Computer investigation discussed today at City Hall. → A computer forensics investigation into the city’s Information Technology Department is now focused on what kind of city information could be on an employee’s personal computer. Sarasota city commissioners will hear an update today at City Hall regarding a computer forensics investigation into the city’s Information Technology Department. Specifically, commissioners will hear an update into an independent analysis of IT project manager Sandra Coleman’s personal computer, which was used last year to access the city’s computer network. The analysis is being performed [...]

  Last-minute ‘Option 5′ for SHS unanimous pick → Sarasota County School District officials were hoping for a public consensus on one of the four Sarasota High School renovation concepts presented during two workshops Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7. Sarasota County School District officials were hoping for a public consensus on one of the four Sarasota High School renovation concepts presented during two workshops Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7. Instead, the district received a unanimous vote — just not on any of the four projects presented. [...]

  Both Ringling roundabouts now open → A roundabout at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue opened yesterday afternoon. Downtown motorists and pedestrians now have complete access to Ringling Boulevard once again. The roundabout off of Ringling Boulevard at Palm Avenue opened yesterday afternoon. The roundabout opened three days sooner than its anticipated June 15 opening. A roundabout on Ringling Boulevard at Pineapple Avenue opened May 18 … [click here to read on!] Tenants line up for new retail space → Developer Casto said retail space for the [...]

City won’t change event policies → Sarasota city commissioners agreed no major changes need to be made to its event policy and closing Main Street is not a major detriment. Downtown Sarasota business owners and festival promoters came out in force Wednesday afternoon to tell the Sarasota City Commission that nothing’s wrong with the way the city handles and manages its events. It worked. At a special meeting Wednesday, June 6 at City Hall, commissioners heard a report from a committee that was formed to review the way events were [...]

Education department releases FCAT results → Manatee County third-graders’ performance in the reading, math and end-of-course assessments for geometry and biology dropped significantly compared to last year but stayed on par with school scores statewide. Manatee County third-graders’ performance in the reading, math and end-of-course assessments for geometry and biology dropped significantly compared to last year but stayed on par with school scores statewide. Results released Thursday, May 24 by the Florida Department of Education showed 50% of Manatee third-graders scored at a level showing proficiency — level 3 or [...]

Commission reviews city manager candidates today → Sarasota city commissioners will discuss city manager candidates and a renovation of U.S. 41 that includes two roundabouts today. The Sarasota City Commission will be discussing city manager candidates and roundabouts on U.S. 41 at its regular meeting today at City Hall. City commissioners will whittle its list of eight city manager finalists down to four or five candidates. Also on the afternoon agenda is a staff discussion on available options for proposed roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10 and 14th streets. [click [...]