Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s really planned for Sarasota’s old county building on Ringling?

Coming up on the Sarasota Patch calendar: Classic Car Show Returns to Hooters in Port Charlotte on August 19

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi Sarasota! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's really planned for Sarasota's old county building on Ringling?
  • How many drivers got ticketed in Sarasota school zones last week?
  • Want your art welcoming travelers at SRQ? Here's the new opportunity.

Also on today's calendar: Classic Car Show Returns to Hooters in Port Charlotte on August 19 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 90 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 90, low: 79.
  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 79 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sarasota Commissioners Clear the Way for Benderson's Transformation of Former County Building (sarasotamagazine.com) — Sarasota city commissioners have cleared the way for Benderson Development to turn the former county administration building on Ringling Boulevard into a taller Class A office and retail hub. The unanimous votes realign zoning so the entire downtown site falls under higher-density Downtown Core rules, while preserving a buffer for nearby Laurel Park. Final design, traffic details, and construction timelines will come later through site-plan review.
   

2. Sarasota County releases school zone ticket numbers after first week of class (mysuncoast.com) — Sarasota County deputies issued 238 citations across 24 school zones in the first week of classes, highlighting ongoing speeding concerns near campuses like Fruitville Elementary. Parents are urging drivers to slow down and pay attention to flashing 15 mph signs as students walk to and from school. The report follows similar speed-camera enforcement numbers released in nearby Bradenton.
   

3. Sarasota, SRQ airport partner on public art postcard project (yourobserver.com) — Visitors flying into SRQ will soon be greeted with free collectible postcards showcasing Sarasota's arts and culture, created by four local artists. The city's Public Art Committee and the airport approved the Spirit of Sarasota Postcard Project, with a competitive artist call coming this fall. Selected artists, who must have Sarasota ties, will receive stipends and ongoing exposure.
   

4. Gulf Coast Foundation gives $49 million to local causes (heraldtribune.com) — Major philanthropic support is flowing into Sarasota County, with Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its donors directing part of $49 million in grants to projects like child welfare services in south Sarasota, PLANit Sarasota, and Suncoast Technical College. The funding also backs Legacy Trail connections, early learning programs, and workforce training that directly affect local families, students, and commuters.
   

📸 Around Sarasota

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Sarasota

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Sarasota Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Sarasota PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Friends Drawn to The Vibrant Lifestyle Emerson Lakes Offers —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • All Faiths Food Bank hires new Senior Director for DeSoto Food and Resource Center —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • ⚠️ Local Business Scam Alert — Sarasota Just a heads-up for anyone offering cleaning or other services through Neighbors.
    I was contacted by someone claiming to need a cleaning at a local Sarasota property. He said he found my number through Neighbors and identified… (Nextdoor Sarasota Springs II)
  • Found a black cat outside.
    All black, male, probably younger than 18 months old. Thin build. Took him in to ARC for stray cat surgery and shots but found out that he had… (Nextdoor South Gate)
  • Harmar Mobility, LLC posted a job opening for Entry Level Material Handler - Bilingual Preferred in Sarasota. Apply here.
  • Whole Foods Market, Inc. posted a job opening for Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Full Time in Sarasota. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sarasota here.

Ok Sarasota! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Sarasota