Sarasota County warns of lithium-ion battery fire risk
Sarasota County Emergency Services issued a safety alert about lithium-ion batteries. Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, color change, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
Officials say damaged lithium batteries can create a chemical chain reaction that results in a fire or explosion. Keep the batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
When you are no longer using the lithium-ion batteries, do not put them in the trash. Recycle them at your local battery recycling location. Find your nearest drop-off location at Call2Recycle.org or check SCgov.net/solidwaste. 📍 Proper disposal helps protect our environment and keeps our community safe! ♻️
#SRQCountyES
Be aware of lithium battery fire safety. Stop using them if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
| May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM | EMS |
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 |