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 |
North Port breaks ground on Emergency Operations Center
North Port broke ground on its future Emergency Operations Center, with construction at 10 North Port Emergency Operations Center in North Port, Fla., set for completion in spring 2027, contractor Ajax and Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi on hand, while former North Port commissioners Debbie McDowell and Alice White are listed in project materials.
| Feb 18, 2026 at 2:43 PM | EMS |
Harmar expands Sarasota facility, boosts local jobs
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said its team toured Harmar, a Sarasota-based maker of stair lifts, vehicle lifts and other mobility solutions, the nation’s largest supplier of mobility and access lifts, whose 35,000-square-foot expansion at its Sarasota headquarters underscores the area’s manufacturing strength and local job opportunities while delivering mobility solutions nationwide.
| Feb 18, 2026 at 10:10 AM | Business |
Sarasota County Fire Department's Whole Blood Program Turns One
Sarasota County Fire Department EMS Capt. Dunham discussed the department’s Whole Blood Program on ABC7 Sarasota, noting the partnership with SunCoast Blood Centers is now one year old and inviting donations at scgov.net/fire.
| Feb 17, 2026 at 1:26 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Schools promote school-choice options
Sarasota County Schools say families have options and encourage applying to district-managed public schools that provide certified teachers, layered academic supports, accelerated pathways and district accountability through School Choice/Controlled Open Enrollment at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/choice.
| Feb 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM | School |
Sarasota Fire Department offers free car-seat inspections at open houses
The Sarasota County Fire Department will offer free car seat safety inspections at its open houses, with additional firefighters on site to conduct more inspections during Fire Station 10's open house Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
| Feb 16, 2026 at 8:27 AM | EMS |
Sarasota high school seniors invited to one-day job-shadowing program.
Sarasota County Schools is offering high school seniors a one-day job-shadowing program called "Building a Bridge for Hire" to explore careers across IT, mechanics, HVAC, food services and more, with sign-ups due before spring break, a spring 2026 schedule for April 14–16, and students urged to consult their school counselor.
| Feb 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM | School |
USF, Sarasota County Schools to Launch STEM Pathways in Brookside
The University of South Florida College of Education and Sarasota County Schools will launch STEM pathways at the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology in Brookside in the 2026–27 school year, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, information technology, marine sciences and robotics to build a foundation for innovation and future opportunities.
| Feb 15, 2026 at 12:24 PM | College |
Sarasota School Choice Episode Outlines Programs, Timelines
Sarasota County Schools' In Tune podcast, Episode 17, focuses on School Choice, detailing the process, timelines and options such as magnet programs, specialized academies and pathways, and provides tools to help families navigate applications and enrollment, with the episode available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ct3icHrsFXA.
| Feb 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Fire Chiefs Urge Defensible Space for Homes, Businesses
Sarasota County Emergency Services says local fire chiefs are urging residents to create defensible space around homes or businesses to protect against wildfires.
| Feb 15, 2026 at 9:53 AM | EMS |
Valentine's Day: Sarasota 911 callers urged to stay on line
Sarasota County Emergency Services urged residents to stay on the line when dialing 911, especially on Valentine’s Day, answer questions, clearly state the emergency and location, provide their name and phone number, and remain on the line until told it’s OK to hang up.
| Feb 14, 2026 at 2:44 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Battalion Chief Outlines Burn Ban, Wildfire Tips
Sarasota County Fire Department Battalion Chief Greg Earl told ABC7 Sarasota‑WWSB about dry conditions, the burn ban in effect and what residents can do to protect their homes from wildfire.
| Feb 10, 2026 at 1:24 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Fire Department Mourns Firefighter Roger Miley
The Sarasota County Fire Department extended condolences to East Manatee Fire Rescue and to the family and friends of Firefighter Roger T. Miley, saying the fire service comes together in these moments as a family to honor his service, sacrifice and dedication.
| Feb 9, 2026 at 8:20 PM | EMS |
Sarasota SWAT, K-9 teams train with county SWAT
Sarasota Police Department SWAT and K-9 teams trained with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office SWAT in rural operations, including helicopter coordination to improve cross-jurisdiction emergency response.
| Feb 9, 2026 at 12:52 PM | Police |
Sarasota County Offers Severe Weather Safety Tips
Sarasota County urges shelter and vigilance during thunderstorms and tornado risks.
| Feb 8, 2026 at 11:20 AM | EMS |
Virtual Nursing Recruitment Event in Sarasota Schools
Virtual nursing event Feb 12 for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. Invite needed.
| Feb 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM | School |
Sarasota County Urges Indoor Safety Amid Lightning Threat
County urges immediate indoor shelter during lightning storms to ensure safety.
| Feb 7, 2026 at 10:20 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Battles Two Brush Fires
Sarasota County and Florida Forest Service tackle two brush fires.
| Feb 7, 2026 at 4:25 PM | EMS |
Sarasota High Students Explore Multimedia Career Paths
High schoolers explored multimedia careers and networking at a vibrant luncheon event.
| Feb 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM | School |
Sarasota Hazardous Waste Drive-Thru at Payne Park
Sarasota hosts hazardous waste drive-thru event for residents February 7.
| Feb 7, 2026 at 7:10 AM | Gov |
Sarasota Hosts K.O.P.S Youth-Police Interaction Event
Sarasota hosts K.O.P.S event for children with police interactions and free pizza.
| Feb 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM | Recreation |
Sarasota K.O.P.S. Event Unites Kids and Officers
K.O.P.S. event: Kids unite with police through games, sports, and free pizza.
| Feb 6, 2026 at 2:19 PM | Police |
Sarasota Hosts Meet the Founders Tech Event
Sarasota event connects founders, investors, and community leaders for innovative collaboration.
| Feb 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM | Business |
OKCPD Launches Free Community Police Academy
OKCPD hosts a free 10-week Community Police Academy for public insight.
| Jan 3, 2026 at 2:10 PM | Police |
Sarasota: Professional Fireworks Only, Safety Under Burn Ban
Sarasota County discourages fireworks use due to injury, fire, and burn ban.
| Dec 29, 2025 at 10:34 AM | EMS |
Sarasota County Advises Debris Clearing to Prevent Wildfires
Residents urged to clear combustible debris to reduce wildfire risk.
| Dec 21, 2025 at 11:09 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Schools Unveil Future Focused Strategic Initiative
Sarasota County Schools launches a Future Focused Strategic Initiative to transform education.
| Dec 17, 2025 at 3:32 PM | School |
Sarasota County FD Introduces New Step Plan
Sarasota County Fire offers career roles with competitive step pay plans.
| Dec 17, 2025 at 12:47 PM | EMS |
Sarasota County Reaffirms 22-Year Economic Partnership
Sarasota County and Economic Development Corporation renew 22‑year collaborative partnership for growth.
| Dec 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM | Business |
Homeowners Urged to Clear Zone Against Wildfires
Homeowners should clear flammable materials to create a safety zone.
| Dec 7, 2025 at 1:18 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Schools Use Chatbot to Enhance Communication
Sarasota County Schools use AlwaysOn chatbot to improve website and serve community.
| Dec 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM | School |
College Night Promises Education Opportunities in Sarasota
College Night at Robarts Arena offers info on various colleges and programs.
| Sep 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM | School |
Sarasota Marks One-Year Hurricane Anniversary Press Conference
Sarasota County Emergency Services hosts live one-year anniversary press conference for hurricanes.
| Sep 22, 2025 at 1:38 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Officials Warn: Grill Outdoors Only
Officials warn: use grills outdoors to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
| Jul 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM | EMS |
Apply by April 11 for Elevate Florida Program
Submit your Elevate Florida mitigation application by April 11, 2025.
| Apr 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM | EMS |
Sarasota Schools Host Career Exploration Breakout Event
Event offers students industry insights via interactive career breakout sessions.
| Apr 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM | Police |
Sarasota County Urges Wildfire Preparedness
Sarasota County urges wildfire prep with evacuation planning and disaster supply kits.
| Apr 8, 2025 at 11:23 AM | EMS |
Sarasota Firefighters Celebrate 10 Years of Service
Sarasota firefighters mark 10 years of dedicated service to the community.
| Apr 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM | EMS |