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News

The 7-Eleven planned for 44th Avenue West and White Eagle Boulevard will look similar to the 7-Eleven on University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
7-Eleven planned for Lakewood Ranch fuels outrage

A gas station and convenience store on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard is anticipated to be under construction before the year's end.

  • East County
  • News
A new fire pit area awaits campers, along with the playground that was moved from Camp Flying Eagle, where camps used to be held.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
Dream Oaks Camp opens near Rye Preserve just in time for summer

Manatee County gave the Foundation for Dreams a 10-year lease for $10, but the campus needed an overhaul.

  • East County
  • News
Elizabeth Arnold is transitioning from citizen activist to commissioner candidate. She's running for the District 1 seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
Parrish resident steps up to protect rural Manatee County in District 1 race

As a citizen, Elizabeth Arnold fought beside the late commissioner Carol Ann Felts. Now, she's stepping into the race to fill her vacant commission seat.

  • East County
  • News
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

With a time frame for completion in 2029, planning has begun for Phase 3 projects to expand boater access, build a parking deck and convert acres of asphalt into green space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A floating day dock has been built along the refurbished south seawall in the 10th Street boat basin as part of The Bay park Phase 2.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
No fees for day docks at The Bay park

Use of federal funds to build day docks at The Bay means the city cannot charge boaters, but a time limit remains in effect.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new Kompose Hotel at SRQ Airport will be built behind this Hampton Inn along University Parkway.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
New hotel will complete three-facility campus at SRQ airport

The Sarasota Planning Board has approved a new Kompose Hotel to bring the total number of rooms on SRQ airport property to 300.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota County side of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in 2027 or 2028, Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman said.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Longboat repaving projects planned

Side roads will get fresh asphalt over the next few months, and Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in the coming years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This truck was driven by 67-year-old Edward O'Neil when he was arrested on charges of attempting to lure two minor girls into the vehicle.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2026
Sarasota man charged with luring minor girls

Police say Edward O'Neil, 67, attempted multiple times to lure a 12- and 13-year-old into his truck.

  • Sarasota
  • News
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote

Sarasota leaders agree to pay 2% commission on school tax while legal action plays out between school district and tax collector.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail

The city of Sarasota has entered into a local agency program agreement with FDOT to repave 1.24 miles of U.S. 41 north of Myrtle Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

The aging building donated by Murf Klauber and moved to Bayfront Park may be replaced with a private-public fundraising effort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Work is winding down in the first phase of the Phillippi Creek dredging project.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 19, 2026
Work wraps up on first segment of Phillippi Creek dredging

More digging in the crucial waterway is under way and planned for 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The oval median at Bay Isles Road will be refreshed in a landscaping project that will uproot the unkempt plants in the median.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 19, 2026
Bay Isles landscaping project begins

The medians along Bay Isles Road should be refreshed in time for an Independence Day parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

Hillary Ellis will fill a seat created by Senate Bill 2508.

  • East County
  • 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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