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From the Florida Trident:
Egmont Key’s bellwether: a Ground Zero for sea level rise in Florida
Egmont Key, a small island in Tampa Bay, is experiencing rapid erosion and sea level rise, making it a critical warning sign for the effects of climate change in Florida. Once home to a thriving lighthouse and military outposts, the island has shrunk significantly over the years and is now largely submerged, with much of its wildlife and infrastructure damaged by recent storms. As sea levels rise and storms intensify, Egmont Key's fate symbolizes the ongoing struggle to protect Florida's coastal areas from irreversible climate impacts. READ THE STORY HERE
From the Bradenton Herald:
Is there a fix for hurricane flooding in Manatee? Leaders weigh options in new report
Still reeling from last year's devastating hurricane season, Manatee County officials are focused on reducing flooding during future storms. Staff this week presented a report with a long list of potential upgrades to the county’s stormwater maintenance program and infrastructure. But they also cautioned that there is no quick, easy fix. Officials are revisiting the idea of a stormwater utility fee to fund these efforts and are exploring ways to prioritize and implement stormwater management strategies effectively. READ THE STORY HERE
From ABC7
Sarasota Police continue to gather evidence in fatal hit-and-run case
Sarasota police are still investigating the Feb. 10th hit-and-run incident that claimed the lives of two children and left their 29-year-old mother in critical condition. Despite having a suspect – a 73-year-old woman who was behind the wheel of a white Lexus – the police have not yet made an arrest. ABC7 spoke to the Florida Highway Patrol about why these investigations take time. READ THE STORY HERE
From the Herald-Tribune
One decision changed lives. Manatee County hit-and-run crash leaves behind sorrow, regret
This story is from December, but it's a must-read for anyone following the news on fatal hit-and-run that happened earlier this month in Sarasota. From the story: Since 2018, there have been more than 684,300 hit-and-run crashes in Florida. While a majority of the crashes involved minor property damage, many hit-and-runs proved to be fatal, killing nearly 1,700 people. The drivers involved run the gamut from delivery drivers to soccer moms to elderly snowbirds. The causes can range from drunk drivers getting behind the wheel to a driver not seeing a pedestrian or bicyclist to a momentary distraction diverting the driver's attention. They then have one second to brake. One second to decide. For the drivers, running could mean 30 years in prison to wonder why. READ THE STORY HERE
From the Observer
Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service
Willie Shaw, a former Sarasota mayor, shares the military legacy of his family, emphasizing the often-overlooked contributions of Black citizens to U.S. military history. Shaw, who served in the U.S. Air Force, is proud of his family’s service, which includes his father, Wade C. Shaw, who served in World War II, and his uncles, who served in World War I. Shaw's family history in Sarasota spans generations, and he passionately recounts the importance of military service to his upbringing, teaching him values of self-assertion and discipline. He also highlights his family's role in shaping the history of Newtown, Sarasota’s predominantly Black community. READ THE STORY HERE
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