John Dunbar/Suncoast Searchlight

Local officials say an effort by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to cut property taxes could be a knockout punch amid efforts by the state to erode home rule, strip power away from local governments and shift crucial community decisions up to Tallahassee.

Scientists say a wave of new research happening in Sarasota could help stop future outbreaks of red tide before they spiral into disaster.