Sarasota County commissioners approved $20 million for two key storm resilience projects at their Aug. 26 meeting. ^[1] The City of Sarasota placed a planned expansion of paid parking on hold at the beginning of August 2026 after hearing frustration from local merchants. ^[2] The commissioners approved $13.5 million for flood prevention work on St. Armands Key without discussion. ^[3] The commissioners approved $6.4 million to expand stormwater holding capacity at Celery Fields. ^[4] Tropical Storm Debby dumped more than 20 inches of rain in the northeastern corner of Sarasota County during the 2024 hurricane season. ^[5] Casey Gonzmart Sr., a board member for the St. Armand's Circle Association, stated that enforcing parking late at night harms staff working late shifts and suppliers arriving early in the morning. ^[6] City officials have not finalized a long-term parking plan and will work on drafting revised proposals to be presented after the November 2026 election. ^[7] The suspended plan included expanding paid parking hours, moving enforcement to seven days a week, and increasing fines. ^[8]