Privacy Policy

Sarasota County Facts is one of several projects of the Local Government Accountability (LGAI), a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit that investigates how local governments across the country manage public money. LGAI operates this site and is responsible for its content.

Sarasota County Facts (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of the citizens, tipsters, supporters, and visitors (“you”) who use this website (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described here.

Sarasota County Facts has no separate funding. The Local Government Accountability funds LGAI's administration, overhead, and all of its projects, including this one. LGAI does not accept money from candidates, political parties, advertisers, or government contracts. As a 501(c)(4) social-welfare organization, contributions to LGAI are not tax-deductible. To support LGAI's work, use the support option on our contact form.

1. Information We Collect

a. Information you provide. When you contact us, submit a tip, ask a question, request information, or sign up for updates, we may collect your name, email address, postal address, telephone number, and the contents of your message — along with any other information you choose to provide.

b. Text messaging and calling opt-in data. If you provide a telephone number and consent to receive calls or text messages from us, we collect your phone number and the related data needed to deliver those communications and to maintain a record of your consent.

c. Email opt-in data. If you opt in to our updates, we collect your email address and your subscription preferences.

d. Information collected automatically. When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect limited technical information about your device, browser, and usage — such as IP address, pages viewed, and similar analytics data, including through cookies and comparable technologies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to respond to your inquiries, tips, and correction requests and route them to the appropriate staff; to send you updates and other communications you have requested; to operate, maintain, analyze, and improve the Site and our research; and to comply with the law and protect our rights. We use telephone and text-messaging opt-in data only to communicate with you about our work, as described below.

3. Text Messaging (SMS) Program & Terms

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.

By providing your mobile number and opting in, you agree to receive text messages from Sarasota County Facts. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance. Your mobile opt-in information will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Your opt-in is never shared. Text messaging opt-in data, consent and related collected personal information will not be shared with or sold to any third parties, unless required by law.

No sharing of mobile information for marketing. Mobile information — including your telephone number and SMS consent — will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. We may share mobile information only with the vendors that help us operate the messaging program (for example, our text-messaging platform provider), solely so that they can deliver the service on our behalf, and only as permitted or required by law.

You can stop receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP. You may continue to receive a single confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out.

4. Email Communications

If you opt in to email updates, you may unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email or by contacting us. We never sell or share your email address, and we use it only to send the communications you requested and to operate our email program through our email service providers.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We do not share it with candidates, campaigns, political parties, or government. We may disclose information only: (a) to service providers who perform functions on our behalf (such as hosting, analytics, email, and text-messaging vendors) and who are bound to protect it; (b) when required by law, subpoena, or court order; or (c) to protect the rights, safety, or property of Sarasota County Facts, LGAI, or others. Text-messaging opt-in data is treated as described in Section 3.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable, industry-standard measures to protect your information. No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content, and we encourage you to review their policies when visiting them.

8. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information without parental consent, we will delete it.

9. Your Choices

Text messages: reply STOP to opt out at any time, or HELP for help. Email: use the unsubscribe link in any email, or contact us. Access or deletion: contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable law.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes are effective when the revised policy is posted on the Site, and we encourage you to review this page periodically.

11. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices? All correspondence is received through our contact form, and by mail: Sarasota County Facts, c/o Local Government Accountability, 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 PMB 5459, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: 202-349-3720 (main).