By Jane Bartnett

Tax Holidays for School Items, Hurricane Supplies & Outdoor Fun & Recreation

It’s back-to-school time for area school children and, as always, it’s also time to stock up on hurricane supplies. For the month of August, beginning this year and every August going forward, visitors and residents alike can take advantage of the permanent Florida August tax holiday for school supplies.

A new law signed into effect on June 30 by Governor Ron DeSantis institutes a permanent zero tax on school supplies. According to the Governor’s office, the school sales tax holiday will be in effect every August, from August 1-31. “Clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, learning aids under $30, and personal computers under $1,500 are tax exempt for the month.”

In addition, according to a press release, two permanent sales tax exemptions also take effect August 1, 2025. They are:
 

• A permanent sales tax exemption on event tickets, state park admissions, life jackets, sunscreen, bike helmets, and insect repellent, so families can enjoy all the outdoor fun Florida has to offer;
   
• Permanent exemptions for disaster preparedness items, including batteries, portable generators, tarps, gas cans, tie-down kits, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors;
   

From September 8 through December 31, 2025, according to the Governor’s office, a “Second Amendment sales tax holiday provides relief to consumers purchasing bows, firearms, ammunition, tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, fishing rods and reels, tackle boxes, and bait and tackle.”

Sarasota County – Free Self-Service Sandbags – August 10

Sarasota County is offering free sandbags on Sunday, August 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last. Free empty bags and free sand will be available. Residents must bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the sandbags themselves. Each vehicle will be offered 10 empty sandbags to fill.

Locations are:

• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• South County Fleet, 4571 SR 776/Englewood Road, Venice

2025 Emergency Preparedness Guide

Download the Sarasota County 2025 Emergency Preparedness Guide. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to Alert Sarasota County at alertsarasotacounty.com and to receive texts and email updates from Sarasota County at scgov.net. Hurricane season extends through November 30.

National Honors for Sarasota County Parks Department

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources received the 2025 Conservation Award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials for its work on the Land Acquisition and Management Program re-branding and community education plan. The county was selected from nominees around the country. Visit sarasotacountyparks.com/landaquisitions to learn more.

August at the Gulf Gate Library

Stay cool this summer and learn something new at the Gulf Gate Library at 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Gulf Gate. Enjoy these fun and free events. All have limited seating. Visit https://www.sarasotacountylibraries.org/ to learn more.

Adult Programs:

Chess Club – August 2, Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Adults – Meeting Room B

All levels of chess players are welcome to join others in a friendly low-key atmosphere.

Cookbook Club – – August 28, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Forever Summer, Three Summer Flavors

Adults – Learning Lab

Discuss new recipes, share pictures of your own creations, and connect with fellow food (and cookbook) lovers.

Travelogue: Ladakh Taj-Mahal – August 22 – 2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

Adults – Meeting Room A

Learn about this hidden gem, nestled high in the Himalayas on India’s Tibetan Plateau. This high-altitude desert landscape provides a stunning backdrop for rich and colorful Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Children & Families Programs:

Stories and Craft – Ages 0 – 5, – August 5, August 19 – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Meeting Room B

The whole family is welcome to join in stories, songs and rhymes, fun activities, and a craft.

Library Babies – August 1, 8, 22 and 29 – 10:15 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Birth to age 3. Story times.

Meeting Room B

Sarasota Tax Collector’s New Hours

Sarasota County Tax Collector offices are now open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments or walk-in service will be provided to Sarasota County residents, businesses, seasonal residents and those establishing residency only. Appointments are recommended for all services and can be scheduled online and are required for the road or written test, concealed weapon license, and any service in the North Port office. For additional assistance call 941-861-8300 or email info@sarasotataxcollector.gov.

New Breeze on Demand Fares

As of July 1, single-passenger Breeze on Demand fares took effect. Single-passenger base fare for the first 3.0 miles is $3. The current $1.50 flat fare for participants in the Transportation Disadvantaged program remains. There is a $1 flat fare for each companion passenger, up to 4 passengers per booking. Children aged 5 and under ride free, with a paying adult. Visit scgov.net/2025ondemand.