“Governments at all levels have tried to figure out what to do. They need the private sector to build affordable housing, but inherently place barriers in the way of the private sector in terms of planning documents, regulations, process, and zoning. It’s a problem for governing bodies that is complex. Freeing up marketplace restrictions to…

“This was a great example of the community coming together, many different facets of the community coming together and most importantly listening to what that particular area, that particular community needed and really following through on it, setting aside any political differences and making sure we got it done,” Robinson said.

A collaboration of community organizations has helped guide this responsiveness. My Gulf Coast colleague Jon Thaxton has worked closely with leaders from the Argus Foundation, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, local arts organizations, and others to raise a unified voice for the community in this process. Christine Robinson of Argus and Paul Caragiulo of the…

On your ballot is a state constitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The Argus Foundation strongly urges you to vote no and support our local seniors, families and small businesses.

The community needs to be aware that help is available in recovering from the coronavirus. If you suffered loss as a result of COVID-19, whether as a business or individual, you should apply. If you applied before and abandoned your application, you should look at this revamped program again.