Sarasota's News in 90: Arts funding, La Villa Mexican Grill and cannabis advocate's death

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Here are the stories included on today's News in 90 Seconds:

Sarasota County Commission rejects arts funding for three popular organizations

Following earlier rejections of citizen-panel recommendations for funding in social services and mental health, the Sarasota County Commission approved spending $2.1 million in tourist tax dollars for 35 arts and culture programs but only after eliminating money for the popular outdoor E mbracing Our Differences exhibition and Chalk Festival as well as community radio station WSLR/Fogartyville Community Arts and Media Center.

And another arts decision is still looming.

Click here to read our full story

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton permanently closing

One of our favorite and best Mexican restaurants in our area is closing for good.

LaVilla Mexican Grill on Longboat Key is permanently closing its doors at the end of the month

Click here to read Wade Tatangelo’s poignant story

Medical cannabis advocate Catherine Jordan dies in her Manatee County home on July 4

Medical cannabis advocate Catherine E. Jordan died in her home in Parrish on July 4 at the age of 74.

Decades of Jordan's advocacy is a big reason why Floridians can legally smoke cannabis for medical purposes. News of her death was made public by the Florida Cannabis Action Network, a statewide nonprofit that aims to end cannabis prohibition.

Click here to read Jesse Mendoza's full report.

Rob Landers is a veteran multimedia journalist for the USA Today Network of Florida. Contact Landers at 321-242-3627 or rlanders@gannett.com . Instagram: @ByRobLanders Youtube : @florida_today

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Sarasota's News in 90: Arts funding, La Villa Mexican Grill and cannabis advocate's death