Sarasota County Schools announce 2026–27 start times

The Sarasota County Schools have announced new start times for the 2026–2027 school year in response to revised state requirements. The changes are part of a districtwide effort to improve transportation efficiency, provide more consistent student pick-up and drop-off times, and reflect feedback from families, staff and the community.

Approved start time windows for 2026–27:

  • High schools — 7:30 a.m.

  • Elementary schools and K–8 schools — 8:30 a.m.

  • Middle schools — 9:30 a.m.

The following schools will have adjusted start times for the 2026–2027 school year:

  • Ashton Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Atwater Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Bay Haven School of Basics Plus — 9:30 a.m.

  • Cranberry Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Glenallen Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Lakeview Elementary School — 8:30 a.m.

  • Tuttle Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Wilkinson Elementary — 8:30 a.m.

  • Oak Park School — 9:30 a.m.

  • Pine View School for the Gifted Grades 9–12 — 7:30 a.m.

  • Pine View School Grades 2–8 — 9:30 a.m.

Schools will continue communicating directly with families regarding transportation, before- and after-school programs, and school-based activities. Families are encouraged to review their school’s updated schedule and begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year. 🏫

Read more: DISTRICT NEWS   SARASOTA   County Schools

May 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM School

North Port, FL

1960 Landings Blvd, Sarasota, FL

https://www.facebook.com/753563143466612/posts/1427879772701609

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