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News

Some Anna Maria Island beaches ready to reopen
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 24, 2024
Some Anna Maria Island beaches ready to reopen

Manatee County has fast-tracked its post-hurricane work to return the beaches to the business of pleasure for residents and tourists.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County's most popular beach reopens Saturday.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 24, 2024
Siesta Key Beach set for Saturday reopening

Sarasota County staff have been at work ensuring a safe and accessible environment for the beaches.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 23, 2024
Obsidian approval decision appealed to the Planning Board

Three street-level adjustment requests to the 18-story, 342-foot condo tower have been granted by the city of Sarasota. Bay Plaza residents have appealed the decision.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A crew helps clean up the impacts of Hurricane Milton in the LGBTQ+ center.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2024
Fabulous Arts Foundation repairs new LGBTQ+ center following Hurricane Milton

The center, which suffered serious damage from the storm, is being repaired to offer programming and a "safe space" for the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Animal rescue volunteers Roger Riehm and Sandy Ulrickson secure a gallinule with a broken leg at Lake Uihlein. The gallinule was recovering at the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 23, 2024
A broken wing and a prayer after hurricanes leave animals in SWFL battered

Volunteers and the overwhelmed Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida cope with a surge in wild animal injuries following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River's Jayden Moore (21) fights through the Lakewood Ranch front seven. It can cost about $164 for a football jersey and pants. A football helmet can range from $180 to $500.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2024
Manatee County schools adds athletics to 1-mill property tax referendum

Funding for athletics could be used for equipment, transportation, athletic trainers and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
UMR Sports currently has four sand volleyball courts, six pickleball courts and a baseball/softball cage.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 23, 2024
UMR Sports to expand Upper Manatee River Road footprint

The 52-acre expansion will include ball fields, a pickleball barn, a miniature golf course and apartments.

  • East County
  • News
Beachfront houses along Gulfside Road were among the worst damaged in Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 23, 2024
Three strikes, but Sarasota County is not out

A local climate expert weighs in on how three hurricanes had separate personalities and why all are examples of climate change's impact on more intense storms.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 23, 2024
Longboat underground utilities project timeline now uncertain after storms

After Florida Power & Light needed to respond to back-to-back major hurricanes, it will likely have to push back the timeline for the town's ongoing project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bicyclists asked to avoid GMD on Longboat Key
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Bicyclists asked to avoid GMD on Longboat Key

The town of Longboat Key advised the cycling community to avoid Gulf of Mexico Drive due to debris danger and increased truck activity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat; new City Attorney Joseph Polzak.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 22, 2024
New city attorney, interim city manager named by Sarasota commission

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously choose Joseph Polzak as city attorney and long-time employee Doug Jeffocat as interim city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The sign at The Centre Shops leaned from Hurricane Milton's winds.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Mobile grant assistance center coming to Longboat Key

The center operated through the Florida Small Business Development Center Network will be able to assist business owners in applying for disaster-related loans.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Carlos E. Haile Middle School students Brayden Berggren, Cord London, Kase Alsum and Levi Rear work on a robot in the new robotics arena. STEM programs will continue to be supported by the referendum if voters pass it in November.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 22, 2024
Manatee schools tax referendum collection doubles since inception

Since the 1-mill property tax referendum was first implemented in 2018-2019, the funds collected have risen from $37.3 million to $75.5 million.

  • East County
  • Schools
The 14 easements that equal approximately 54 acres are highlighted in green.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 22, 2024
Manatee County denies release of University Park conservation easements

Benderson Development requests the release of 14 easements that add up to about 54 acres.

  • East County
  • News
Payne Park Auditorium.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 22, 2024
Sarasota Players returning home to downtown Sarasota

The century-old performing arts organization's lease for Payne Park Auditorium has been approved by the City Commission, including plans to build a new facility nearby.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
The Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board at a November meeting. Nick Gladding, third from the right, is stepping down as he prepares to take his oath of office for Town Commission on March 23.
  • March 23, 2026
Town to host meet and greet with board applicants
2
Manatee County staffers flew DJI drones in 2021 to help the town of Longboat Key monitor red tide blooms in the gulf.
  • March 23, 2026
Drone replacement costs add to Manatee County expenses
3
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
4
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park
5
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs

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