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News

Police Chief Rex Troche and members of the Sarasota Police Department command staff present 2023 crime data to the Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 26, 2024
Serious crime drops in Sarasota, according to police report

There were no murders last year, and the Sarasota Police Department reports a 16.2% decline in the most serious crimes in 2023.

  • Sarasota
  • News
"Josh" the Otter and administrative secretary Janet Shapiro promoted water safety at the 2023 community open house.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 25, 2024
Town looks to grow community open house this year

The town of Longboat Key is looking to make this year's community open house the biggest yet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beach University environmental classes return for 17th year
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2024
Beach University environmental classes return for 17th year

The monthlong education series is held each Thursday in March at Siesta Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 24, 2024
Longboat faces rate hike for residential trash collection

Due to increases in labor costs and truck maintenance, Waste Management proposes a 28% residential rate increase.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The expansion of One Stop Housing's Oakridge Apartments on North Tamiami Trail would bring 36 new affordable housing apartments.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 24, 2024
Affordable housing projects take steps toward construction

Two affordable housing proposals would bring almost 200 units to north Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The latest version of One Park is planned for Block 1 of The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 23, 2024
Pared-down One Park condo plan proposed to city

A new plan for the 18-story building on Block 1 in The Quay includes 86 luxury condos. A plan for Block 9 will follow.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. donates wine collection to church auction
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2024
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. donates wine collection to church auction

All proceeds from the online-only auction of 300 bottles will benefit Church of the Redeemer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gillespie Park is the only neighborhood in Sarasota that has two competing neighborhood associations.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2024
Gillespie Park neighborhood feud frustrates city

Two Gillespie Park associations put the city of Sarasota in a bind with competing grant applications.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of the acrylic panels that will allow visitors of the Mote SEA to come face-to-face with sea life.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2024
Sarasota’s landscape of attractions continues to grow — at a price

Cultural organizations in the Sarasota area are pursuing major projects with only so much philanthropy to go around.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A transfer of development rights proposal would allow owners of historic structures, such as the Palm Apartments next to the Embassy Suites hotel,  to sell height and density rights to other development projects in perpetuity.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2024
Pitch would allow historic buildings to sell air rights, preserve structures

If the transfer program proposal is adopted, owners of historic structures in the city of Sarasota could sell height and density rights to other development projects in perpetuity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
New drinking and dining establishments in downtown Sarasota and elsewhere in the city will be defined differently under a new zoning text amendment.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2024
New definitions approved for Sarasota restaurants and bars

The complicated process of simplification is intended to reduce confusion over permitting of dining and drinking establishments in the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 21, 2024
Social media restrictions for teens should be left to families, residents say

The Florida Senate prepares to vote on a bill that would restrict the use of social media by teens. Sarasota residents weigh in on the idea.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Biologists Kristen Peterson and Jamie Wolanin monitor the Braden River to check for Old World Tape Grass growth.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 21, 2024
Invasive grass species threatens Braden River ecosystem

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission uses liquid copper to rid the Braden River of tape grass, an aquatic plant that could dominate native vegetation and damage wildlife.

  • East County
  • News
Iconic Gulfstream Avenue steel sculpture seeks new home
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 21, 2024
Iconic Gulfstream Avenue steel sculpture seeks new home

Complexus, the jewel of Sarasota's public art collection, will be heading for a Fruitville Road site if both the city and county governments approve.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mixons' food truck showcases the history of Mixon Fruit Farms.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 21, 2024
Former Mixon Farms owners begin new stage with food truck

Although Mixon Fruit Farms closed, life with the Mixons continues on a food truck.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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Latest News

1
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
3
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
4
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout
5
It’s time to remove our own regimes
  • May 15, 2026
It’s time to remove our own regimes

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