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News

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.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 23, 2026
Town to host meet and greet with board applicants

Longboat Key has three open positions for boards and committees that have attracted nine applicants.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County staffers flew DJI drones in 2021 to help the town of Longboat Key monitor red tide blooms in the gulf.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 23, 2026
Drone replacement costs add to Manatee County expenses

Chinese-made models are no longer allowed by state to fly for governments, prompting new purchases.

  • East County
  • News
The the site of the proposed 1899 Fruitville apartment development is outlined in red.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 19, 2026
Proposed apartments would replace Breakfast House and more on Fruitville

Adjacent to Gillespie Park, a 324-unit building would cover an entire block on Fruitville Road between North Osprey and Gillespie avenues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Well Sarasota would include 28 condominiums and 72 hotel/condo units.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 19, 2026
Is the hotel/condo trend coming to Sarasota?

Two projects working through the city approval process would combine condominium and hotel uses, signaling a possible shift in the Sarasota condo market.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Beachgoers set up near and rest on one of two concrete permeable adjustable groins on the north end of Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 18, 2026
Town eyes Gulfside Road for next beach groin project

Longboat Key spends a lot on beach renourishment but also uses engineering to reduce erosion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Condos and single-family homes for sale dot the map of downtown Sarasota and its adjacent neighborhoods.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 18, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag

Prices are up but not everywhere.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's John Calovich is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident enters competitive District 6 election

John Calovich will have to win the primary first because there are four other Republicans in the race.

  • East County
  • News
This parking lot at Plymouth Harbor will be the site of its planned expansion.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 18, 2026
City Commission agenda includes citywide speed limit and parking fee discussion

In addition to discussions about speed limits citywide and parking fees, the Sarasota City Commission consider hiring a noise consultant and hear about possible impacts of property tax reform.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Life Time, an athletic country club, is slated to open in Lakewood Ranch in late 2026. This is the outdoor pool and waterslide at the Life Time in Winter Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 17, 2026
Entertainment district expands in Lakewood Ranch

Several entertainment options are under construction on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key resident Cathy Ross looks at FDOT plans for a fixed-span bridge to replace the drawbridge currently connecting Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island at a public meeting at Christ Church Thursday, March 13.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 17, 2026
FDOT shares fixed-span Longboat Pass bridge plans, community shares feedback

Opinions varied on FDOT’s proposal to construct a 78-foot clearance fixed span bridge connecting Longboat to Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
National chain Wahlburgers is among the latest dining options to open in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 16, 2026
SRQ looks toward potential of guest passes beyond security

With the opening of Wahlburgers, SRQ Concourse B food and beverage upgrades are complete as SRQ looks toward opening concourse access to non-travelers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 16, 2026
Manatee County partners with nonprofit to help residents with dementia

DementiAbility, which will provide the funding to run the nonprofit, will be given space in a county-owned building.

  • East County
  • News
Several attendees of Budget 101 are surprised to learn how little money the Manatee County Commission controls.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 16, 2026
Manatee County delivers budget primer in Lakewood Ranch

About 20 residents attended the session, which covered how Manatee County creates its annual revenue and spending plan.

  • East County
  • News
Beachgoers often bring umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun on beach days. Tents, however, are prohibited by town ordinance.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 16, 2026
Heading to Longboat Key's beaches for spring break? Know the rules.

On a public beach with no lifeguards, the responsibility to enforce local ordinances falls on the shoulders of the police department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chamber youth leadership program accepting applicaitons
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 15, 2026
Chamber youth leadership program accepting applicaitons

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Sarasota program class of 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Dick Vitale, even amid his battle with melanoma, kept the focus of his 21st annual gala in Sarasota on helping kids fight — and beat — cancer.
  • May 6, 2026
Dick Vitale reminds us, once more, pediatric cancer research matters
2
A single-family residence at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under construction for years and is nearing completion.
  • May 6, 2026
Application tweaks aim to streamline permitting process
3
Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.
  • May 6, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High music department earns national recognition
4
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch
5
Circus Trail currently runs along the east side of Circus Boulevard before crossing over the road to the east and then back again.
  • May 6, 2026
Circus Trail envisioned to connect Fruitville to 17th Street Park

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