Salient quotes from the virtual town hall meeting

• "We are facing our most challenging year" - Melanie Michael, Director, Health Services in Sarasota County.
  

In reply to a question about parking fees for residents, or possibly beach parking fees:

• "This county has always prided itself on having users pay for as many services as possible." - County Administrator Jim Ley.

• "There's big opportunity when things go south," - County Administrator Jim Ley, adding that times of challenge prompt communities to "see if there's a better way to do things."
  

• "People are telling us they will not stand for petty bickering" between the county and its four unincorporated areas - Longboat Key, Venice, North Port, and Sarasota, said Thaxton.



• Asked: Have we bottomed out? -- No, said Jim Ley, adding that the tax base is a year behind.
  

More budget axes fall

Schools to get less money for career preparation

after lawmakers cut the $11 million budget for the Florida Ready to Work program, state officials realized they do not have enough money to pay the schools.

North Port eyes service cuts

NORTH PORT - Aside from police, fire and park services, all city services are on the budget chopping block, and cuts could come quickly after the city receives its new property assessment values Friday, City Manager Steven Crowell said.