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Elections

Liz Arnold, who won the Manatee County Commission District 1 primary, is still smiling despite negative attacks on her during the campaign.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 26, 2026
Political newcomers say they are tough enough for Manatee commission

Liz Arnold and Tara Poulton survive negative campaign attacks and head toward the general election with confidence.

  • East County
  • News
Bridgewater's Jonathan Mullis, a business owner and charter school parent, placed first in the primary election for the District 5 school board seat for Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 18, 2026
Manatee School Board races head to runoffs

Jonathan Mullis and Camden Bedinghaus, who have a 26-year age gap, will face each other again in November for the District 5 school board seat.

  • East County
  • Schools
Commissioner Mike Rahn celebrates as the final results show he's the winner in the District 4 race.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 18, 2026
Incumbents dominate 2026 primary in Manatee County

After a grassroots sweep in 2024, commission incumbents Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn, along with Rep. Bill Conerly dominated this year.

  • East County
  • News
Cassie Jewell (left), a parent who became an activist after attending school board meetings, speaks with Beth Mayberry (center) and Megan Tennimon (right) at Tamiami Tap.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 18, 2026
Primary leads to new school board majority; District 1 race to be decided in November

Megan Tennimon and Beth Mayberry claimed the District 4 and 5 seats, while Jimmy Glover will compete against Heidi Brandt in a November runoff election for the District 1 seat.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2026
Sarasota County Primary Election Results 2026

The 2026 primary election was held Tuesday. The general election is Nov. 3.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mark Smith and wife Esther celebrate their win Tuesday night. Smith was reelected in a universal primary contest, making him the only incumbent county commissioner to keep his seat.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield, Dana Kampa
  • August 18, 2026
Smith only incumbent to survive County Commission primary

Mark Smith's win over Kristina Sargent ensures his District 2 seat on the Sarasota County Commission for four more years while fellow Joe Neunder's upset loss to Jim DeNiro sets up a general election showdown in District 4.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2026
Manatee County Primary Election Results 2026

The 2026 primary election was held Aug. 18. The general election is Nov. 3.

  • East County
  • News
Jen Ahearn-Koch celebrates with family and friends as the last precincts for the race reported a five-point victory for the incumbent to advance to the general election in November.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • August 18, 2026
Ahearn-Koch, Entler, Harshman advance in Sarasota City Commission race

The incumbent notched a big win while John Harshman edged Rob Rominiecki for the last runoff spot.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lee and Maudy Paden show off their "I Voted" stickers after coming out of Beneva Christian Church after early morning voting.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • August 18, 2026
Primary elections brought the heat and the votes

Voters showed up to cast their ballots on Tuesday while campaigners continued to show their dedication no matter the temperature.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Campaign signs promoting candidates stand alongside Fruitville Road at Precinct 127, the Knights of Columbus hall between Honore Avenue and McIntosh Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 18, 2026
Midday voter turnout in the mid-20s in Manatee, Sarasota

Primary elections are underway, with polls open until 7 p.m .

  • Sarasota
  • News
2026 Election Candidates
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2026
2026 Election Candidates

Meet the candidates for Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

  • Elections
The School District of Manatee County Chair Cindy Spray has “passion with a purpose” as she runs for reelection.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 12, 2026
School board incumbent hopes 'passion with a purpose' gets her reelected

Cindy Spray is proud of what the board has accomplished during her Manatee County School Board term thus far and doesn't want to stop now.

  • East County
  • Schools
Registered voters in Sarasota County can cast their ballots at the Sarasota Terrace Building at 2001 Adams Lane.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • August 12, 2026
Longboat residents can vote early on mainland or by mail

The closest place Longboat Key residents can cast their vote early depends on what county they reside in.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
District 3's Jack May is a write-in candidate in the District 1 commission race.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 11, 2026
Write-in candidates close two Manatee County Republican primaries

Write-in candidate Jack May entered the District 1 race with a purpose other than winning.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Board Member Jon Thaxton asked Sarasota County commission candidates about their views Thursday before opening up the floor for a Q&A with members.
    By
  • Leah Schwarting
  • August 7, 2026
Sarasota County Commission candidates campaign as clock ticks down

Candidates spoke to the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club with less than two weeks to go before Election Day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Junior running back Antonio Jackson (center) of Braden River finds a gap in Lakewood Ranch's defense. The Pirates won this year's rivalry game.
  • September 5, 2026
High school football results from Week 3
2
Sarasota Chief Transportation Planner Corinne Arriaga makes opening remarks at the May 21 Main Street complete street public meeting.
  • September 5, 2026
Sarasota transportation planner elected to trade association leadership role
3
The intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive can get busy with traffic coming from multiple directions. A roundabout is planned at that location, but was pushed back at least a year.
  • September 5, 2026
Broadway roundabout delayed despite finalized design
4
The property at 1475 John Ringling Parkway features more than 140 feet of waterfront.
  • September 5, 2026
Waterfront home on John Ringling Parkway listed for nearly $8M
5
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and town of Longboat Key joined forces to organize the first Let’s Talk Longboat business roundtable June 17 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • September 4, 2026
Registration open for local business forum

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