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News

Howard Tipton is retiring from his position of town manager with Longboat Key. He was hired in 2022 and started in January 2023.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 17, 2026
LBK Town Manager Howard Tipton announces retirement

The Longboat Key town manager will continue in his position through the summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
(Top) the proposed water taxi dock location and design at Ken Thompson and (bottom) at Bayfront Park next to O'Leary's Tiki Bar, which would also be the overnight parking location for the vessels.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 17, 2026
Want to take a water taxi across Sarasota Bay? You might be waiting awhile.

Design for water transit across Sarasota Bay has reached the 30% stage as dock site selection at Bayfront and Ken Thompson parks defines terminal locations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner George Kruse says Manatee County is in a "questionable financial situation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 17, 2026
Commissioner calls Manatee County 'poor' during workshop sessions

Commissioner George Kruse says Manatee County is in a “questionable financial situation.”

  • East County
  • News
A piece of driftwood that juts from the shallow water off Beer Can Island is decorated with paint.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 17, 2026
Art or graffiti? Painting on driftwood at Beer Can Island prompts pushback

Manatee County workers scratch the paintings off the driftwood regularly, but the trend has persisted.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Positano condominium complex was one of the properties in Manatee County that had incorrect property evaluations in the 2026 fiscal year.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 17, 2026
Manatee property values rebound on Longboat after mistake in 2025

After a Manatee County Property Appraiser mistake cost the town at least $500,000 last year, town leaders are paying close attention to preliminary values.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Diane DelloRusso, who has worked in the jewelry business for 36 years and been a longtime manager at Jewelry by Cole, said she believes customers will appreciate the new St. Armands Jewelry store with its blend of classic and contemporary styles. She came out of retirement to assist with the transition and can't wait for longtime patrons to see the boutique's new look.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 16, 2026
Two new shops coming to St. Armands Circle

Two new stores are preparing to open, one under new ownership and the other as a new location.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations

Bayfront Park in Longboat Key is down a popular amenity as the pickleball courts are redone.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jonathan Ith, who has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the last 25 years, is preparing to open a new location in Heritage Harbour to keep up with the local demand.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 16, 2026
Chick-fil-A expands in Bradenton with a new store in Heritage Harbour

Owner Jonathan Ith has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the past 25 years and is excited to open a larger store.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The proposal by KB Homes Tampa LLC includes the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Rye Road and Waterline Road.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 16, 2026
Planning Commission recommends denial for 131 homes near Rye Road

Commissioners liked how the Ivy Run developer worked with residents but couldn't get past the project’s proximity to Rye Road.

  • East County
  • News
Fire Station 92 is one of two stations on the barrier island of Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 16, 2026
Ambulances, equipment, labor costs pay off for Longboat Key Fire Rescue

The town of Longboat Key provides a high level of first responder service, but it comes at a cost that is increasing each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jimmy Glover, Teresa DeWitt, Heidi Brandt speak at the forum, beside moderator Kevin Cooper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 15, 2026
School Board District 1 candidates share their plans at Tiger Bay Club forum

Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover are contending for the District 1 seat currently held by Bridget Ziegler.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
James Satcher, a former Manatee County commissioner and Supervisor of Elections, announced and retracted his bid to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District within a week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 15, 2026
Former Manatee Commissioner Satcher too late for 2026 Congressional bid

Within a week's time, James Satcher announced and retracted his bid for Florida's 16th Congressional District.

  • East County
  • News
County Commissioner Tom Knight told staff and the EDC President and CEO Erin Silk the county must avoid unintended consequences in requested changes to the Business Park zone district.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 15, 2026
Sarasota County tells EDC to refine changes to Business Park zoning

With most requested changes already modified, the Sarasota County Commission tells the EDC to further refine its requests for changes to the Business Park zoning district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A drone flies over the Longboat Pass Bridge at an 80-foot elevation to contextualize what a fixed-span bridge would look like over the pass. Looking on (from left to right) are Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham, FDOT Southwest Area Office Director Wayne Gaither, FDOT Professional Engineer Trainee Stephen Pack, FDOT Project Manager David Turley, FDOT Project Development Manager Jimmy Vilce, FDOT Interim District One Secretary Jamie Driggers, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Longboat Key IT Director Jason Keen.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 15, 2026
Drone used to advocate against 78-foot-tall bridge option for Longboat Pass

Longboat Key leaders and FDOT reps met at Coquina Beach as the town continues to push for a drawbridge over FDOT’s fixed-span design.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 14, 2026
3 a.m. crash kills Sarasota driver on Interstate 75

The incident took place about a mile south of the University Parkway exit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
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
5
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

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