Sarasota County Schools Release March 2026 In Touch Issue
Sarasota County Schools released its March 2026 issue of In Touch, highlighting the districtwide Literacy for All initiative and features at Tuttle Elementary, Gocio Elementary and Riverview High School, plus student success stories, STEM Fair highlights and legislative updates, with sections including a Letter From the Superintendent and the School-Related Employee of the Year, and a link to the issue at https://bit.ly/March2026InTouch and the district website at www.sarasotacountyschools.net.
| Mar 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County to Host Hurricane Preparedness Community Conversations
Sarasota County Emergency Services will host Community Conversations on Hurricane Preparedness with the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and other experts on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, with doors opening at 9 a.m. for exhibitors and presentations beginning at 10 a.m., and registration available via Eventbrite.
| Mar 14, 2026 at 9:31 AM | EMS |
Venice Elementary aide named SCS Cares of the Month
Nicholas Magan, an ESE paraprofessional aide at Venice Elementary, was named Sarasota County Schools’ Cares of the Month for December 2025 after inviting a boy in a wheelchair to participate in basketball at Winter Wonderland.
| Mar 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM | School |
E-bikes, e-motos raise safety concerns in Florida
Safety concerns over e-bikes and e-motos are rising in Florida, with Tampa General Hospital warning these high-speed vehicles can cause serious head and internal injuries during Brain Injury Awareness Month.
| Mar 9, 2026 at 9:09 AM | Community |
Walk to End Summer Hunger set for March 28
All Faiths Food Bank and Sarasota County Schools will host the Walk to End Summer Hunger on March 28 at Riverview High School in Sarasota, Fla., with doors opening at 7:30 a.m., the walk starting at 8:30 a.m., free entry for students, a $35 charge for adults, and an aim to raise awareness of summer food insecurity among children who rely on school meals.
| Mar 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Schools close for spring break March 16–20
Sarasota County Schools will be closed for Spring Break March 16–20, with a professional day for staff on March 23 and students returning March 24.
| Mar 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM | School |
Sarasota County STEM Fair 2026 Shines With Student Innovation
Sarasota County Schools celebrated the 2026 STEM Fair, highlighting hundreds of student projects, more than 100 community judges and over 1,000 attendees as students spent months researching real‑world questions, designing investigations and presenting their findings.
| Mar 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM | School |
Sarasota County Urges Spring Forward, Check Smoke Alarms
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged residents to spring forward this weekend, change their clocks and check smoke alarm batteries, noting smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
| Mar 8, 2026 at 8:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota History Day Organizers Thank Sponsors, Partners
Organizers of the Sarasota County History Day Contest thanked sponsors and partners, including the Education Foundation of Sarasota County as platinum sponsor and Chick-fil-A as the breakfast and lunch sponsor, noted involvement from the Sarasota County Government Department of Libraries and Historical Resources and the DAR, said Selby Public Library hosted the contest with volunteers and the DAR will co-sponsor lunch and host the March 26 award ceremony, and expressed gratitude for a community that supports students and schools.
| Mar 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM | School |
Sarasota History Day Contest Recap
About 90 middle and high school students took part in the 2026 Sarasota County History Day Contest at Selby Public Library on Feb. 28, 2026, competing in website, exhibit, paper, performance and documentary categories under National History Day's Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History theme, with winners posted online and thanks extended to librarians, volunteers, sponsors, parents, schools and judges.
| Mar 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM | School |
Sarasota EDC partners with county on Orioles spring training
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County announced on Facebook a spring training event at Ed Smith Stadium with the Baltimore Orioles, co-hosted with Sarasota County Government, that highlighted community partnerships and the region’s spring spirit.
| Mar 7, 2026 at 10:05 AM | Business |
SCS Cares of the Month: Nick Magan
Sarasota County Schools named Nick Magan as SCS Cares of the Month; he is an ESE paraprofessional aide at Venice Elementary School who helps make a difference for students.
| Mar 6, 2026 at 3:17 PM | School |
Sarasota County Fire Department Class 126 badge-pinning and swearing-in ceremony
Sarasota County Emergency Services says the Sarasota County Fire Department's Class 126 badge-pinning and swearing-in ceremony is underway.
| Mar 6, 2026 at 3:05 PM | EMS |
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday; check smoke alarms, weather radios
Sarasota County Emergency Services says Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, and serves as a reminder to test smoke alarms, ensure weather radios are in working order, and replace batteries as needed.
| Mar 6, 2026 at 12:02 PM | EMS |
DC Preservation League testifies on East Wing Modernization
WASHINGTON — The DC Preservation League testified before the National Capital Planning Commission on the proposed East Wing Modernization and Ballroom, citing White House elevations (balustrade 113.91 feet, roof 122.93 feet, North Portico 118.85 feet, West Center Pediment 113.76 feet) and noting that enlarged East and West Elevations labeled A16 were prepared by Shalom Baranes Associates.
| Mar 5, 2026 at 3:20 PM | Community |
Sarasota Firms Collaborate on Wastewater and Stormwater Tech
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said it met this week with Denver J. Stutler Jr., owner of US Submergent Technologies and SediVision, as the Sarasota-based companies push smarter wastewater and stormwater management through submergent cleaning, sediment imaging and data analytics, fueling growth and new hires in Florida while the EDC celebrates local tech leaders.
| Mar 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM | Business |
Sarasota beachgoers urged to heed safety tips
Sarasota County Emergency Services says Spring Break beachgoers should stay safe by swimming near a lifeguard, applying sunscreen and drinking plenty of water, and heeding beach warning flags, with officials noting that the absence of flags does not guarantee safe waters.
| Mar 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota EDC adds two April events.
Sarasota, Fla. — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said it will add two new events to its April calendar to celebrate and spotlight the region’s growing, diverse business community, including “Raise A Glass!” with the board and staff; the second event’s name was not released, and the EDC is accredited by the International Economic Development Council.
| Mar 4, 2026 at 10:01 AM | Business |
Sarasota County Fire Department Logs 67,504 Calls in FY 2025
The Sarasota County Fire Department answered 67,504 calls in fiscal year 2025, including 54,418 EMS calls (80%), 7,035 fire calls (10%), and the remaining 10% for vehicle crashes, hazmat responses, wildfires, marine and technical rescues, while SCFD lifeguards conducted 70 rescues and assisted 993 people.
| Mar 3, 2026 at 5:29 PM | EMS |
Brookside wins career skills challenge at STC North Port
More than 160 students showcased talents in Tech Bowl, VEX Robotics, Coding, Logo Design, Shark Tank and more at the 2025–26 Middle School Career Skills Challenge, held at Suncoast Technical College – North Port, with Brookside Middle School named the overall winner.
| Mar 3, 2026 at 5:18 PM | School |
Sarasota County Schools Highlight March 2026 In Touch Newsletter
Sarasota County Schools' March 2026 In Touch newsletter highlights the districtwide Literacy for All initiative for K-12 students, honors the 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year, and showcases student STEM innovation along with superintendent updates and the latest legislative news.
| Mar 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM | School |
Sarasota County Officials Urge Disaster Preparedness Now
Sarasota County Emergency Services urges residents to prepare now for disasters by writing emergency plans, knowing who issues evacuation orders, identifying evacuation locations, and gathering supplies to bolster resilience.
| Mar 2, 2026 at 12:00 AM | EMS |
Sarasota urges smoke, CO alarm checks before DST
Sarasota County Emergency Services is urging residents to check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on March 8, ahead of daylight saving time, and to place alarms on every level, in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas to ensure early warning.
| Mar 1, 2026 at 5:28 PM | EMS |
Derek Messmer earns Phoenix Award for life-saving work
The Sarasota County Fire Department presented firefighter-paramedic Derek Messmer with a Phoenix Award for life-saving efforts after a cardiac arrest patient was released from the hospital, and some crew members met with the patient and the patient's family this week.
| Feb 28, 2026 at 2:17 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Officers Save Driver From Burning Car; Life Saving Awards
Sarasota police officers Banasiak, Bergstad, Colon, Hanley and Keusch, joined by off-duty firefighter Marshall Germond, received Life Saving Awards for rescuing an unconscious female driver from a burning sedan after a high-speed crash and for maintaining the scene until fire crews arrived.
| Feb 27, 2026 at 4:33 PM | Police |
Sarasota County publishes 911 guidance on when to call.
Sarasota County Emergency Services issued guidance on when to call 911, listing three valid reasons—reporting a fire, saving a life and stopping a crime—and three improper uses, such as pranks, seeking directions or information.
| Feb 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County burn ban remains in effect
Sarasota County, Fla. — Wildfires can be sparked by a spark in dry vegetation and oxygen, with strong winds, low humidity and drought conditions boosting a fire’s spread, and a burn ban remains in effect to help prevent fires.
| Feb 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota-Manatee Business Parks Grow After Rezoning
A large turnout at CREW Sarasota/Manatee's "From Zoning to Growth: How Business Parks Are Performing Post-Rezoning" in Sarasota featured panelists Justin Powell and Skipper Peek among others as industry leaders discussed development trends, investment momentum and how strategic rezoning is shaping business-park opportunities across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
| Feb 25, 2026 at 10:01 AM | Business |
Sarasota County urges home-heating safety as temperatures drop
Sarasota County Emergency Services reminds residents to practice fire safety when heating their homes, including keeping children and flammable items at least 3 feet from heat sources, plugging space heaters directly into wall outlets and unplugging them before bed, keeping fireplaces clean and using a metal or heat-tempered glass screen, and never using an extension cord or power strip.
| Feb 24, 2026 at 6:17 PM | EMS |
Cold Weather Shelter Opens in Sarasota
Sarasota — A cold weather shelter will open in the Sarasota city limits at The Salvation Army of Sarasota County, 1400 10th St., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., due to a predicted drop in temperatures; for details, visit scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
| Feb 24, 2026 at 5:38 PM | Gov |
Sarasota County Opens Cold-Weather Shelter Tonight
Sarasota County Emergency Services officials say a cold-weather shelter is open tonight after coordinating with municipal and community partners to aid residents in need during the expected cold snap; for information, visit scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
| Feb 24, 2026 at 3:34 PM | Police |
Sarasota County kicks off Rip Current Awareness Week
Sarasota County Emergency Services released Day 1 of Rip Current Awareness Week, warning that rip currents kill more than 100 beachgoers in the United States each year and urging swimmers to stay near lifeguards and follow beach patrol and flag warnings, with steps if caught in a current: relax, don’t swim against it, swim parallel to the shore or float and call for help.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 5:25 PM | EMS |
Area Agencies Rehearse Explosion Drill at SRQ Airport
Last week, the Sarasota Police Department and neighboring law enforcement and first responders from across Manatee and Sarasota counties conducted a joint exercise simulating an explosion at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to test communication, coordination and decision-making under pressure and to ensure a unified, immediate response.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 2:17 PM | Police |
Cold-weather shelter opens in Sarasota Monday at 7 p.m.
A cold-weather shelter will open in the Sarasota city limits at The Salvation Army of Sarasota County, 1400 10th St., Monday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., due to forecasted drops in temperatures.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 12:37 PM | Gov |
Sarasota County opens cold-weather shelters tonight
Sarasota County Emergency Management said cold-weather shelters are open tonight, Feb. 23, at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Sarasota and at The 100 Church in North Port, with meals and shelter hours, check-in by 8:30 p.m., and Breeze bus routes and the Breeze Rider app to help with transportation, plus reminders to dress in layers, not leave pets outside and to use heating devices safely.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 11:46 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Economic Outlook Event Slated for May 14
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County will host its annual Economic Outlook on May 14 in Sarasota from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., featuring local trends, regional competitiveness data, real-time insights from Florida’s largest companies and a national economic perspective from the Federal Reserve Bank, with speakers Michelle Dennard, Bemetra Simmons and Mark Gordon.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Business |
Applications open for 2026 SBA/SDA Scholarship; deadline April 17, 2026.
Applications are open for the 2026 SBA/SDA Student Scholarship for 2026 graduates from any Sarasota County Public High School planning to enroll in a postsecondary institution, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $1,000 per student, depending on funding availability, and an April 17, 2026 deadline; required materials include an application, a one-page essay describing need, transcripts and a letter of support, with applications submitted at bit.ly/SDA_SBA2026ScholarshipApp.
| Feb 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Partners with Gener8tor on Mote Commercialization
SARASOTA, Fla. — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County hosted a tour with gener8tor at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, joined by Mote Tech Transfer leadership and City of Sarasota officials, as gener8tor shared best practices on accelerator and incubator programming, venture acceleration resources and building scalable startup ecosystems to bolster Mote’s commercialization and the region’s innovation pipeline.
| Feb 19, 2026 at 10:35 AM | Business |
Team Behind the Scenes Spotlights Stephen Bundy, Truancy Worker
Stephen Bundy, a Sarasota County Schools truancy worker with three years in the district and a background in public safety and youth services, was spotlighted by Team Behind the Scenes for identifying root causes of absences and partnering with families to improve attendance, including a student who shifted from resisting school to taking pride in daily attendance, and he enjoys traveling, collecting comics and memorabilia, and helping students reengage.
| Feb 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Schools Cite DOE Data on Student Performance
Sarasota County Schools cited Florida Department of Education data for the 2025-2026 school year showing students in district-managed schools perform at or above grade level compared with charter, home education and private schools, and unveiled a campaign featuring slogans such as "SCHOOL CHOICE MATTERS" and "Say YES to SCS."
| Feb 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM | School |
