Freedom Funnies

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2 weeks ago

Venice, Florida, located in the heart of Trumpistan, had a record #nokings turnout. Midterms, here we come! #venice #venicefl #florida #sarasotacounty

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1 month ago

Sarasota County: Phillippi Creek dredge phase 1 on schedule; phase 2 permitting underway Ben Quartermaine, Sarasota County stormwater director, said the county issued a Dec. 25 notice to proceed for phase 1 of the Phillippi Creek dredge project, has removed about 25,000 cubic yards so far, and expects phase 1 to be complete by June 2026; phase 2 is in design and permitting.

Sarasota County is making waves with the Phillippi Creek dredge project, already moving 25,000 cubic yards of sediment and on track for completion by June 2026!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Sarasota County approves Phase 2 of Phillippi Creek dredge, citing modest flood-stage gains and long permitting The Sarasota County Commission voted 5–0 to proceed with a Phase 2 "maximum allowable" dredge of Phillippi Creek, accepting the stormwater director’s recommendation to pursue permitting, procure a contractor and use resilient SRQ funds; staff estimated Phase 2 at $24–$26 million.

Sarasota County is set to revitalize Phillippi Creek with a $24-$26 million dredging project aimed at restoring its ecological health and improving stormwater management.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #StormwaterManagement #EnvironmentalRestoration

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1 month ago

Sarasota County’s Breeze plans single app with digital fares to remove cash barrier Breeze, Sarasota County’s transit department, announced plans for a single app that will combine fixed routes and on‑demand services and add digital fare payment to address cash-only barriers encountered by new riders.

Sarasota County's Breeze transit service is launching an all-in-one app to make public transport easier than ever with digital payments and integrated routes!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccessibility #TransitInnovation #PublicTransportation

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1 month ago

Sarasota County: federal grant rules limit bus rentals and current infrastructure delays electric-bus adoption County officials said federal grant restrictions bar Breeze from renting buses for private events, and that current routes and station infrastructure make a near-term switch to electric buses impractical without a costly overhaul.

Sarasota County officials reveal that federal grant rules prevent Breeze from renting buses for private events, leaving the community wondering about the future of public transport options.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #ElectricVehicles #PublicTransit #GrantFunding

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1 month ago

Sarasota County warns of heightened wildfire risk, points to automatic burn ban and urges defensible-space and evacuation planning Sarasota County officials warned residents of an unusually early dry spell that triggered an automatic burn ban tied to the Keetch-Byram drought index, detailed enforcement options, and urged homeowners and businesses to create defensible space and follow a Ready, Set, Go evacuation plan.

Sarasota County officials have declared an early burn ban due to alarming drought conditions, urging residents to prepare for potential wildfires now more than ever.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #DroughtResponse #CitizenPortal #WildfirePreparedness #EvacuationPlanning

Woke Not Broke 🇺🇸🏳️‍🌈

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2 months ago

Man suspected of killing 6 people at 2 residences in Florida: Authorities Law enforcement in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota County on Wednesday both identified 51-year-old Russell Kot as a suspect in the homicides.

Man suspected of killing 6 people at 2 residences in Florida: Authorities

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#News #USNews #Florida #FloridaNews #FortLauderdale #SarasotaCounty #Crime #FloridaMan #Guns #GunViolence #MassShootings

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2 months ago

Sarasota County OKs purchase of Forest Lakes golf course for stormwater project after neighborhood talks The Sarasota County Commission voted 5-0 to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement and related budget and CIP amendments to acquire Forest Lakes Golf Course for conversion to stormwater ponds and floodplain mitigation, while directing staff to use a 120-day due-diligence period to resolve covenant and neighborhood concerns.

Sarasota County has taken a bold step by approving the purchase of the Forest Lakes Golf Course to transform it into engineered stormwater ponds, aiming to enhance flood protection and water quality—but will the community's concerns be addressed?

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#SarasotaCounty #FL

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3 months ago

Sarasota County outlines 2025 priorities: stormwater department, wastewater upgrade and $411 million for hurricane recovery Sarasota County’s 2025 highlights emphasize a newly established stormwater department, conversion of the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility to advanced treatment, a new Fire Administration Building, a NACo award for mosquito management, UF/IFAS community programs, and more than $411 million in federal recovery funds directed through Resilience RQ.

Sarasota County is making waves in 2025 with a new stormwater department, groundbreaking wastewater upgrades, and over $411 million in hurricane recovery funds!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #WaterQuality #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #SarasotaCountyResilience

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5 months ago

Breeze Transit outlines on‑demand performance, ADA service costs and plan to consolidate demand‑response contracts Sarasota County transit director reviewed Breeze on Demand and BreezePlus performance metrics, emergency evacuation support after the 2024 storms, and a plan to move to a single provider and software platform to lower per‑trip costs; the county board will consider related contracts in December and transition to a single provider in April.

Sarasota County's transit director reveals exciting plans to enhance Breeze Transit services, promising faster rides and lower costs for residents!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicTransit #AccessibilityServices

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5 months ago

Sarasota County and Longboat Key report progress on library project; fundraising topped $4 million Sarasota County libraries staff and Longboat Key officials updated commissioners on the Longboat Key Library project, reporting amended design contracts, continued fundraising for enhanced meeting and exterior spaces, donor commitments (including a major gift), and a planned groundbreaking in early 2027.

Exciting progress is underway for the Longboat Key Library project, with over $4 million raised and a groundbreaking set for early 2027!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #FundraisingSuccess #PublicLibraries

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5 months ago

County government relations warns of a busy session; property‑tax and preemption bills flagged Sarasota County government relations staff briefed commissioners on the 2026 legislative calendar, key deadlines and bills to watch, including multiple property‑tax/homestead exemption proposals and measures that could restrict local land‑use authority. Commissioners discussed sovereign immunity concerns and the need to keep legislative priority‑to

Sarasota County is gearing up for a hectic legislative session, with nearly 500 bills filed and critical property-tax proposals that could reshape local governance—are you ready for the impact?

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PropertyTaxReform

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5 months ago

Longboat Key leaders, residents press Sarasota County for up to $25 million for St. Armands drainage and access work Residents and town officials described repeated flooding, failed pumps and downtown business closures on St. Armands Circle and urged Sarasota County to fund up to $25 million of improvements through the Resilient SRQ grant. Town staff presented storm‑damage estimates and asked the county to prioritize drainage and access work; no county vote was, 

Repeated flooding has devastated St. Armands Circle, leaving businesses shuttered and homes damaged, as Longboat Key officials push for $25 million in urgent drainage improvements.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #EconomicRecovery

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5 months ago

Residents push county to expand Phillippi Creek dredging; commissioners ask staff for costs to widen work Hundreds of public comments urged Sarasota County to widen dredging in Phillippi Creek beyond the planned mid‑channel “high‑spot” cuts to include oxbows, coves and side channels. After a staff briefing, the board unanimously directed stormwater staff to solicit prices and options for a larger dredge footprint that would avoid seawall damage by a 15

Residents are rallying for a comprehensive dredging solution in Phillippi Creek to prevent flooding and sediment blockages, pushing county commissioners to expand their plans beyond a narrow channel.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalRestoration

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5 months ago

Commission authorizes mayor to back county Resilient SRQ funding requests for dredging and stormwater projects Sarasota commissioners authorized Mayor Alpert to sign letters supporting the county’s Resilient SRQ funding applications on Nov. 3. The city’s support targets dredging for Whitaker and Hudson bayous and infrastructure projects including St. Armands resiliency, Whitaker Bayou resiliency and Sarasota stormwater improvements.

Sarasota's City Commission just authorized the mayor to back critical funding requests aimed at tackling flooding and enhancing water quality through major dredging and stormwater infrastructure projects!

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#FL #CitizenPortal #StormwaterResilience #SarasotaCounty

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5 months ago

Sarasota marks 25 years of ESLPP, 100th land purchase; board approves Cow Lane acquisition The county marked the 25th anniversary of its Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and closed its 100th ESLPP acquisition (Camp Venice). The commission also approved a new land purchase — Cow Lane — and budgeted $2.3 million for acquisition and startup costs.

Sarasota County celebrates a major milestone with its 100th land acquisition and 25 years of pioneering conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of over a third of its land!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #WildlifeHabitat #LandConservation

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5 months ago

Sarasota commissioners direct ordinance change to restrict motorized watercraft at Ted Sperling Park; public hearing set After residents urged tighter protections for swimmers and non‑motorized users, the board directed staff to proceed toward an ordinance that would create a 300‑foot motorboat exclusion zone or require idle speed, and scheduled a public hearing for further action.

Sarasota County is moving forward with a plan to restrict motorized watercraft at South Lido Beach after residents voiced safety concerns over unsafe jet-ski and boat activity.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #WaterUseManagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement

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5 months ago

Commission awards Phillippi Creek 'high‑spot' dredging contracts and approves $14.5M program funding The county approved a $14.48 million appropriation and awarded two construction contracts to dredge the Phillippi Creek high‑spot conveyance channel, part of multi‑phase stormwater work tied to HUD flood‑recovery funds and county reserves.

Sarasota County is set to tackle flooding head-on with a $14.5 million dredging project aimed at improving the troubled Phillippi Creek!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #StormwaterManagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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5 months ago

Commissioners approve $1 million from Bay Park TIF for phase‑3 design; larger phase‑3 borrowing to be revisited in spring The Sarasota County Commission unanimously authorized $1 million from the Bay Park TIF trust fund for Centennial Park schematic design and permitting, and agreed to revisit a proposed $20 million phase‑3 borrowing (TIF‑backed) after permitting and legislative clarity.

Sarasota County commissioners have just approved a game-changing $1 million investment to advance the design of Bay Park's next phase, setting the stage for a stunning waterfront redevelopment!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #StormwaterManagement #CitizenPortal #CommunityRecreation

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5 months ago

Sarasota commissioners unanimously reject D.R. Horton settlement for Smith Farm near Celery Fields After hours of public comment, the Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to deny a mediated settlement that would have approved a lower‑density plan for the Smith Farm adjacent to the Celery Fields, leaving litigation or further mediation as likely next steps.

Sarasota County commissioners have taken a strong stand against potential development on the Smith Farm, prioritizing environmental protection and community safety after a passionate public outcry.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection

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5 months ago

Commission directs revisions to county process for unsolicited public–private proposals The commission directed staff to advertise proposed ordinance language to move some submittal requirements from stage 1 to stage 2 for unsolicited public–private partnership proposals and to allow administrative extensions of initial sufficiency corrections; the board approved the step 4–1.

Sarasota County is shaking up its public-private partnership proposal process to reduce red tape and encourage innovative projects—could this be the game-changer we need?

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicPrivatePartnership #ProcurementReform

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5 months ago

Votes at a glance: key Sarasota County Commission actions on Oct. 21 The commission approved a range of routine and substantive items: appointments to advisory boards, multiple budget amendments and CIP updates, property acquisitions, and contract awards alongside the major votes reported separately (Bay Park design, Phillippi Creek dredging, South Lido ordinance, P3 process, personnel action).

Sarasota County's latest commission meeting revealed a flurry of impactful decisions, from new advisory board appointments to significant budget amendments and property acquisitions.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #CommunityDevelopment

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5 months ago

Coastal Advisory Committee seeks countywide coastal monitoring plan; estimates $300,000/year for physical monitoring The county’s Coastal Advisory Committee recommended creating a countywide coastal monitoring program (beach-profile surveys, bathymetry, aerial imagery) to support a future comprehensive Coastal Management Plan; the committee estimated about $300,000 per year for physical monitoring.

Sarasota County's Coastal Advisory Committee is pushing for a $300,000 annual coastal-monitoring plan to safeguard our beaches and enhance storm impact documentation!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CoastalManagement #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalMonitoring #BeachNourishment

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5 months ago

Commission backs motorboat exclusion zone at South Lido Beach and asks staff to examine park noise rules The Commission directed county staff to pursue an ordinance creating a motorboat exclusion zone near Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach and authorized a public hearing; the board also directed staff to explore park rules or noise ordinances to address amplified sound across beaches.

Sarasota County is taking a bold step to protect its beaches by proposing a motorboat exclusion zone at South Lido Beach, while also tackling noisy disturbances that disrupt the tranquility of its parks.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ParkManagement

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5 months ago

Commission rejects D.R. Horton FLUEDRA settlement; developer’s revised rezone will require new public hearing if pursued The commission rejected a mediated settlement that would have allowed a revised rezone for the Smith Properties (near the Celery Fields); rejecting the settlement returns the dispute to mediation under Florida’s land-use dispute statute.

Sarasota County Commissioners have unanimously rejected a crucial settlement for a controversial residential project near the Celery Fields, sending the dispute back to mediation and leaving the future of the development in limbo.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal

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5 months ago

Commission awards Phillippi Creek dredging contracts and appropriates $14.48 million The county added a Phillippi Creek dredging project to its CIP, appropriated $14.48 million, and approved two construction contracts to begin channel and high-spot dredging.

Sarasota County just approved a $14.48 million plan to tackle flooding head-on with crucial dredging work at Phillippi Creek!

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #StormwaterManagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement

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5 months ago

Sarasota County agrees to release $1 million for Bay Park phase 3 design, will revisit bonding later The County Commission unanimously approved releasing $1 million from the Bay Park TIF trust for design and permitting of Centennial Park improvements and deferred any commitment to bond-finance phase 3 until spring 2026.

Sarasota County has taken a big step forward by approving $1 million for the design of Centennial Park, a project aimed at enhancing resilience and public access in the community.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #ParkImprovements #WaterResilience

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6 months ago

County Board Prioritizes Roadway Safety Improvements Amid Rising Traffic Fatalities County board discusses funding for roadway enhancements to improve public safety and reduce fatalities.

Sarasota County officials are sounding the alarm on traffic safety, revealing that more lives are lost to crashes than crime, and urgent improvements are needed to protect our community.

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#SarasotaCounty #FL #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TrafficSafety