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News

From left, Kerry Joyce, Todd Sweet, Ronan Dunphy and Jerry Sparkman addressed attendees at the 'Meet the Architects' workshop for the planned Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 18, 2024
SPAC architects meet with residents for first design workshop

Renzo Piano Building Workshop architects meet with community as they begin concept design for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Volunteers packed 250 backpacks with school supplies during the Pack the Patrol Car fundraiser in August 2019 to hand out to Sarasota students.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2024
Help Sarasota Police 'Pack the Patrol Car'

The school supply drive by SPD and Sarasota City YMCA continues through Aug. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
More roundabouts planned for Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2024
More roundabouts planned for Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County is working with Lakewood Ranch developers on a series of roundabouts from University Parkway to State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Mississippi State student Maxwell Gebhart examines the invasive tape grass in the wild. He's used to seeing it in a lab.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2024
Biologists slowly ridding the Braden River of tape grass

Students study the invasive species that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been working to eradicate from the Braden River.

  • East County
  • News
Traffic circulates around the new roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue on its first day of operation.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 17, 2024
Data shows efficiency of Gulfstream roundabout at peak hours

FDOT data helps engineers understand the efficiency of roadway improvements like the Gulfstream roundabout.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This empty city-owned lot along Laurel Avenue between Payne Parkway and South Washington Boulevard could become home to a new theater to be developed by the Sarasota Players.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 17, 2024
The Players' new theater heads to South Washington Boulevard

The Sarasota City Commission instructs staff to draft a lease that moves the proposed project outside Payne Park but still includes Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kyle Battie speaks at the Veterans Housing Initiative groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 31, 2023.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 16, 2024
City faces more legal bills in Kyle Battie defamation case

Sarasota City commissioners approved another round of legal expense payments for Battie.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital named a top rehab hospital
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2024
Sarasota Memorial Hospital named a top rehab hospital

SMH's U.S. News & World Report rankings have improved for the third straight year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. Robert McCann has lived in River Club for 18 years and is running to represent District 5 on the Manatee County commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 16, 2024
Will performing as a commissioner be Robert McCann's next talent?

The doctor, lawyer, Navy veteran, pilot and scuba diver is ready for a new adventure in politics.

  • East County
  • News
A leatherback turtle hatchling crosses the beach.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 16, 2024
Longboat commissioner creates challenge to support sea turtle programs

Gary Coffin decided to "adopt a nest" through Longboat Key Turtle Watch, which sparked his idea to encourage other local officials to do the same.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Kopp is the town's new Support Services Director.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 16, 2024
Chris Kopp returns to Longboat Key as new support services director

Previously with code enforcement, Kopp returns to embrace his passions for public service and training.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
From left, Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos, Cory McDonnell of Grassroots K9 Sarasota, Officer Jake Nelson, K9 Brody, Chief Rex Troche, K9 Bruin, Officer Adam Bearden and Lt. Dwayne Shellhammer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 15, 2024
Two SPD K9 units now qualified for explosives detection

A pair of K9 teams complete training to enhance the Sarasota Police Department's explosive ordnance detection capabilities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Pass Bridge was originally constructed in 1957 and reconstructed in 2005 and 2020.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 15, 2024
Commissioners recommend mid-level option for Longboat Pass Bridge

Longboat Key commissioners sent FDOT a letter to convey the consensus for a replacement bridge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tom Edwards, Thomas Babicz and Liz Barker answer questions from Morgan Bentley.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 15, 2024
Sarasota School Board candidates share stances at forum

Candidates told attendees what they would change in the school district if given a "magic wand."

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Wetlands in Lakewood Ranch are monitored regularly to keep invasive plant species at bay and ensure proper water flow.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 15, 2024
Lakewood Ranch's preserved lands face many threats

The stewardship districts battles invasive species like the Brazilian pepper tree on a regular basis.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire Department Chief Jason Hackley and one of the agency's three trucks with onboard tanks that hold 400 gallons of firefighting foam.
  • August 7, 2026
SRQ airport gets out ahead of PFAS foam mandate
2
Lt. Clay Huber was cheered by about 100 first responders and hospital personnel on Thursday.
  • August 6, 2026
Hospitalized Sarasota firefighter cheered upon his release from care
3
Shane Catts, who started Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & Ecoventures with his wife, Holly Rolls, said the Longboat Key-based business has been proud to be part of so many families' favorite times vacationing and living on the island in the nearly 10 years it has been open on the north end.
  • August 6, 2026
Happy Paddler celebrates family legacy on Longboat Key waters
4
  • August 6, 2026
Voter organization to hold election information sessions
5
Workers install boat slips behind the vacant lot where the Buccaneer Restaurant is planned. Additional slips will be installed behind the Harbor Square office building pictured left.
  • August 6, 2026
Boat slip addition underway behind future Buccaneer Restaurant site

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