ve Got to Build Your Own) model for affordable housing are advancing along the Gulf Coast. Religious organizations are preparing for complex housing development projects, with workshops planned to help congregations understand the process. Sarasota city and county staff are handling YIGBY projects on a case-by-case basis without proposing ordinances at this time.

Sarasota's Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget public hearing scheduled for September 15 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, focusing on a modest millage rate increase to restore city reserves depleted by the 2024 hurricane season and fund coastal park restoration and resiliency projects.

Sarasota community responding to statewide crosswalk ban with an art protest project involving mosaic stepping stones to symbolize inclusion, resilience, and reclaiming belonging for minority groups following the removal of a rainbow-colored crosswalk. The event takes place Sunday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 9 p.m. at FAB Arts Center.

Potential Closure and Repurposing of Wilkinson Elementary School: Sarasota County Schools is considering closing Wilkinson Elementary due to declining enrollment, despite recent population growth. The plan would reassign its 300+ students to nearby schools and move the district's central office to the Wilkinson site. Parents are actively fighting to keep the school open, with ongoing community meetings and a possible school board decision expected by November 18. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to keep schools operating closer to capacity and expand educational programs.

The Great Scallop Search 2025 in Sarasota Bay revealed only 20 scallop sightings this year, a significant decline compared to previous years, indicating poor environmental conditions and seagrass loss in the bay. This annual citizen science event is critical for tracking the health of Sarasota’s aquatic ecosystem.

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus is hosting a solemn 9/11 remembrance ceremony, starting with a flag-raising and playing of taps, followed by a formal program honoring the victims and first responders. The event highlights national resilience and ongoing service by military and emergency personnel.

Recap from the most recent Sarasota County Commissioners meeting

Recap from the most recent Sarasota County Commissioners meeting

Local Insurance Companies Fined for Claim Handling: Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation has fined three local insurers for misconduct in handling property claims, part of a broader enforcement effort addressing insurance companies’ poor claims management during recent storm events. Fines total $2.07 million, targeting companies including some with bases in the Sarasota-Manatee region.

Recap from the most recent Sarasota County Commissioners meeting