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Monarch butterflies begin their fall migration today in Florida where many can be seen resting in parks and wildlife refuges.

Residents are invited to support these travelers by planting native milkweed & nectar-rich flowers.

All Faiths Food Bank reports that thousands of local families are struggling during Hunger Action Month due to rising food costs and fewer SNAP approvals, and the organization urges residents to help through donations or volunteering (the bank served 18.7 million meals in 2025).

County officials met Tuesday and approved a request to submit a draft ordinance to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asking for boat speed restrictions at Ted Sperling Park near South Lido Beach to ease safety risks from heavy boat traffic, strong currents, and frequent watercraft congestion.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called for the firing of a Sarasota County teacher on Sept.

21 after she allegedly bullied an eighth grader by labeling him a (misogynist) for his conservative views and ignoring his parents’ request to keep politics out of class; the district said it would review the matter.

Sarasota County staff are monitoring Midnight Pass with weekly surveys and contractor plans as part of a 2026 strategy to keep the channel open.

The county is updating the public online and by email and has allocated up to $750,000 (from state and local funds) for emergency work if needed.

Satchel’s Last Resort, a no-kill animal rescue, will expand its 12 acres by rebuilding kennels and converting a back field into play yards to double its capacity from 50 to 90 animals; the project, part of a $15 million campaign from private donations, will break ground by year's end.

Cardinal Mooney golfers returned from Scotland after competing at the World School Games, reflecting on their strong showing (a milestone for the school) last week in North Port.

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital received national recognition from the American Heart Association on Monday — the award honors its commitment to timely, evidence-based stroke care for patients in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.