In 2025 and early 2026, Florida lawmakers passed and considered several significant bills that restrict “home rule”—the authority of local governments to manage growth and development. Key Legislation Restricting Home Rule Senate Bill 180 (SB 180): Passed in 2025, this law prevents cities and counties from enacting any development regulations seen as “more restrictive or burdensome” […]
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Florida bill would give Benderson Development its own taxing district at UTC
Benderson Development wants its own taxing district at UTC Published On: January 16, 2026 5:30 am Last Updated: January 15, 2026 9:18 pm By: Derek Gilliam | Suncoast Searchlight and Christian Casale, Sarasota Herald-Tribune A new bill in the Florida House would turn the University Town Center into a special government district and give one of the region’s […]
Venice Theatre, Gills to the rescue
VENICE THEATRE’S CHALLENGE MATCH BY WILLIAM AND SARA GILL Saraaota newspaper news events Editors Note: Venice Theatre was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022. The storm’s high winds and rain caused catastrophic structural failure, including the total collapse of the back wall and the 30-year-old fly tower of its main stage, the Jervey Theatre. […]
Ex-Mooney player charged
Sarasota newspaper news events: Former Cardinal Mooney player and NBA player Antonio Blakeney has been charged in connection with a wide-ranging point-shaving scheme involving college and professional basketball games in China. He is accused of accepting bribes to underperform and recruiting other players into the conspiracy. Key Details of the Alleged Scheme Timeline and Scope: The scheme allegedly began […]
Sarasota, the Rich, the Famous
Sarasota newspaper news events Sarasota has long been a destination for the ultra-wealthy, particularly in enclaves like Casey Key Bird Key , and Longboat Key . Some info may be historical and not current. . Sarasota has long been a haven for the ultra-wealthy, including numerous Forbes-listed billionaires and high-profile millionaires from the worlds of […]
Sarasota Historic Designations
Sarasota newspaper news events: Sarasota County’s commitment to historic preservation was recognized with 2026 Heritage Awards for two of its projects. The Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse and the Sarasota County Terrace Building were honored by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation for excellence in preserving the county’s historic places. Established in 2017, the Heritage Awards celebrate […]
Public has lost control over development
Sarasota Newspaper news events Suncoast Searchlight investigative reporter Derek Gilliam moderated a panel on development on the Suncoast. | Photo by Alice Herman, Suncoast Searchlight Officials, civic leaders warn public has lost control over development By: Alice Herman | Suncoast Searchlight Elected officials and civic leaders offered a dire assessment during a panel discussion Wednesday about […]
Sarasota Memorial Ranked top 100
Sarasota news events newspaper SMH Ranked Among America’s 100 Great Hospitals in 2025 As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System caps off a momentous centennial year, the community-owned health system is pleased to announce it has been ranked among 100 “Great Hospitals in America” for 2025. The national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review this month spotlights […]
Sarasota Memorial New Blood Pressure Treatment
Sarasota Memorial Hospital is among the first wave of U.S. hospitals offering renal denervation, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to treat people with high blood pressure that does not respond to conventional medications and lifestyle therapies. “We are very excited to bring this innovative therapy to our community,” said Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Chief […]
Stephen King’s Ties to Sarasota
Photo: Shane Leonard Sarasota news events: Stephen King views Sarasota: not as a typical pristine vacation spot, but as a place with “texture”—a term he uses to describe the city’s complex, somewhat “funky” character that differentiates it from more manicured Florida locales. As of 2025, King remains a part-time resident, spending winters at his secluded […]
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