COUNTY 

SRQ Magazine 

Sarasota County Leads the Nation with American Public Works Association Accreditation  

Multiple departments within Sarasota County have achieved accreditation and reaccreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA), reflecting Sarasota County’s commitment to excellence and strategic goals. 

 

WTXL 

Cruise vessel destroyed by fire will be turned into an artificial reef  

More than two years after a massive fire caused millions of dollars in damage to the Spirit of Norfolk in Virginia, the remains of the cruise vessel — which have been sitting in Colonna’s Shipyard ever since — are getting new life as an artificial reef. 

 

AROUND THE COUNT(R)Y 

Route-Fifty 

The key to safer roads? Narrow the lanes.  

COMMENTARY | A study late last year found that the approach significantly enhanced safety for all road users. By narrowing lanes, cities can also reallocate that found space to sidewalks and bike lanes. 

 

Route-Fifty 

What defines a heat wave? The answer could decide where disaster dollars go.  

With heat waves and wildfire smoke emergencies increasing, there’s not always a clear pathway for states to access federal aid. 

 

PUBLIC CAMPING 

Route-Fifty 

Western cities won the right to clear homeless encampments—but will they use it?  

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order encouraging cities to “move with urgency” to clear out camps. The move, which is at odds with others in the West, follows a Supreme Court ruling in June.