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News

Deputy Sarah Brown works for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in the traffic unit.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Ride-along offers insight into the job of a Manatee County deputy

With more than 400,000 residents in Manatee County, only 24 Sheriff's Office deputies comprise the traffic unit.

  • East County
  • News
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort installed a stainless steel arch on a private groin, leading to a lengthy dispute with the town of Longboat Key, with leaders claiming it violate’s the town’s sign code.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 6, 2026
Friday deadline set for St. Regis arch removal

If the metal arch installed on a groin in the Gulf is not removed by 5 p.m. Friday, the town of Longboat Key and developers will meet in court to decide the matter.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The John Ringling Causeway connects Sarasota to Bird Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 6, 2026
Recent projects show the new era of Sarasota-area bridges

In the latter half of the 21st century, drawbridges were the preferred method to bridge barrier islands to the mainland in the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean they’re a relic of the past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Traffic was rerouted around a water-main repair site on Tuttle Avenue.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2026
Water advisory posted after Sarasota pipe break

Traffic is rerouted on Tuttle Avenue near Floyd Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 5, 2026
Seminar scheduled for disaster preparedness

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is hosting a hurricane preparedness seminar May 14 at the Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Former District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Betsy Benac and Take Back Manatee.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner continues to allege defamation

Kevin Van Ostenbridge's lawsuit against Betsy Benac was dismissed, but he has requested a rehearing.

  • East County
  • News
The original 1957 Longboat Key Town Charter is printed on rice paper and stored at Town Hall, along with copies of the original document printed in 1959.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 5, 2026
Charter review presents opportunity for change for Longboat Key

The town is due for its once-a-decade review of its charter, which means a chance to look at bigger policy and governance matters on the Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Dunn is a former U.S. Air Force medic. He's also a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2026
'Dunn' with special interests, Duette resident enters District 1 race

John Dunn wants the people to run Manatee County, not special interests or even commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Bicyclist killed crossing US 301 in Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 4, 2026
Bicyclist killed crossing US 301 in Sarasota

The 51-year-old was not wearing a helmet and wasn't in a crosswalk, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shoreline damage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is among the nearly $40 million in city recovery expenses left behind by the 2024 hurricane season.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 4, 2026
City staff to hold budget steady for next fiscal year

A fund balance shortfall of $4.3 million has prompted Sarasota officials to instruct departments to trim operating costs and suspend capital purchases.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners George Kruse and Mike Rahn supported the project from the start.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 4, 2026
Compromise gives Lakewood Ranch-area development another shot

After an initial denial, Manatee County commissioners approved a 195,000-square-foot commercial project near Uihlein Road.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 3, 2026
Former Sarasota mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat

Kelly Kirschner, 51, was elected to the City Commission in 2007.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An overflow parking lot with 10 spots is open during the day at Bayfront Park accessible via Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 3, 2026
Bayfront Park neighbors express frustrations over parking, litter and more

Residents near Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park have raised the issue with town leaders, who have urged residents to report code violations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

The School District of Manatee County School Board voted unanimously on the school's name, which has been referred to as AAA High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio, 38, has been arrested and terminated by the Sarasota Police Department after investigation of simple battery against a 16-year-old girl.

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

1
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
  • May 6, 2026
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
2
This fall will be Scott Paravicini's fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He's posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.
  • May 6, 2026
Despite cancer, Lakewood Ranch High coach remains committed to his players
3
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County
4
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
5
The home at 5910 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $4.9 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area.
  • May 6, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 20-24 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

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