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Daily editionThursday, September 24th, 2026

Good morning, North Port.

The 5AM North Port Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of September.

Community

  1. The Panther Ridge main entrance will shut down as part of planned improvements (officials have not yet shared timing or alternate access details).

    Residents are advised to watch for more updates.

    WWSB ABC7 MySunCoastRead more

Business

  1. Over 3,000 readers in a USA TODAY Network-Florida poll on Publix’s Florida BOGO rule said 88% want the chain to allow a single item at half price like in other states + donate extra items to local food pantries.

    The results were reported Sept. 23.

    Sarasota Herald-TribuneRead more

Government

  1. Panther Ridge's main entrance (State Road 70 and 197th Street East) will close for about 45 days starting Sept. 30 as FDOT builds a roundabout for road widening.

    Emergency vehicles will use 197th Street during the closure while residents seek limited access during peak hours.

    WWSB ABC7 MySunCoastRead more

  2. The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended water restrictions through March 31 because of ongoing drought after voting on Sept. 22, affecting residents in Sarasota County who must follow one-day-per-week watering rules with set hours (a measure enforced after below-average summer rains).

    WWSB ABC7 MySunCoastRead more