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News

    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
New volunteer board members picked by Town Commission

Four vacancies on three boards were filled by Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community

Fundraising push would repair Bradenton Beach library that does not receive government funds.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project

Mira Mar Residences has received its construction permit to add two 18-story condo towers to complement restoration of the historic Palm Avenue building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

Tara Poulton's resume includes working for DeSoto County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
The subaqueous wastewater pipeline was damaged by corrosion from resting against a log or tree stump, spilling about 11 million gallons of sewage before being repaired, according to a Longboat Key permit support document.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Wastewater pipeline to remain after replacement installed

Longboat Key’s subaqueous wastewater pipeline project is set to begin this summer, and the old pipe may have a future use.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center

With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Citizen Tax Oversight Committee meets once a year to review expenditures of revenue brought in from the infrastructure surtax. The 2026 meeting lasted about 15 minutes on Thursday, April 2.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 6, 2026
Longboat infrastructure tax spending plan comes up $6 million short

A 1% tax in Sarasota County and .5% tax in Manatee brings in about $1.3 million per year for Longboat Key infrastructure spending.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard

Benderson Development makes its first appearance before city staff on an application for zoning changes at the former Sarasota County Administration Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions

A Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage is in effect from April 3 through July 1.

  • East County
  • News
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts

As the resort nears the finish line on flood-proofing requirements, new improvements and a permanent CO could come next.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

Plans submitted to the Development Review Committee show replacing the vacant Sarasota Lanes with eight townhome buildings with 46 units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the man disregarded an order to drop his weapon and pointed it instead.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

Sarasota police officers rescued a man threatening to jump from the sixth floor of a downtown parking garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles

City of Sarasota transportation planners Alvimarie Corales and Corinne Arriaga have received promotions to capital projects manager and chief transportation planner, respectively.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 »
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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