While You Were Sleeping: Friday, Oct. 9

A direct hit on the Suncoast isn't expected, but Hurricane Isaias will bring dangerous marine conditions, higher-than-normal tides, rougher seas, higher surf and rip currents as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast, according to ABC 7. Boaters should expect southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots Friday and Saturday, with seas building to 5 to 7 feet and occasionally 9 feet. Expect afternoon storms Friday, rain chances of 60% near the coast and 80% inland Saturday, and an 80% chance Sunday before drier air arrives Monday.

Why it matters: ABC 7 says some areas could see more flooding Saturday where recent heavy rain has left the ground saturated.

Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium Thursday on new data center projects, ABC 7 reports. The pause stops the acceptance, processing and approval of new data center projects while commissioners study potential effects on energy, water, infrastructure and local communities. Commissioners say no data center projects are currently planned in the county, and the decision follows North Port's approval of an 18-month moratorium.

Why it matters: The moratorium gives the county time to set rules and regulations before any proposal comes forward.

Community leaders broke ground Thursday on a supportive housing community in Sarasota for young adults aging out of foster care, according to ABC 7. The project will have 20 units in five homes. The Junior League of Sarasota launched a campaign in 2025 to raise about $210,000 to furnish each house with new furniture, appliances and home goods, and the group says the full cost is now covered.

A proposed tower at 1360 Ringling Blvd., previously known as Adagio and now called Lumora, has been cut from 18 stories to 10 after its developer dropped plans to use Florida's Live Local Act, The Sarasota Record reports. The redesign has 178 residences, including nine attainable rentals, down from 76 affordable apartments in the earlier plan. The city's Development Review Committee gave partial sign-off Oct. 7, and the developer must address outstanding issues before the site plan can be approved.

Chick-fil-A Heritage Harbour opens Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7283 State Road 64 E., near the entrance to the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour plaza, the Bradenton Herald reports. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers who show up in cow attire for the grand opening can get one free entree or kid's meal, one per person per day while supplies last, and the opening comes with a $25,000 donation to Feeding Tampa Bay.