Suncoast Searchlight

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.

As much as 86% of wetlands in Florida could lose federal protections under proposed changes.

The disputes have raised questions about how local governments balance neighborhood safety with the need for social services — and whether zoning restrictions are making it difficult for organizations to operate.

Although the city’s parking division was envisioned to pay for itself with fees and citations, it had not been able to do so for over a decade.

Wednesday's vote came a day after commissioners killed a similar rezoning request for the same project with a split vote.

Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack says the teacher rejected a student's political views, encouraged him to discuss controversial topics against his parents' wishes and improperly shared information about him and his younger brother with other teachers.

Manatee County's rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on its drinking water supply as development consumes land that helps protect water quality. In November, voters will decide whether to expand an existing land conservation program through higher property taxes and authorization of up to $75 million in bonds.

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.

Manatee County residents who successfully opposed a 175-unit housing development last year now face a proposal for more than 640 apartments on the same property — this time with little opportunity for public input.

The discrepancy raises questions about how the Department of Health determines where infections originate and whether the state's official numbers accurately reflect the risk of transmission in the county.

Across Florida, voters seeking information about their registration status were blocked when the company that hosts county Supervisors of Elections websites shut down access due to security concerns Wednesday morning.

Remnant Church has resumed full services despite a county zoning violation notice and says it plans to challenge the restrictions in court.