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News

The Manatee County commissioners from left to right are Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann. Siddique, Felts and McCann were newly elected in 2024. Kruse was re-elected.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 8, 2026
'Lectern guy' files to run for Manatee County Commission

Parrish's Adam Johnson sued six of seven commissioners in 2025, alleging corruption, and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot in the Capitol Building.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of a proposed condo building at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and Osprey Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
More new condos on tap for Ringling Boulevard

City reviewers consider a planned 50-unit residential building as redevelopment continues to march eastward from the downtown core.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Redevelopment of The Bay park will reach a critical juncture for Founding CEO AG Lafley in 2026.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
Will 2026 be another year of 'mights' in Sarasota?

From a new Sarasota city manager (maybe) to an implementation agreement for a new performing arts center (also maybe), 2026 promises to be an eventful year in Sarasota. Maybe.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 8, 2026
Student safety, mold issues loom for new Manatee schools superintendent

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities for 2026.

  • East County
  • Schools
A Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation is under construction at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
New county facilities headed for Lakewood Ranch area in 2026

Manatee County has multiple projects slated for Lena Road and Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 897 beds.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota hospitals gain Forbes' recognition

The magazine's 2026 Top Hospitals list includes four from the Manatee-Sarasota region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Sarasota County reevaluates need for new schools to serve Waterside

Jody Dumas, the executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said their two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Top stories to watch in Longboat Key in 2026

A new mayor, a new bridge and the start of a new library are all things to look out for in the new year on the barrier island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioner Amanda Ballard attends the Under One Roof ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1. She's up for reelection in District 2.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
Manatee County Commission's power structure could be altered by 2026 election

Three seats are up for grabs with incumbents Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard defending and Jason Bearden bowing out.

  • East County
  • News
Builder John Cannon says he didn't build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an "idea home."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 7, 2026
John Cannon fires unique shot in LWR residential home market

The Oulina model in Waterside is the result of an collaboration between a builder, architects and artists.

  • East County
  • News
Nick Gladding poses for a photo in his Sarasota Bay-facing backyard Friday, Jan. 2. In March, Gladding will be sworn in as the next Longboat Key District 3 Commissioner.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Longboat commissioner-elect discusses local control, dredging, Ohana's seawall

Running unopposed, former land use and environmental lawyer Nick Gladding will represent District 3 on the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Goglia poses for a photo on St. Armands Circle Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Goglia has been president of the St. Armands Residents Association since 2020.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
St. Armands Residents Association president discusses the future of the Circle

The volunteer president of the residents association, Chris Goglia, has resisted high-density development on St. Armands Circle since starting the role in 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sips Coffee is located at 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive and plans to open a second location on Longboat Key at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 6, 2026
Starbucks pulls out of plans for Longboat Key location

However, Sips coffee shop is opening a second location next to where a Starbucks was planned.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
With five main tabs on the home page, the website is intended to be easier to navigate.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
Website, technology updated to help Manatee run smooth 2026 elections

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington says the new website will be easier for the residents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information on school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 6, 2026
School choice selections now open in Manatee County schools

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest News

1
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April
2
  • March 20, 2026
Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled
3
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
  • March 20, 2026
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
4
Dolores M. Stevens (2025)
  • March 19, 2026
Dolores M. Stevens
5
Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
  • March 19, 2026
'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

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