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News

Cary Spicuzza has owned the Hob Nob Drive In since 1991.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Hob Nob officially closes after 67 years in Sarasota

Co-owner Cary Spicuzza cites several reasons for Hob Nob Drive In's closure, including the post-pandemic economy. But a forthcoming food truck could keep the brand alive.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A bench at Bayfront Park looking toward Ringling Bridge on Aug. 30, 2023, following Hurricane Idalia.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 15, 2024
New hurricane graphics better explain the dangers of approaching storms

CEO and Chair of the Climate Adaptation Center Bob Bunting stressed the importance of understanding hurricane forecasts and what they mean for hurricane seasons that are increasing in intensity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Redevelopment may lie ahead for the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, formerly known as Southgate.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota mall redevelopment with 848 apartments inches forward

The city's planning board grants approval that marks next step toward revitalizing the former Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo is overseeing the largest expansion in the airport's history.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2024
SRQ CEO rebuts FAA's claims in New College land sale denial

Rick Piccolo sends documents to the Federal Aviation Administration that prove it knew of and approved the lease of 31 acres it now wants to sell to New College of Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Customers pack the counter at the Hob Nob Drive In in Sarasota after it was rumored the popular eatery was closing.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Hob Nob Drive In, a Sarasota landmark, rumored to be closing

The drive-in restaurant on U.S. 301 has been a staple of the city since 1957.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Cuba 1958 is set to open in mid-June on Main Street in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Authentic ‘old-time’ Cuban restaurant coming to downtown Sarasota

Cuba 1958 will replace Flavio’s on Main and eyes an early summer opening date.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Agriculture and dairy farming have been a way of life for Jerry Dakin and his nephews Jason Dakin, Garrett Dakin, Grant Dakin and Ethan Dakin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 14, 2024
Ownership of Myakka's Dakin Dairy to remain in the family

Jerry Dakin sold his farm to his four nephews who will continue to operate the dairy farm.

  • East County
  • News
The Longboat Key Police Department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 14, 2024
Longboat Police expansion stalls amid funding gap

The Longboat Key Police Department is looking for grants to fund a $1.3 million expansion that would add a 1,300-square-foot training facility onto the existing building.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The building located at 540 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 13, 2024
Tidewell Foundation property on Longboat Key to list for $3M

Empath Health, the parent company for the Tidewell Foundation and Tidewell Hospice, announced the listing on May 13 but said the company is committed to continuing partnerships with the Longboat Key community.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A commission meeting is being held on Saturday, May 18 at the Lakewood Ranch High School auditorium.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 13, 2024
Manatee commissioners ready to talk 'all things Lakewood Ranch'

A County Commission meeting will be held Saturday, May 18 to help those who can't take time off during the work week.

  • East County
  • News
Florence and the Spice Boys serves up Middle Eastern fusion cuisine.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 12, 2024
Middle Eastern fusion restaurant to open UTC location

Florence and the Spice Boys targets a fall opening in The West District at University Town Center.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A wide, shelled trail offers a shady walk through the Johnson Preserve at Braden River.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 11, 2024
Johnson Preserve relaunches with completed amenities

The preserve features a shelled path, a pavilion, a kayak launch and a small parking lot.

  • East County
  • News
Melanie and Bill Conerly in their Lakewood Ranch home. Conerly is running for the District 72 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 10, 2024
Former Manatee County Planning Commission member seeks state office

Bill Conerly served 12 years on the Planning Commission and is now campaigning to represent District 72 in the Florida House.

  • East County
  • News
Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 10, 2024
Longboat Key disaster prep seminar set for June 5

The 22nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar will feature keynote speaker Brian LaMarre, the meteorologist-in-charge with the National Weather Service in Tampa.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The trolley service launched in 2017 as the Siesta Key Breeze.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 9, 2024
Siesta Key trolley serves 2 millionth rider

The trolley is being rebranded as the Route 77 Siesta Islander, and arrival times can be tracked via the Breeze Rider app.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
CAC Co Founder Dolly Jacobs and all the models gather on the stage for the fashion show finale.
  • May 16, 2026
Circus Arts Conservatory hosts first Cirque Vogue fashion show
2
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
3
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
4
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
5
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout

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