Sarasota County issues 9-1-1 usage guidelines
Sarasota County Emergency Services advised that 911 should be used to report a fire, to save a life or to stop a crime, and not for pranks, directions or information, with more details at SCGOV.NET.
| Apr 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County hosts Community Conversations Hurricane Preparedness event
Sarasota County Emergency Services thanked participants in this morning’s Community Conversations Hurricane Preparedness event and said it will post highlights and preparedness tips on social media as hurricane season approaches, with posts using the hashtags #SRQCounty and #CommunityConversations and linking to scgov.net/communityconversations.
| Apr 11, 2026 at 2:50 PM | EMS |
Sarasota schools partner to offer ECG screenings for student-athletes
Sarasota County schools are partnering with Who We Play For to offer ECG heart screenings for student-athletes during upcoming physical nights, ahead of Florida's Second Chance Act requirement for ninth- through 12th-grade students, with April 13 at Booker High School and April 15 at North Port High School, $20 per student, and additional sites planned in May.
| Apr 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Holds Hurricane Preparedness Community Conversations
Sarasota County Emergency Services is urging residents to attend a Community Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, where experts will discuss personal and home preparations and vital resources; registration is through Eventbrite at bit.ly/3RbMCck and more information is at scgov.net/CommunityConversations.
| Apr 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota to host Community Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness
Sarasota County will host Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness on April 11 at Riverview High School, featuring leaders from Sarasota County Emergency Management, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center, with doors opening at 9 a.m., presentations beginning at 10 a.m. and registration at scgov.net.
| Apr 10, 2026 at 11:30 AM | EMS |
Goodwill Manasota to Open Venice Distribution Hub and Bargain Barn
Goodwill Manasota will open a 55,000-square-foot facility in the City of Venice in summer 2026 that will serve as a regional distribution and materials-optimization hub, divert about 85 percent of donated items from the landfill, house a Goodwill Bargain Barn, and create local jobs.
| Apr 10, 2026 at 9:01 AM | Business |
Sarasota benefits specialist guides employees through retirement
Anna Kwasnik, Sarasota County Schools' retirement benefits specialist, helps district employees navigate retirement decisions with more than a decade of experience and a focus on clear, approachable benefits information.
| Apr 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM | School |
Sarasota County EDC Seeks Scholarships for CEO Academy
SARASOTA, Fla. — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is raising funds to provide scholarships for the Sarasota County CEO Academy, a program for second-stage companies, during the Giving Challenge April 15–16.
| Apr 9, 2026 at 9:30 AM | Business |
Wellen Park High Opens as Sarasota County's Newest High School
Wellen Park High School, the newest in Sarasota County, features a student coffee shop, sand volleyball courts, hands-on STEM labs, arts programs and premier athletics, and offers college credit and real-world learning as registration opens online at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/register.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 3:03 PM | School |
Agenda Released for Sarasota Hurricane-Preparedness Community Conversations
Sarasota County Emergency Services announced the agenda for its Community Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness, featuring experts from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Sarasota County Emergency Management to discuss hurricane-season readiness; the event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Riverview High School in Sarasota, with presentations starting at 10 a.m. and doors opening at 9 a.m. for exhibitors, and registration available at scgov.net/CommunityConversations or via Eventbrite.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 11:51 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County urges residents to identify safe places
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to identify safe places for severe weather, from interior, low-level rooms during tornadoes to pre-storm family plans for hurricanes, and to share selfies using the #SafePlaceSelfie tag.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 11:11 AM | EMS |
WOWCube Develops New Handheld Gaming Platform
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said it met with WOWCube’s leadership to learn about its handheld gaming system, a new category that blends engineering, software and design and underscores the region’s growing innovation economy.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 10:01 AM | Business |
Sarasota ESE Agency Fair, YANA Event Set for April 9
Sarasota County Schools will host the 2026 ESE Agency Fair and YANA Event on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Venice Community Center, offering families a chance to meet local agencies, explore resources for students and connect with organizations that support student success, with highlights including food trucks, prizes and information on community supports.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM | School |
STC to Host Open Houses in Sarasota, North Port
STC will host open houses at its Sarasota Campus on April 8 and at the North Port Campus on April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering hands-on program exploration, campus tours and meetings with instructors and financial aid staff, with a $1,000 scholarship available at both events.
| Apr 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Proclaims Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 12-18, 2026 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and thanked the county’s 911 center telecommunicators and the Public Safety Communications team for handling 630,514 calls in 2025.
| Apr 7, 2026 at 3:21 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Declares National Crime Victims' Rights Week
City commissioners in Sarasota declared National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for April 19–25, 2026—marking the 45th anniversary of the observance and referencing 32,000-plus laws and victim-services programs nationwide—with the proclamation accepted by the Sarasota Police Department Victim Advocate Coordinator on behalf of the Sarasota County Government Victim Advisory Council.
| Apr 6, 2026 at 4:50 PM | Gov |
Sarasota Schools Laud Nutrition Teams for Egg-Citing Meals
Officials with Sarasota Schools praised the Food and Nutrition Services teams at North Port High School and Gulf Gate Elementary for keeping meals "egg-citing" and fueling student success, and thanked staff for energy, creativity and care in a post that ends with "Kickin' It with my PEEPS."
| Apr 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Fire Department Thanks Safe Kids Day Attendees
The Sarasota County Fire Department thanked Safe Kids Day attendees at The Mall at University Town Center, where firefighters highlighted home fire safety—including working smoke alarms, two-way exit plans and proper use of extinguishers—and Sparky the mascot greeted visitors.
| Apr 4, 2026 at 3:08 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County EDC Thanks Carlo Fassi for Service
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County thanked Carlo Fassi for his service on its Board of Directors, citing his leadership as chair of a task force that updated and modernized key policies and saying his contributions strengthened the organization as he begins a new venture, with locations listed: North Port; Siesta Key; St. Armands.
| Apr 3, 2026 at 10:02 AM | Business |
Beach Safety Tips: Stay Vigilant, Alert Lifeguards
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges beachgoers to stay vigilant, inform visitors about rip currents and other hazards, alert a lifeguard if someone is in trouble and throw a flotation device while help arrives, and never attempt a rescue themselves, while educating others about beach hazards.
| Apr 3, 2026 at 9:02 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Schools' In Touch Highlights Volunteers, District News
The Sarasota County Schools' April 2026 In Touch newsletter highlights volunteers, SCS Cares, and district news and opportunities, with sections on the volunteer program and resiliency coaching, a superintendent's letter, a STC Criminal Justice Academy feature on Wendy Lee, and a wrap-up of the 2026 legislative session.
| Apr 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM | School |
Sarasota Fire Department trains for high-angle rescues downtown
The Sarasota County Fire Department's Special Operations Team is conducting high-angle rescue training in downtown Sarasota to maintain readiness for rare, high-risk emergencies, including crane-assisted drills after February's on-site rescue conducted in partnership with Juneau Construction Company, with no construction activity during training.
| Apr 2, 2026 at 1:49 PM | EMS |
Sarasota EDC Thanks Humane Society Leader Connie Boros
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said on Facebook it enjoys meeting investors across the county and learning about their impact, even more so when the visits include tail wags, and it thanked Connie Boros for leading efforts at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce.
| Apr 2, 2026 at 11:15 AM | Business |
Sarasota to host hurricane preparedness event April 11
Sarasota County will host the Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness on Saturday, April 11, at Riverview High School in Sarasota from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring panelists from the National Hurricane Center, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Sarasota County Emergency Management, with questions due by April 3 and registration available online.
| Apr 2, 2026 at 10:44 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Schools podcast episode 18 urges safe driving
Sarasota County Schools’ In Tune podcast Episode 18 features SCSPD Deputy Chief Dimitri Konstantopoulos, who discusses real risks in school zones and offers safety tips on speeding, distracted driving, e-bikes, teen drivers and pickup‑and‑drop‑off safety, urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and be patient; Episode 18 can be heard at youtu.be/PF8SabvXVbI or on other podcast platforms.
| Apr 2, 2026 at 6:20 AM | School |
Sarasota County Fire Department Expands Marine Operations, Water Rescue Capabilities
Sarasota County Fire Department announced an expansion of its marine operations and water rescue capabilities with four rescue boats on double-stacked trailers, enhanced protective equipment, and two high-water rescue trucks to speed response to hurricane- and flood-related emergencies and swift-water rescues.
| Apr 1, 2026 at 5:12 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County urges monthly smoke alarm tests
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged residents to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries monthly using the test button, aligning with the U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA's "Fire is Everyone's Fight" campaign.
| Apr 1, 2026 at 8:01 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County to host Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness
Sarasota County Emergency Services will host a free “Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness” on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverview High School in Sarasota, in partnership with the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center, the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Sarasota County Emergency Management to help residents prepare as hurricane season begins June 1, with registration via Eventbrite.
| Mar 31, 2026 at 10:12 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Economic Outlook Combines Regional, Federal Reserve Insights
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County promoted its May 14 Annual Economic Outlook, pairing regional competitiveness insights from the Tampa Bay Partnership with a national outlook from the Federal Reserve and inviting business leaders to buy tickets and register online.
| Mar 31, 2026 at 9:01 AM | Business |
Third-quarter report cards now available
Third-quarter report cards are now available on the Focus Parent Portal, Sarasota County Schools said, with Reading, Writing and Mathematics at A+, Science described as "Great!!!" and History as "Keep it up."
| Mar 30, 2026 at 5:31 PM | School |
Officials Urge Enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on their phones, as WEAs warn of weather threats and could save lives, with more information at weather.gov/wrn/wea and sign-up at AlertSarasotaCounty.com.
| Mar 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM | EMS |
Speakers announced for Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness
Sarasota County Emergency Services announced the lineup for the Saturday, April 11, Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness event, featuring Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief; Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director; and Daniel Brown, National Hurricane Center Hurricane Specialist Unit Branch Chief, with Rich Collins moderating; registration is at scgov.net/CommunityConversations.
| Mar 30, 2026 at 8:19 AM | EMS |
Deactivated phones can still call 9-1-1 in Sarasota
Sarasota County Emergency Services says deactivated cell phones can still dial 9-1-1, and calls from those devices do not transmit location data to the dispatch center, a factor that saves time in emergency response.
| Mar 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County urges motorists to move over for emergency responders
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged motorists to move over for emergency responders with flashing lights, saying the practice is the law and protects responders, and to slow down to keep them safe, the advisory posted under #SRQCountyES.
| Mar 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM | EMS |
Rays host Twins at Spirit Night in Sarasota
Sarasota County Schools Spirit Night with the Tampa Bay Rays is set for Friday, April 24 at 7:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field, with the Rays hosting the Minnesota Twins, offering discounted $25 lower-level tickets with $5 from each sale benefiting Sarasota County Schools; orders are due by April 22, tickets are required for ages 2 and up and must be purchased in advance via the MLB Ballpark App, and tickets are nonrefundable.
| Mar 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota's First Community Conversations Hurricane Preparedness Event Draws 370+
More than 370 people joined Sarasota County's first Community Conversations: Hurricane Preparedness in 2025, and this year's event returns to Riverview High School on Saturday, April 11, with National Hurricane Center and Florida Division of Emergency Management panelists, booths from county government and partners, registration at scgov.net/CommunityConversations, and a video recap of the 2025 event.
| Mar 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM | EMS |
David Graham named SCS Cares of the Month
Sarasota County Schools named David Graham SCS Cares of the Month for creating a staffing portal that helps principals, Human Resources and district teams collaborate more efficiently to support schools across Sarasota County.
| Mar 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM | School |
Bridge Angel Investors backs Wire Wallet, boosts Sarasota tech.
Sarasota, Fla.—Bridge Angel Investors has invested more than $100,000 in Wire Wallet and will provide mentorship to accelerate growth, strengthening Sarasota County’s position as a hub for high-growth technology companies.
| Mar 27, 2026 at 12:01 PM | Business |
Residents urged to register for Alert Sarasota County
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to enroll in Alert Sarasota County at www.AlertSarasotaCounty.com to receive rapid emergency updates by landline, cellphone, text message, email, TDD/TTY or the Alert Sarasota County app, the official notification system for Venice, Longboat Key, the City of Sarasota, North Port and Sarasota County.
| Mar 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Station 21 in Venice to host open house
Sarasota County Fire Department Station 21 in Venice will host an open house Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 721 Center Road, with additional open houses and a blood drive planned at other SCFD stations, according to Sarasota County Emergency Services.
| Mar 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM | EMS |