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News

A body-worn camera image shows a Sarasota police officer carrying a female victim from the burning home on North Osprey Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2026
Police officers rescue two from burning home

Sarasota Police Department officers braved flames and a sparking transformer to remove two from a North Osprey Avenue house fire.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Three arrested, two of them juveniles, for armed robbery of a convenience store
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 20, 2026
Three arrested, two of them juveniles, for armed robbery of a convenience store

The Sarasota Police Department has made arrests in connection with a robbery at gunpoint on Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County extends its burn ban until further notice to protect residents and animals from wildfires. This photo was taken by the East Manatee Fire Rescue in June 2024 when over 100 acres burned at Lake Manatee State Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 20, 2026
Manatee County extends burn ban as drought worsens

East Manatee Fire Rescue is urging residents to abide by the burn ban to protect their neighbors.

  • East County
  • News
The bar formerly known as Cock & Bull, Big Top Live and The Parrot Live will retain its "Old Florida charm," new owner Frank Giuffre says.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 20, 2026
Noted Sarasota bar property sells to investor pledging revitalization

The new owner of 975 Cattlemen Road plans to revive the Cock & Bull brand.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students

The revamped Sarasota County school aims to bring innovative fields of study to students, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Centennial celebrations at Sarasota Opera House is part of Visit Sarasota County's promotional efforts to attract visitors to the county in 2026.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2026
Visitors bureau promotes centennial legacy of Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County will pitch global travel media and encourage locals to take part in centennial celebrations across the city and county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dave Bullock arrived as Sarasota interim city manager in May 2025 with a folder file filled with pressing challenges.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 19, 2026
'The most dangerous man in Sarasota'

Nearing the end of his tenure as interim city manager, Dave Bullock looks back at his achievements, and forward to the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch High School hockey team huddles together at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in December. The team could call Lakewood Ranch home if an ice rink is built at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
First step taken for ice rink to glide into Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus

Manatee County has entered into a public-private development contract with Icemann Development Manatee LLC.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of a renovated and expanded former Perkins restaurant into Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy for the homebuilding industry.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 18, 2026
Homebuilder groups team up for apprenticeship school

A collaborative effort is launched to convert a former restaurant space into the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy to address shortage in trades professionals.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The estate at 6610 Gulf of Mexico Drive provides access to Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 18, 2026
Longboat Key estate, designed by prominent architect, listed for $22M

Designed by architect Carl Abbott, the Manatee County property spans nearly 5 acres.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

The project began in June 2023 and has included increased security, technology and flexibility of space.

  • East County
  • Schools
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 18, 2026
The ins and outs of Longboat's proposed canal maintenance program

Longboat Key's canals have not been dredged since 2003. Town leaders say it's past time and have a new proposal for how to pay for the program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
New College was founded in 1960.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 18, 2026
Potential New College takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus looms

A local group is fighting back against the move, with a former USF Sarasota-Manatee top official saying this would sacrifice one public school for another's dreams.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Police Officer Dallas Troyer will soon perform marine patrols on a Sea-Doo GTX 170, the newest piece of LKPD equipment secured through West Coast Inland Navigation District grant funds.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 18, 2026
Police department utilizes grants to expand equipment and capabilities

West Coast Inland Navigation District grant funds have been acquired and spent by the police department, adding a personal watercraft and emergency response trailer to the department's equipment portfolio.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners wants to reduce the millage again in 2027, but is facing the uncertainty of whether or not the state will eliminate property taxes for homeowners.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
Manatee County seeks public input on 2027 budget

Commissioners want to cut the millage, and the state wants to cut property taxes. So what can residents live without?

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Charles Edward Githler
  • May 6, 2026
Charles Edward Githler
2
(Milton and Stephanie Kruk)
  • May 6, 2026
Milton and Stephanie Kruk 70th Wedding Anniversary
3
The Stickney Point Road property contains commercial condominiums, 700 feet of bay frontage and 390 feet of canal/boat basin access.
  • May 6, 2026
Nearly $21M Stickney Point project moves forward
4
Dick Vitale, even amid his battle with melanoma, kept the focus of his 21st annual gala in Sarasota on helping kids fight — and beat — cancer.
  • May 6, 2026
Dick Vitale reminds us, once more, pediatric cancer research matters
5
A single-family residence at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under construction for years and is nearing completion.
  • May 6, 2026
Application tweaks aim to streamline permitting process

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