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News

Fire Station 92 is one of two stations on the barrier island of Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 16, 2026
Ambulances, equipment, labor costs pay off for Longboat Key Fire Rescue

The town of Longboat Key provides a high level of first responder service, but it comes at a cost that is increasing each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jimmy Glover, Teresa DeWitt, Heidi Brandt speak at the forum, beside moderator Kevin Cooper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 15, 2026
School Board District 1 candidates share their plans at Tiger Bay Club forum

Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover are contending for the District 1 seat currently held by Bridget Ziegler.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
James Satcher, a former Manatee County commissioner and Supervisor of Elections, announced and retracted his bid to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District within a week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 15, 2026
Former Manatee Commissioner Satcher too late for 2026 Congressional bid

Within a week's time, James Satcher announced and retracted his bid for Florida's 16th Congressional District.

  • East County
  • News
County Commissioner Tom Knight told staff and the EDC President and CEO Erin Silk the county must avoid unintended consequences in requested changes to the Business Park zone district.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 15, 2026
Sarasota County tells EDC to refine changes to Business Park zoning

With most requested changes already modified, the Sarasota County Commission tells the EDC to further refine its requests for changes to the Business Park zoning district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A drone flies over the Longboat Pass Bridge at an 80-foot elevation to contextualize what a fixed-span bridge would look like over the pass. Looking on (from left to right) are Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham, FDOT Southwest Area Office Director Wayne Gaither, FDOT Professional Engineer Trainee Stephen Pack, FDOT Project Manager David Turley, FDOT Project Development Manager Jimmy Vilce, FDOT Interim District One Secretary Jamie Driggers, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Longboat Key IT Director Jason Keen.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 15, 2026
Drone used to advocate against 78-foot-tall bridge option for Longboat Pass

Longboat Key leaders and FDOT reps met at Coquina Beach as the town continues to push for a drawbridge over FDOT’s fixed-span design.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 14, 2026
3 a.m. crash kills Sarasota driver on Interstate 75

The incident took place about a mile south of the University Parkway exit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peculiar Pub takes the place of Twisted Pit BBQ on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 12, 2026
Peculiar Pub crawls across Main Street in Lakewood Ranch

Peculiar Pub is offering extended hours, an elevated menu and a full bar at the new location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
East County residents wait in line before 7 a.m. on June 11 to start shopping at the new Publix at 16642 State Road 64 East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 11, 2026
Publix opens at corner of SR 64 and Uihlein Road in Lakewood Ranch

East County residents were lined up before 7 a.m. to be among the first shoppers.

  • East County
  • Business
Though homesteaded residents would gain property tax savings if Florida's overhaul proposal gains 60% of support in the November elections, even non-homesteaded property owners would see new protections from sharply rising property assessments.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 11, 2026
Property tax overhaul: What you should know

Here are the basics of what Florida voters will be deciding in November and what it might mean for property owners.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Karie Friling discusses her first week on the job as Sarasota City Manager, and how the state property tax reform referendum has shifted her initial priorities.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 11, 2026
City eyes cuts ahead of potential voter approval of property tax change

Should voters approve the property tax change, the city of Sarasota projects losing at least $5.5 million in revenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
EverCreek at Lakewood Ranch will be built by Pulte Homes off Bourneside Boulevard.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 10, 2026
1,000 homes planned for new Lakewood Ranch community

EverCreek will be a 464-acre residential development.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue has two ladder trucks that can reach 75 feet, including this Sutphen engine built in 2020, which serves as the primary engine at Fire Station 92.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 10, 2026
Cost to replace fire trucks continues to rise

Higher costs, lengthy turnaround times and threats to revenue make replacing Longboat Key’s fire apparatuses a complicated endeavor.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mark Stanoch is running for District 1. If elected, modeling and forecasting will help inform his decisions from the dais.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 10, 2026
Manatee County District 1 candidate focuses on solutions over complaints

Mark Stanoch is a former economic forecaster who uses past data to build future plans.

  • East County
  • News
The owner of the Half Moon House at 6541 Gulfside Road has until Aug. 1 to complete repairs to the pilings of the house.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 10, 2026
Final deadline set for Half Moon House repairs

The support pilings on the Half Moon House at Gulfside Road will need to be replaced for the house to be spared from town-ordered demolition.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
James Satcher, a former Manatee County commissioner and supervisor of elections, is now running for Congress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 9, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner, supervisor of elections runs for Congress

James Satcher is a last-minute addition to the lineup of candidates seeking the Republican nomination to represent District 16.

  • East County
  • News
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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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