South County watershed project aims to improve water quality
Sarasota County is expected to begin work on the $25 million Alligator Creek Stream Restoration Project on Oct. 12.
The two-year environmental project aims to improve water quality, restore habitat, and strengthen coastal resiliency in southern Sarasota County. The project involves the restoration of approximately 2.3 miles of the Alligator Creek corridor and includes reconfiguring an existing canal into a meandering natural stream, according to a project post on scgov.net (scgov.net/government/stormwater/alligator-creek-stream-restoration-project)..
"We're turning years of planning and collaboration into action," Sarasota County Stormwater Director Ben Quartermaine said before a groundbreaking event on Oct. 2 at Woodmere Park in Venice. "This
project is an important investment in cleaner water, a healthier watershed, and greater coastal resiliency."
Work will begin on the easterly portion of the project (east of Jacaranda Boulevard) with surveying followed by mobilization of equipment. Intermittent lane closures are anticipated along Jacaranda Boulevard between South Doral Lane and Woodmere Park Boulevard. The trail system along the Alligator Creek corridor from Jacaranda Boulevard to Venice East Boulevard will be closed during this part of construction.
Funding includes a $14.5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through its Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience funding competition. The remaining project costs are funded locally through the Penny Sales Tax and Stormwater Maintenance Assessments.
Located in southern Sarasota County, Alligator Creek is a tidal waterway within the Lemon Bay watershed. The project will reduce excess nitrogen, nutrient and sediment pollution while restoring more natural water flow through the creek, county officials said.
Venice Chamber of Commerce to host annual business expo
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Community Event & Expo designed to bring residents and local businesses together on Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Venice Community Center.
The Community Event & Expo provides an opportunity for residents to meet face-to-face with trusted, reliable local business owners and professionals. The free public event will feature prizes, food, and giveaways.
"This is fun for everyone and a fun way to learn about the products and services our Chamber member businesses offer," Savannah Lease, program director for the Venice Chamber, said in an email. For more information, visit venicechamber.com.
2026 Sporting Clays fundraiser helps SCSO employees in crisis
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Charitable Foundation will host its annual Sporting Clays Shoot fundraiser on Nov. 6 at Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays.
The fundraiser supports employees of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office who are experiencing extraordinary personal or family need.
"Our complete focus is on those employees of the Sheriff's Office who are going through individual or family catastrophe,” said Mike Quillen, foundation chair. "Through natural disasters which impact their homes, children’s illnesses, hospitalizations or a serious medical diagnosis, our Sheriff’s Office employees show up for our community every day."
The SCSOCF has distributed over $500,000 to SCSO employees in crisis grants. For sponsorship and registration information, visit scsocharitablefoundation.org and facebook.com/scsocf.
Around and about
· NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties is hosting its sixth annual NAMI Walks fundraiser on Oct. 10 from 8-11 a.m. at Payne Park in Sarasota. The event supports NAMI's free mental health programs and services. Registration, info, and support: NAMISarasotaManatee.org.
· The Water Lantern Festival featuring floating lanterns with messages of hope, love, and remembrance will return to Sarasota on Oct. 17 at sunset at Nathan Benderson Park. Tickets/info: WaterLanternFestival.com.
· The Sarasota Fright Fest celebrating Halloween returns to the Sarasota County Fairgrounds on Oct. 16-18, Oct. 22-25, Oct. 28-30, and Nov. 1. The festival includes haunted attractions, food, and vendors. Event information and updates: SarasotaFrightFest.com.
· The Alzheimer’s Care Alliance of Southwest Florida is launching a Walking Soccer for Brain Health league in Sarasota starting on Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m. at 8000 Hawkins Road (using fields adjacent to Suncoast Community Church). Sarasota High soccer players will be volunteering as referees and coaches. Info: alzcarealliance.org
· Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus is seeking community support to provide free tickets for Sarasota-Manatee children in Title I schools, underserved families, first responders, and local charities. The circus is scheduled Nov. 21 through Jan. 2. Visit nikwallendafamilyfoundation.org.
· All Faiths Food Bank's 20th annual Bowls of Hope fundraiser is Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota). The event supports the fight against food insecurity in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Info, tickets and sponsorships: allfaithsfoodbank.org/bowls-of-hope.
· The Sarasota Players has launched a six-month fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for essential renovations to its new home, Payne Park Auditorium. Corporate, business, and community members can all contribute directly to the longevity of Sarasota’s first performing arts organization. Information about naming opportunities is coming soon; new seats are already available for $250. To learn more, visit theplayers.org/PayneParkSprint or contact The Sarasota Players at 941-365-2494.
· The 2026-27 Sarasota Jewish Chorale musical season is underway and the organization is seeking more singers. Rehearsals take place Thursday evenings. For information, contact Herb Fox, president, at herbfox61@gmail.com, or Marcy Miller, membership chair, at marcymiller8081@gmail.com.
Submissions by Sarasota County Government, Savannah Lease, Anne Rollings, Pedro Louza, John Ferrari, Erin Harrington, Jake Hartvigsen, Jesse Biter, Sharon Kunkel, Amanda Heisey, and Robin Williams.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County starts major watershed restoration work
