Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/336863
CONTENTS Vol. 2, No. 41 — June 27, 2014 VANDALS STRIKE NESTING AREA 'A PARTNERSHIP THAT'S DEFECTIVE' NEWS VANDALS STRIKE NESTING AREA 9 Amid a record-breaking season, Sarasota Audubon volunteers are contending with people damaging posted zones and destroying eggs — Rachel Brown Hackney 'A PARTNERSHIP THAT'S DEFECTIVE' 16 With no county-city compromise in sight, Warm Mineral Springs will close once again — Cooper Levey-Baker THE 2015 COUNTY BUDGET 21 The preliminary plan includes 40 new full-time positions and a 3.7 percent increase in the county's operating budget but holds the tax rate steady — Roger Drouin THE 'DEBS' AND THEIR FIRST 'FORMAL' 26 Seven of nine County Commission candidates answer forum questions about issues such as the 2050 Plan and the Lido Renourishment Project — Stan Zimmerman BIG BANG FOR THE BUCKS 32 The sheriff cites a 33-percent drop in crime since he took office as he seeks about a 3.6-percent budget increase that includes more money for a program that holds down jail expenses — Rachel Brown Hackney A SITE SEARCH, AGAIN 37 The prospect of building a community homeless shelter appears murkier than ever, though there might be a silver lining in the latest turn of events — Roger Drouin SHARING A LIBRARY 45 The County Commissions voices commitment to collaborating with the School Board in a technical institute/public facility in North Port — Rachel Brown Hackney TABLE OF CONTENTS Click Any Headline To Go Directly To That Article COVER PHOTO CREDIT Summer Skies - Norman Schimmel