Sarasota, County, Florida -- Beginning Oct. 7, local contractors will be able to save time and money by applying for building permits through Sarasota County Planning and Development Services Department updated online system at www.building.scgov.net. Current registered users will have full access to the new site; however contractor agents will need to create a new, one-time only free registration.  

By cutting down the time it takes to apply for and receive a building permit, we are helping contractors grow their business and create jobs.  

Sarasota, Florida -- During the month of October, Goodwill Manasota will host a free, five-week long workshop on conversational and practical Spanish as part of the non-profit’s Good Neighbor Program. Workshop classes are open to the public and will be held every Tuesday, Oct 1 – 29, from 6 – 7:30pm at the Goodwill North Trail at Mecca Community Room.

Sarasota, Florida -- Mote scientist is nominated for world's top award for animal conservation the Indianapolis Prize. Dr. Randal Wells heads the longest-running study of a wild dolphin population.

Wells is one of 39 conservation all-stars who have been nominated. Wells is the director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program in Sarasota Bay that began in 1970.

The winner will be announced September 27, 2014 in Indianapolis. The winner will receive $250,000 and the five other finalists will each receive $10,000.