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Firefighters have higher cancer risk from foam, firefighting apparel

Some of the same products firefighters use to extinguish fires and protect themselves cause health risks, including cancer. The Longboat Key Fire Rescue is trying to mitigate the exposure.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Training Capt. David Eggleston said firefighter helmets have bills on the rear of the helmet so contaminated water can roll off without soaking into the jacket and pants firefighters wear while battling blazes.

Latest News

1
  • August 6, 2026
Hospitalized Sarasota firefighter cheered upon his release from care
Lt. Clay Huber was cheered by about 100 first responders and hospital personnel on Thursday.
2
  • August 6, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
3
  • August 6, 2026
Voter organization to hold election information sessions
4
  • August 6, 2026
Boat slip addition underway behind future Buccaneer Restaurant site
Workers install boat slips behind the vacant lot where the Buccaneer Restaurant is planned. Additional slips will be installed behind the Harbor Square office building pictured left.
5
  • August 6, 2026
Paused 'generational' city projects subject to commission review
Paused 'generational' city projects subject to commission review

Neighbors

Shane Catts, who started Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & Ecoventures with his wife, Holly Rolls, said the Longboat Key-based business has been proud to be part of so many families' favorite times vacationing and living on the island in the nearly 10 years it has been open on the north end.
  • August 6, 2026
Happy Paddler celebrates family legacy on Longboat Key waters
Sarasota runner Vinny O'Shaughnessy completed his goal of running a marathon in every state. Since then, the runner hasn't slowed down, starting on a new mission to do the same with a half marathon in every state.
  • August 6, 2026
Marathon man accomplishes goal of racing in every state
World Cup watch parties were among the recent events at The Bay park.
  • August 6, 2026
Challenge match launched for signature Sarasota park
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants

Arts + Culture

Rise Above Performing Arts Artistic Director Jacob Ruscoe stands in front of the theater company's new space.
  • August 5, 2026
Rise Above Performing Arts finds a new home
Grae Productions founder Stephanie Grae (center) is flanked by dancers who are part of her entourage of artists that create ArtLab parties.
  • August 3, 2026
ArtLab toasts its fourth anniversary in new venue
Herrig Center for the Arts, formerly ArtCenter Manatee, opened its new building in April.
  • July 29, 2026
The Herrig Center for the Arts is worth a trip to Bradenton
The Sarasota Ballet has hired Misa Kuranaga as principal dancer. In the 2025-26 season, she danced in "Birthday Offering" with the company.
  • July 23, 2026
Sarasota Ballet adds three principal dancers

Cops Corner

  • August 5, 2026
Wannabe novelist puts his ex-girlfriend in a book

In a possible effort to impress his ex-girlfriend, a man provided repeated reminders she is a character in a book he hopes to publish. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • August 4, 2026
Longboat police encountered late-night beachgoers

Police ran into a group of beachgoers after 11 p.m. near Gulfside Road. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Eat + Drink

Can you eat both halves of a corned beef sandwich? You can test your skills when Wolfie's Hand Cut opens at UTC late this year.
  • July 23, 2026
Can new concept earn the bread for Wolfie's at University Town Center?

Wolfie's Hand Cut will use a Chipotle Mexican Grill-style fast-casual concept to streamline operations.

Logan Shaw, Wolfe Shaw, Michael Garey and Calvin Shaw, the team behind the new M & W Sweet Spot frozen treat shop on Longboat Key, showcase a variety of their offerings, including frozen custard sandwiches and drinks.
  • July 15, 2026
From frozen custard to soft serve, Longboat's treats help locals stay cool

Those seeking to satisfy their sweet tooth have plenty of options with shops including the newly opened M & W Sweet Spot on Longboat Key's north end.

Whitney’s Restaurant on the north end of Longboat Key is planning to expand to the office building next door, pictured to the right.
  • July 15, 2026
Whitney's restaurant plans expansion

The Longboat Key restaurant owners paid $1.2 million for the property next door last October.

Co-owners Tory Delany and Kevin O'Hanlon say every aspect of Delany's Public House on Lakewood Main Street is genuine Irish.
  • July 15, 2026
Delany's Public House ready to open on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The owners went to great lengths to present the public with a genuine Irish Public House.

Schools

Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale

The nearly 5-acre property at 801 N. Orange Ave. is being marketed as a downtown development opportunity.

The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 6, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday
James T. Golden, who previously represented District 5 on the school board from 2018-2022, is now running once again to represent District 2.
  • August 5, 2026
Past school board chair wants to serve Manatee County School District again
Connie Dixon, Carol Ricks, Sheila Waid and Natalie Jadid are among the principals in East County who are eager to start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot.
  • August 4, 2026
Manatee principals, teacher of the year eager to begin new school year
Post Commander Dave Daily and Michael Massmann, the senior army instructor at Braden River High School, are glad the students have veterans to inspire them to be patriotic members of the community.
  • August 3, 2026
VFW Braden River Post 12055 works to inspire future generations

Sports

Matt Borriello will lead Riverview High athletics into 2026-27 and beyond. He took over for Rod Dragash, who stepped down after nine years to spend more time with his family.
  • August 6, 2026
Riverview High hits 'refresh' with new athletic director

At 26 years old, Matt Borriello has taken on a role held by people in their 40s or 50s at other high schools in Sarasota.

In Denver, Colorado, Florida Premier FC SWFL played five matches in five days and came up one win short of a national title. It previously won the U.S. Club Soccer Florida Cup in May to qualify.
  • August 5, 2026
Florida Premier finishes as the runner-up in a national soccer tournament
This fall will be the Ohio State Alumni Club of Sarasota-Manatee's 26th season hosting game-day watch parties at Captain Curt's on Siesta Key.
  • August 5, 2026
Alumni club cultivates community far from Ohio State campus
Molly Lynch, a rising sophomore outside/middle hitter, is one of a few talents returning for Braden River girls volleyball this fall. Last year's team was senior-heavy en route to the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final.
  • August 4, 2026
Braden River girls volleyball has to pick up the pieces
As a junior, Jacob Menard tied for 29th place individually at the 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship by shooting a 10-over-par 154 (76-78).
  • August 4, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacob Menard
Avarie Tholl and the Mustangs were 6-0 in FHSAA Class 6A-District 11 play last season en route to the district title.
  • August 3, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avarie Tholl
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Things To Do

Duo Transcend, made up of "America's Got Talent" finalists Mary Wolfe-Nielsen and Tyce Nielsen, bring their roller-skating and trapeze artistry to the Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling.
  • August 4, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
The Orlando improv troupe Forgotten Broadway plays Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab July 31-Aug. 1.
  • July 28, 2026
The best things to do this week in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
Tania Vergara Dance Theater will stage a free performance of "HuMangrove" on Saturday, July 25, at Selby LIbrary.
  • July 21, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat

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Opinion

1
  • August 5, 2026
  • By Jay Heater
Classroom assignment can launch a career
2
  • August 5, 2026
  • By Matt Walsh
Observer recommends: Federal, state races
3
  • July 30, 2026
  • By Jay Heater
Manatee County should take a starring role with theater project

Real Estate

The first property at 1705 Wisconsin Lane was built in 2016 and has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,966 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2016, it has one bath and 780 square feet of living area.
  • August 6, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 20-24 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
The home at 548 Hornblower Lane sold for $4.5 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,976 square feet of living area.
  • August 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 20-24 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
This Country Club Village home at 13718 Matanzas Place sold for $2.6 million. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, four- and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,894 square feet of living area.
  • August 4, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

Photo Galleries

Lakewood Ranch 11-year-old Finn Morris, who has been playing soccer for six years, likes competing at the Sarasota Paradise youth soccer camp.
  • July 31, 2026
Sarasota Paradise's 'language' brings kids together
Tanya Waxler and Eddie Balen enjoy Christmas in July in celebration of her book signing for "Santa's Extreme Dream Team and the Hospital Mission."
  • July 29, 2026
Local children's author celebrates Christmas early with new book
The Mah Jongg Weekend was filled with colorful, coastal mahjong sets provided by Event Organizer Rennee Fannin.
  • July 29, 2026
Paradise Center hosts first Mah Jongg Weekend fundraiser
Ernie Smith lines up trays of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for lunch at Resurrection House. He and nine other volunteers prepared a meal on July 23 as one of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church's monthly charitable events.
  • July 28, 2026
St. Armands volunteers put their cooking skills to good use
Lara Zoppe and Victoria Peddie, both of Lakewood Ranch, sing "No Reason" as Lydia and Delia in "Beetlejuice Jr.," at Ovation School of Musical Theatre.
  • July 25, 2026
Ovation School of Musical Theatre campers present 'Beetlejuice Jr.'
Jared Thomas, 8; Penelope Brouillette, 7; and Sebastian Meehan, 8, chalk the trail together.
  • July 24, 2026
Kids use sidewalk chalk to decorate the trail at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
Bradenton 3-year-old Zy'heir Curry, a lover of "Paw Patrol," shows off his trophy from playing flag football at The Learning Experience.
  • July 24, 2026
The Learning Experience in Lakewood Ranch tackles a flag football event
A cownose ray waves a wingtip at onlookers from the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort lagoon on Friday after caretakers introduced half a dozen pups to the enclosure. Resident rays had the babies in December, and experts released the adolescents into the Under the Sea Lagoon.
  • July 20, 2026
Half-dozen baby rays debut at St. Regis lagoon
Toby reaches up to greet a new helping of foam.
  • July 18, 2026
Dog Bar Sarasota celebrates one-year anniversary
Addison Gutowitz, 13, and Harriet Shore, 11, learn skills on electric guitar from 17-year-old Max Froemel in the guitar breakout session.
  • July 17, 2026
Campers come together at School of Rock Lakewood Ranch
A firefighter sprays the roof of a Dock on the Bay condo building Wednesday morning, July 15.
  • July 17, 2026
Fire engulfs Dock on the Bay condo units
Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory
Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.
  • July 11, 2026
America250 Celebration at Selby Library showcases local, national history

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