Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
New County Editor Roger Drouin had a busy breaking-in period this week, as the County Commission pushed through a gamut of business before it headed off on summer recess. Fortunately, Roger's reporting experience with the city came in very handy, as one agenda item — the proposed sale of a parcel in downtown Sarasota — was an issue he had handled at length in the past. Roger's debut in the News Leader also marks the widest range we have roamed yet for an issue — from north Sarasota County all the way down to North Port, with the City of Venice thrown into the mix. The other news Roger tackled this week was an EMS dispute between the City of Venice and Sarasota County, along with the County Commission's decision not to put former colleague Jon Thaxton on the Planning Commission. Cooper Levey-Baker was back on the "2050 beat," a place where he has become very much at home, as evidenced by the clarity of his explanations. Stan Zimmerman, likewise, is the best reporter I know for making the Sarasota Community Redevelopment Agency discussions not only comprehensible but also enjoyable. You do not have to be a policy wonk to appreciate his latest CRA story this week. As for Siesta Key: A bit of laughter in the County Commission Chambers Wednesday reflected board members' relief that six years of legal action between the county and Siesta businessman Chris Brown was over at last. That was not the only Siesta topic, though. The future of outdoor merchandise displays in Siesta Village and island trolleys also had board airings. I encourage you not to rush through this issue. Editor and Publisher