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News

The owner of the vacant Winn-Dixie site at Midtown Plaza is planning to redevelop it into a mixed-use project that includes apartments, a hotel and retail space.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 28, 2026
Midtown Plaza redevelopment wins partial sign-off

Receiving partial sign-off from Sarasota's Development Review Committee is the proposed redevelopment of the southern portion of Midtown Plaza at 1299 S. Tamiami Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Town Commission met for a workshop meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20 to discuss food truck regulations, temporary certificates of occupancy and police department crime statistics.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 28, 2026
Defining 'temporary' in temporary certificates of occupancy

As a landmark development continues to operate under a temporary certificate of occupancy 17 months after opening, Longboat Key commissioners and counsel discussed the rules of TCOs.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Concession Golf Club is hosting the Senior PGA Championship April 16-19.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 28, 2026
Manatee County tees up for Senior PGA Championship

The generated championship dollars are expected to include impressive dividends for the county.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Police Department officer Michael Mathis measures the speed of drivers on Gulf of Mexico Drive. LKPD issued 4,000 traffic warnings and 1,900 citations in the 2025 fiscal year.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 28, 2026
Longboat Key isn't crime-free, but it's close

The Florida barrier island has a lower crime rate than the national average in every category, but the town's new police chief still has goals for the new year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Government Efficiency Liaison Committee meets Jan. 20 at the downtown Manatee County Administration Building.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 28, 2026
Manatee County committee requests DOGE audit results

In the meantime, the Government Efficiency Liaison Committee continues to seek out wasteful spending.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of the planned Pilatus Aircraft facilities at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 28, 2026
Global aircraft maker breaks ground at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft has begun construction of its $200 million investment at SRQ.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nicole Rissler is the new Sarasota County assistant administrator.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2026
Sarasota County promotes new assistant administrator from within

The county's current parks chief, Nicole Rissler, was selected for the role.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Below-freezing weather expected in inland Manatee, Sarasota
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 27, 2026
Below-freezing weather expected in inland Manatee, Sarasota

The wider region is expected to see wind chills in 20s Tuesday night.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Medford has moved up the ladder with her Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Med Spa business by opening a location in Waterside. The new location will include a boutique.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2026
Sirius Day Spa opens new location in Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub

Owner Karen Medford says it has been a dream for her to own a spa at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Longboat Pass Bridge was originally constructed in 1957 and reconstructed in 2005 and 2020.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 27, 2026
Hearings planned for north-end Longboat bridge project

The Longboat Pass Bridge was built in 1957 and will need to be rebuilt, according to FDOT.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Vern Buchanan has announced his retirement following 20 years in Congress.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2026
Longtime local legislator announces retirement from Congress

Vern Buchanan, who represents Florida's 16th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced his retirement following 20 years in Washington.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Only commercial properties will be assessed if House Bill 4091 passes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 27, 2026
Legislators to decide if a taxing district could solve UTC's stormwater problems

If passed, House Bill 4091 will make the University Town Center area a special district that can pay for infrastructure using bonds.

  • East County
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is looking into potential impacts from a changed flight path from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport that took effect in 2024.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 27, 2026
Longboat Key evaluates impacts of new flight path

Residue found on patio furniture may be connected to a new flight path, and the town is hiring an engineering firm to look into it.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya (left) and Public Works Director Nikesh Patel presented the federal offshore oil and gas leasing opposition resolution to the City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 26, 2026
Sarasota joins Florida communities to oppose renewed offshore oil drilling

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a resolution against a new federal offshore oil and gas leasing program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Randy Clair
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 26, 2026
Former Town Commissioner Randy Clair loved the water, Longboat and family

An avid sailor, loving father and husband and two-time town commissioner, Randy Clair made an impact on Longboat Key in his 29 years living on the island. He died Jan. 17 at age 86.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
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Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters
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