Sarasota City Commission

A dispute between the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation over who would operate a proposed performing arts center at The Bay park has cast doubt on the project's future.

A little-known Bird Key resident has contributed $200,000 to a political committee supporting two candidates in Sarasota's City Commission election, an extraordinary sum for a local race.

A Sarasota parking open house meant to ease months of frustration instead erupted into boos, shouting and accusations that residents had been misled about the meeting’s format.

Since 2013, the division has received at least $3.9 million in subsidies and loans from the city’s general fund and still owes more than $1.6 million — more than the parking fund’s entire projected balance for the coming year.

The city will now revert to its former parking hours and hourly rates — with free parking on Sundays and paid parking ending at 8 p.m. during the week – while the increased charges for citations will stay in effect.

The city will focus on modernizing the mechanical and electrical equipment at its 12th Street facility. Three electrical buildings will be torn down and consolidated into one, with a new backup generator.

National polling shows a favorable political environment for Democrats in 2026. That could extend all the way down-ballot to a county commission race.

The long-discussed rowing facility has evolved into a proposed 100,000-square-foot recreation complex expected to cost as much as $70 million, with Sarasota County already committing $20 million in tourist tax dollars.

Mayor Debbie Trice twice interrupted speakers during the public input portion of the commission’s Jan. 5 meeting, warning them that they could not make “personal attacks” or refer to commissioners by name.

The item drew criticism over its timing, lack of comparative salary data and the optics of awarding such a large raise as the city considers tax hikes and a pay freeze for most employees.

If Sarasota city commissioners approve the condo, Bay Plaza residents say they’ll take the fight to circuit court — a move that could push their costs far higher and prolong the battle for years.

At an April 4 city commission meeting, the proposed partnership with the Van Wezel Foundation was approved 3-2. Opponents say there are aspects in the plan they don’t understand.