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Manatee County partners with nonprofit to help residents with dementia

DementiAbility, which will provide the funding to run the nonprofit, will be given space in a county-owned building.

Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans.

Latest News

1
  • March 18, 2026
Town eyes Gulfside Road for next beach groin project
Beachgoers set up near and rest on one of two concrete permeable adjustable groins on the north end of Longboat Key.
2
  • March 18, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag
Condos and single-family homes for sale dot the map of downtown Sarasota and its adjacent neighborhoods.
3
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident enters competitive District 6 election
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's John Calovich is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
4
  • March 18, 2026
City Commission agenda includes citywide speed limit and parking fee discussion
This parking lot at Plymouth Harbor will be the site of its planned expansion.
5
  • March 17, 2026
Entertainment district expands in Lakewood Ranch
Life Time, an athletic country club, is slated to open in Lakewood Ranch in late 2026. This is the outdoor pool and waterslide at the Life Time in Winter Park.

Neighbors

Edward Lyon, Excel Empire's chief tax planner and the 'funniest tax guy in America,' shares tips with residents as they gear up for tax season at a March 10 workshop at Lido Beach Resort.
  • March 18, 2026
America's 'Funniest Tax Guy' offers tips to Longboaters
Esplanade residents have an assembly line to stuff Comfort Cases backpacks to be delivered to foster kids.
  • March 18, 2026
Esplanade pulls together to support foster kids
Sarasota's Tony Mullet, Dianne Gardner, Annelle Mullet,
Dave Gardner and Denise Miller get their green on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Lakewood Main Street on March 17.
  • March 18, 2026
A green day on Lakewood Main Street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser

Arts + Culture

Artist Alissa Silvers created the poster to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Art Center Sarasota.
  • March 18, 2026
Arts Center Sarasota turns 100 and brings back its Beaux Arts Ball to celebrate
Former Boston Symphony Orchestra Ann Hobson Pilot plays the harp during Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company's tango-inspired program, "SCD + Piazzolla."
  • March 17, 2026
Put these two Sarasota dance companies on your radar
Sarasota Jazz Festival Music Director Terell Stafford performs.
  • March 11, 2026
Sarasota Jazz Club wants a building of its own
The cast of Urbanite Theatre's "The Apiary" includes (clockwise from left), Christina Mei Chen, Terri Weagant, Dekyi Ronge and Ariel Blue.
  • March 11, 2026
Urbanite Theatre's 'The Apiary' asks the question, 'To bee or not to bee'

Cops Corner

  • March 17, 2026
Police investigate after shell casings, not shells, reported washed up on beach

An anonymous caller reported finding gun shell casings washed up on the Longboat Key beach. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • March 11, 2026
Man makes false battery claim to end an argument

Police were called to an alleged battery only to learn a man called 911 to get his ex-girlfriend to leave him alone. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Eat + Drink

The Wahlberg brothers -- Donnie, Paul and Mark.
  • March 11, 2026
Wahlburgers opens in SRQ's B Concourse

The celebrity-connected airport eatery also includes a full bar.

My best bud ordered her Southside Italian just the other day and let her camera take the first bite.
  • March 1, 2026
Ditch National Pack Your Lunch Day for a sandwich from a Sarasota deli

These eateries make it nearly impossible for me to brown-bag it like a responsible adult.

Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.
  • February 26, 2026
Late-night cookie chain opens its first store in Sarasota

Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.

General manager Desmond Hill brings warmth and ease to Lucky Pelican’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
  • February 18, 2026
Lucky Pelican's general manager shares how he keeps the restaurant flying high

What makes the Lucky Pelican Bistro so good? No bad days. And the lobster roll, of course.

Schools

Linda Medina and Aliana Donald, second graders at Daughtrey Elementary, are eager to answer any questions Miss Gina might ask about the books she reads.
  • March 4, 2026
Books for Kids continues to bring reading passion to elementary students

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch program provides reading volunteers to 10 schools in Manatee County.

The winners of an essay contest had the chance to read out their essays during the event, and they included fourth grader Lorelei Martin, second grader Olivia Batista, kindergartener Logan Hernandez, third grader Petronius Boles, first grader Jade Rivers and fifth grader Amara Berry, pictured here with Assistant Principal Jennifer Kahler.
  • February 22, 2026
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus celebrates centennial anniversary
The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students
Jessie King, Jadis Hebdon in the chair and Carlos Fuentes
  • February 19, 2026
MTC barbershop students learn the skills needed to showcase the style
A rendering of a renovated and expanded former Perkins restaurant into Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy for the homebuilding industry.
  • February 18, 2026
Homebuilder groups team up for apprenticeship school
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

Sports

Cooper Jones is one of seven freshmen additions for Braden River this season. The third baseman/catcher leads the team in RBIs and ranks second in batting average, as of March 10.
  • March 18, 2026
Freshmen talent takes center stage for Braden River High's softball team

The Pirates were off to a fast start with seven freshmen having an immediate impact.

Junior guard/forward Isaiah Jenkins (left) looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 7A boys basketball state championship between Sarasota and Miami Columbus. The Sailors fell, 53-50, on March 14 at Jacksonville's UNF Arena.
  • March 18, 2026
Learning to love transformed Sarasota boys basketball
The Concession Golf Club is hosting the Senior PGA Championship April 16-19.
  • March 18, 2026
Final preparations underway for The Concession to host Senior PGA Championship
Alex Bates of Riverview track and field is a reigning FHSAA regional and district champion for pole vault. Four meets into his senior season, he's already notched a pair of first-place finishes.
  • March 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Alex Bates
Ava DiPasquale is ranked sixth in Florida among girls age 13-14 for the 2025-26 season, as well as 67th nationally in that regard, per Swimcloud.
  • March 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava DiPasquale
Sarasota boys basketball coach BJ Ivey embraces Johnny Lackaff. The junior guard had a game-high 27 points March 14 in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship, but it wasn't enough for the Sailors.
  • March 15, 2026
Sarasota boys basketball falls by 3 in state championship
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Things To Do

The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser
Verdi's "Il Trovatore" is one of four operas in the Sarasota Opera's Winter Festival, which runs through March 29 at the Sarasota Opera House.
  • March 17, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 19-25
Art in the Park will take place on March 14-15 at the University Park Country Club. It will feature different mediums of art from 50 artists including Michael Parkinson, a co-chair for Art in the Park.
  • March 12, 2026
University Park's Art in the Park to showcase 50 local artists

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Opinion

1
  • March 18, 2026
  • By Jay Heater
Books for Kids' passion runs cover to cover
2
  • March 11, 2026
  • By Jay Heater
When it comes to the blues festival, we blew it in Lakewood Ranch
3
  • March 11, 2026
  • By Adrian Moore, Max Gulker
DeSantis has better policy than rhetoric on data centers

Real Estate

A Lake Club home at 16218 Daysailor Trail sold for $2,499,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area.
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch
Two properties at 369 S. and 369 N. Polk Drive sold for $3.65 million. The property at 369 S. was built in 1948, and it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,703 square feet of living
area. The property at 369 N. was built in 1948, and it has one bedroom, one bath and 728 square feet of living area.
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
A restored 1920 Craftsman residence set on a corner double lot has entered the market in Sarasota’s West of Trail neighborhood for $4.19 million.
  • March 12, 2026
Treehouse adds whimsy to restored West of Trail home in Sarasota

Photo Galleries

Sarasota's Tony Mullet, Dianne Gardner, Annelle Mullet,
Dave Gardner and Denise Miller get their green on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Lakewood Main Street on March 17.
  • March 18, 2026
A green day on Lakewood Main Street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Cathy and Dennis Kennedy
  • March 17, 2026
Revelers head to Shamrock Pub to uphold their St. Patrick's Day tradition
  • March 17, 2026
Temple members encouraged to reflect at outdoor art exhibit
Flamenco dancer Carolina Esparza performs with Los Rumberos on March 15 at The Education Center for the final Sunday Performing Arts Program installment this season.
  • March 17, 2026
Los Rumberos close out Education Center's Sunday shows
Ashley Dawson and Kristen Laviolette share what the Ladies of Longboat social group has meant to them as they greet members at the March 11 meetup at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
  • March 16, 2026
'Ladies of Longboat' social group enjoys new energy
Marc and Susan Benjamin are all smiles on the dance floor as they groove to the Aloha Sharks band March 14 at The Sanctuary.
  • March 16, 2026
The Sanctuary celebrates season with annual poolside party
Sarasota's Kelley Rouse celebrates after she participates in the Bus Pull for Inclusion, a fundraiser for the nonprofit Inclusion Revolution, that will assist in providing job-related resources to people with disabilities.
  • March 16, 2026
Bus pull raises $22,455 for Sarasota nonprofit
Fourth grader Ava O'Mahoney of 4-H and her mother Megan O'Mahoney spend time with Clover.
  • March 15, 2026
Kids showcase agricultural skills amid carnival fun at Sarasota County Fair
Hysen Muhametaj, Jamison Eige, Ron Major and Sydney Bartlett of Direct Window & Door celebrate Eige's win at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off.
  • March 14, 2026
Spicy showdown at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off
"Paradise Runway" fashion show models Judie Jacobson, Patti Wrobel, Cheryl Gross, Janet Nash and Regina Napoli wait to show off their second outfits for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club fundraiser.
  • March 13, 2026
Paradise Runway fundraiser hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club
A restored 1920 Craftsman residence set on a corner double lot has entered the market in Sarasota’s West of Trail neighborhood for $4.19 million.
  • March 12, 2026
Treehouse adds whimsy to restored West of Trail home in Sarasota
The home at 1356 Harbor Drive was built in 2017 and has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 6,752 square feet of living area.
  • March 12, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
Rex Jensen welcomes Fabienne and Brett Hutchens to the party at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • March 9, 2026
Having fun makes horse sense at the Sarasota Polo Club
Al Van Iten helps out shopper Jenny Phillips with her purchase of a teak shower set at the Royal Rummage Sale. Van Iten said he appreciates helping out the charitable effort while getting to meet interesting people.
  • March 9, 2026
Crowds come out en force for Royal Rummage Sale
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan, Meals on Wheels Plus President and CEO Maribeth Phillips, and Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation President Jeffrey Toale gather together after Phillips accepted a $25,000 grant to beautify Daybreak.
  • March 9, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation honors 2025 grant recipients
Mark Daunt from The Resort at Longboat Key Club doles out a sweet pick-me-up from the organization’s booth at the 3rd annual Town of Longboat Key Open House on March 7 at the Town Center Green.
  • March 9, 2026
Longboat town open house features nearly 40 reps
Bradenton's Madison Hokanson, 5, and Jaxson Hokanson, 2, came dressed for the occasion to the Irish Celtic Festival at Greenbrook Adventure Park on March 7.
  • March 8, 2026
Irish Celtic Festival paints the park green in Lakewood Ranch
Kiana Nahale, 3, meets a hawksbill turtle.
  • March 7, 2026
Attendees discover the 'wonders of water' at Bay Fest
Jim and Ellen Kelleher take in the breeze from Sarasota Bay while socializing at the March 3 St. Armands Key Residents Association dinner at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
  • March 6, 2026
St. Armands residents hone long-term, community-based vision
Javaughn Wallace and executive chef Michael from Drift at Lido Beach Resort dish up a poached pear and prosciutto bite at the 15th annual Taste of the Keys on Feb. 26 at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 2, 2026
Taste of the Keys bigger than ever in 15th year
Magnolia Riner, 10, displays a design she created.
  • March 1, 2026
Church of the Redeemer volunteers work together to build beds for kids in need
Suncoast Stars Community's Jenny Audet, Julie Audet and Laurel Audet are grateful for the program that provides a wide array of activities including dance, music, fitness and nutrition, knitting, Bible study, crafts, and more.
  • March 1, 2026
Suncoast Stars Community shines bright during fundraising event
Gideon Demetrious, 6, Hani Demetrious and Jude Demetrious, 10, look through a series of prints.
  • February 28, 2026
Sarasota Festival of the Arts serves up variety for attendees to browse
University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 28, 2026
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hosts Tropical Escape fundraiser
Pat O'Connell, Brenda Baril, Beth Scheible and Kim Lawrence said winning the championship Swing for the Cure annual golf day on Feb. 24 was especially meaningful to them, considering Lawrence is a cancer survivor.
  • February 25, 2026
Swing for the Cure unites golfers in fight against breast cancer

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