Sarasota County Urges Residents to Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com and to keep a weather radio with spare batteries in their hurricane-season preparedness kits, noting SRQCountyES is the county’s official notification system.
| May 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Provides Free Summer Meals for Kids
Today is the first day of summer, and free meals for children in Sarasota County are available through partnerships with All Faiths Food Bank, with Summer BreakSpot meal sites and distribution locations listed at allfaithsfoodbank.org/summer-food-sites.
| May 28, 2026 at 8:21 AM | School |
Sarasota Police, Dispatchers Praised for Teamwork
Sarasota police officers visiting the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Bureau this week brought treats for dispatchers and praised the ongoing teamwork between officers and dispatchers, highlighting the partnership between the Sarasota Police Department and the sheriff's office.
| May 27, 2026 at 4:20 PM | Police |
Sarasota man, 23, charged with lewd battery of a minor
SARASOTA, Fla. — Carson Smith, 23, of Sarasota, was arrested May 20 on a felony charge of lewd and lascivious battery involving a 15-year-old girl he allegedly met on Snapchat, transported to his downtown Sarasota apartment after four pickups at a Venice gas station, and had sexual intercourse with her; he was released on bond May 22, and investigators say the case is ongoing with possible additional victims.
| May 27, 2026 at 9:08 AM | Police |
Sarasota County Board Approves EDC FY 2027 Contract
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s FY2027 contract, according to a post from the EDC on Facebook that attributed the vote to collaboration and transparency and said the contract aims to grow high-wage jobs, expand commercial opportunities, and support the companies that make Sarasota County a dynamic place to live and work.
| May 27, 2026 at 8:54 AM | Business |
Heat safety tips from Sarasota County
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged residents to stay safe during heat waves by staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade at job sites, checking on the elderly and others without air conditioning indoors, never leaving kids or pets unattended in vehicles, and limiting outdoor activity, noting that heat-related deaths are preventable.
| May 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Invites Residents to Join Summer Reading Challenge
The Sarasota County Government invites residents to join the Summer Reading Challenge, according to Sarasota Schoolsinreports, with signup at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/SummerLearning-.
| May 26, 2026 at 7:58 AM | School |
Sarasota County outlines hurricane-preparedness steps
Sarasota County Emergency Services released hurricane-preparedness guidance urging residents to take early steps—make a family emergency plan, sign up for alerts, build a disaster-supply kit, secure documents, plan for pets, assess risk, develop an evacuation plan, assemble disaster supplies, verify insurance, strengthen homes, help neighbors and complete a written plan.
| May 24, 2026 at 12:24 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County issues heat, sun safety tips
Sarasota County Emergency Services says exposure to heat and sun affects the body in multiple ways and urges residents to drink water, avoid alcohol, take breaks indoors during the hottest parts of the day, reapply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
| May 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Urges Beachgoers to Swim Near Lifeguards
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges beachgoers to read signs and check flags at lifeguarded beaches to learn hazards, local regulations and any temporary restrictions, and to always swim near a lifeguard.
| May 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Virtual School Accepts Applications for 2026-2027
The Sarasota Virtual School is still accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year and is the only free online public school in Sarasota County offering flexible K-12 learning; for more information and to enroll, visit sarasotavirtualschool.net.
| May 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM | School |
Sarasota Issues Rip Currents Guidance During National Beach Safety Week
Sarasota County Emergency Services issued rip current safety guidance for National Beach Safety Week, telling swimmers to stay calm, swim parallel to shore and angle toward the beach when the pull subsides, and to always swim near a lifeguard, because rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
| May 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Fire Department Launches Prehospital Ultrasound Credentialing
The Sarasota County Fire Department began using prehospital ultrasound in August 2025 for trauma assessment and cardiac-arrest care, trained EMS captains through the Florida State University EMS Fellowship, established credentialing aligned with emergency medicine standards, and announced that the first three captains—Jesse Birkey, Nicole Smith and Jeremy Wilhelm—are credentialed in its use.
| May 22, 2026 at 9:21 AM | EMS |
EDC Sarasota County thanks sponsors after 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County thanked its table sponsors after a successful 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast, listing Gold sponsors Florida Power & Light and Harmar, and Silver sponsors CareerSource Suncoast, Comcast, Goodwill Manasota, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., PGT Windows and Doors, PNC, Premier Sotheby's International Realty, S-One Holdings Corporation, Williams Parker Attorneys at Law, and Shumaker as the speaker sponsor.
| May 22, 2026 at 8:05 AM | Business |
Sarasota County Urges Grilling Safety: Keep Kids 3 Feet Away
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to keep children and pets at least three feet from grills and place grills well away from homes, deck railings and under eaves or overhanging branches.
| May 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Fire Department, Coast Guard Urge Memorial Day Water Safety
Sarasota County Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, via Sarasota County Emergency Services, urged residents to stay safe this Memorial Day weekend and summer, reminding them to swim near a lifeguard.
| May 21, 2026 at 9:31 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Urges Water Safety for Memorial Day Weekend
Sarasota County urged people to practice water safety over Memorial Day weekend, including designating a water watcher, keeping children within arm’s reach, swimming near lifeguards and following the National Beach Safety Week safety tips.
| May 20, 2026 at 2:50 PM | EMS |
Sarasota man arrested on luring charges involving two girls
Sarasota, Fla. — Edward O’Neil Jr., 67, of Sarasota, was arrested on two third-degree felony counts of attempting to lure or entice a child under 14 after offering rides to two girls, ages 12 and 13, on Bay Road near U.S. 41; he was taken into custody during a May 18 traffic stop and is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.
| May 20, 2026 at 11:44 AM | Police |
Sarasota County Fire Engines Operate as ALS Units
Sarasota County fire engines are Advanced Life Support units staffed by paramedics and EMTs that can begin patient care on arrival and carry EMS equipment, with SCFD crews trained, equipped and ready to help in any emergency.
| May 20, 2026 at 8:58 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Partners with NOAA on Evacuations
Sarasota County Emergency Services says it partners with NOAA and the National Hurricane Center to decide evacuations during storms, uses data from NOAA Hurricane Hunters to determine when and where to evacuate, and recently participated in the 2026 Hurricane Awareness Tour, thanking NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserves for opening their doors to residents on May 4.
| May 19, 2026 at 1:47 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Warns Beachgoers During National Beach Safety Week
During National Beach Safety Week, Sarasota County Emergency Services issued safety guidance urging beachgoers to stay vigilant, educate visitors about hazards and rip currents, speak up to warn others, and, if someone is in distress, alert a lifeguard and throw a flotation device rather than attempting a rescue.
| May 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Schools' In Touch newsletter available; registration open
The May edition of the In Touch Community Newsletter from Sarasota County Schools is available, with 2026-27 registration open, Mental Health Awareness Month resources, school-start updates, and stories highlighting students and the community, plus a “REGISTER FOR NEXT YEAR” link; registration details are on pages 10-12, a letter from the superintendent, Mr. Connor, on pages 3-4, “It's Connection Month” on page 5, and “Steel Across America at EEB” with GI students on pages 18-19, all under the theme “ENGAGE, EMPOWER, AND ELEVATE EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY” at www.sarasotacountyschools.net.
| May 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Economic Outlook Breakfast Draws Full Room
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said a full room and candid discussions at the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast explored regional trends, opportunities and uncertainties shaping the economy, with thanks given to speakers Bemetra Simmons and Michelle Dennard.
| May 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Business |
Sarasota County Schools Police Department seeks SROs
The Sarasota County Schools Police Department is hiring certified law enforcement officers to serve as School Resource Officers, offering a 10-month position with holidays off, 100% paid health and vision insurance, overtime opportunities, state retirement benefits and incentives for prior law enforcement experience, plus a $5,000 recruitment bonus for eligible applicants, with resumes to recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net and details at the district’s jobs page.
| May 18, 2026 at 4:20 PM | School |
Sarasota County EMS Week Highlights Rescues, Care
Sarasota County Emergency Services marked National EMS Week with a behind-the-scenes look at SCFD rescues, the lifesaving equipment aboard and the care EMTs and paramedics provide, while reminding 911 callers to stay calm and answer the call-taker's questions.
| May 18, 2026 at 10:54 AM | EMS |
National Beach Safety Week Underway in Sarasota County
Sarasota County Emergency Services says National Beach Safety Week is underway through May 25, urging beachgoers to be cautious around the water during Memorial Day weekend and to follow safety tips such as never swimming alone, designating an adult to monitor children and swimming near a lifeguard.
| May 18, 2026 at 8:48 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County warns storms differ, heed current forecasts
Sarasota County Emergency Services says every storm is different and residents should not rely on past experience, noting that 2024 saw storm surge and flooding outside the forecast cone, and urging people to stay informed and follow current official guidance by trusting forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and local Weather Service, understanding alerts, and focusing on potential impacts regardless of storm size or category.
| May 17, 2026 at 12:23 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Issues Water Safety Guidance for Beaches, Pools
Sarasota County Emergency Services issued water-safety guidance for beaches and pools, urging constant supervision of children, a designated water watcher, covering pool drains and pipes, keeping lifesaving equipment nearby, fencing the pool and having a charged phone ready.
| May 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County honors EMS workers during National EMS Week
Sarasota County Emergency Services marked National EMS Week, May 17-23, by recognizing Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics of the Sarasota County Fire Department, noting they respond to more than 180 emergencies daily and transport over 100 patients to area hospitals.
| May 17, 2026 at 7:54 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County warns of lithium-ion battery fire risk
Sarasota County Emergency Services issued a safety alert urging residents to stop using lithium-ion batteries if they show odor, color change, excessive heat, distortion, leaks or unusual noises, noting damaged batteries can cause a fire or explosion and should be recycled at local drop-off locations listed at Call2Recycle.org or SCgov.net/solidwaste instead of being thrown in the trash.
| May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM | EMS |
911 tips from Sarasota County Emergency Services
Sarasota County Emergency Services released 911 tips urging callers to stay calm, clearly state the emergency, provide their name, phone number and location, answer the telecommunicator's questions and remain on the line until told to hang up.
| May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Students Recognized at Florida History Day Contest
Four Sarasota County schools—Pine View School for the Gifted, Booker High School, Laurel Nokomis School and Sarasota Middle School—saw their students honored at the 2026 Florida History Day Contest, including multiple state finalists and a 3rd-place junior-paper winner, with the district thanking families and teachers for their support.
| May 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM | School |
Sarasota Schools Congratulate North Port High School Class of 2026
Sarasota Schools congratulated North Port High School’s Class of 2026 in a post celebrating their memories, achievements and impact on the school and community, ending with "Go Bobcats!" and a graduation cap emoji and a blue heart with paw prints.
| May 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM | School |
Sarasota County Issues Air Advisory for Ozone Levels
Sarasota County, Fla., has issued an air advisory for elevated ozone levels through midnight Friday, May 15, according to the City of Sarasota.
| May 15, 2026 at 5:03 PM | Gov |
Sarasota County issues water safety reminders for beaches, pools
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged beach and poolgoers to designate a water watcher, never leave children unattended, check the pool first if a child is missing, cover drains and pipes, keep lifesaving equipment and a charged phone nearby, install a pool fence, and learn to swim and perform CPR.
| May 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Fire Department to host open house May 16
Sarasota County Fire Department will host an open house May 16 at Fire Station 23, 1930 N. Tamiami Trail in Nokomis, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where attendees can see fire apparatus and learn about fire safety; information is at scgov.net/fire.
| May 15, 2026 at 10:03 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County debuts ceremonial fire service bell
The Sarasota County Fire Department unveiled a new ceremonial fire service bell to continue the department’s traditions, including the 5-5-5 tolling to honor firefighters killed in the line of duty.
| May 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Fire Department Responds to Nassau Street Structure Fire
Sarasota County Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire in the 2500 block of Nassau Street on Thursday, the fire was reported around 11:49 and under control around 12:11, one patient was airlifted to a hospital, crews remained on scene, and the State Fire Marshal's Office was called to investigate.
| May 14, 2026 at 3:33 PM | EMS |
Lamarque Coach Honored in Sarasota County's Team Behind the Scenes.
Tammy Van Valkenburg, an 18-year veteran literacy coach at Lamarque Elementary School in Sarasota County, was honored in the district’s Team Behind the Scenes celebration for her commitment to teaching literature and math and to helping students develop number sense.
| May 14, 2026 at 1:44 PM | School |
Sarasota County Urges Early Evacuations
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged residents to evacuate promptly and plan ahead, noting that evacuations are issued only for life-threatening conditions and timing matters, and to go early and safely.
| May 14, 2026 at 12:22 PM | EMS |
