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News

Sarasota Director of Finance Kelly Strickland talks fiscal year 2026 budget with the Sarasota City Commission as Budget Manager Tyler Harris looks on.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 17, 2025
Sarasota approves budget for fiscal year 2026 with millage increase

The Sarasota City Commission has given final approval of the $303 million fiscal year 2026 spending plan that includes money earmarked to rebuild fund balance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The damage to Bayfront Park from hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated at $1.15 million.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 16, 2025
Sarasota signs contractor for hurricane-related paving repairs

The Sarasota City Commission approves a $7.5 million agreement with Ajax Paving Industries for recovery work related to the 2024 hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kratom products are displayed in a case at Wild Smoke Shop off of State Road 64. Kratom can be bought in a variety of forms from powders to drinks.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 16, 2025
Manatee County debates banning kratom and other designer drugs

Commissioners are undecided, but the sheriff and state attorney are in support of regulations.

  • East County
  • News
A street sign marking the 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive owned by the town will remain for now as discussions on whether to rename the main thoroughfare are underway
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 16, 2025
Longboat Parkway was almost the Key's main road name

It wasn't always Gulf of Mexico Drive. Town Council minutes from 1957 show the name Longboat Parkway scribbled out by hand, with Gulf of Mexico Drive scrawled above.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 15, 2025
Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence

A 14-year-old allegedly posted on Snapchat stating he was going to shoot people at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • News
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is opening its SEA site in early October.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota couple arrested on child neglect charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 15, 2025
Sarasota couple arrested on child neglect charges

Found day drinking outside and testing positive for narcotics, SPD and state investigators arrest couple after finding a child locked in a room.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A proposal that could eliminate property taxes in the state of Florida, would damage the funding of Longboat Key police and fire departments.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 15, 2025
Mayor says Longboat Key will suffer without property taxes

DeSantis has spoken on the possibility of eliminating property taxes altogether. But local leaders worry about how they would pay for police and fire without their largest revenue stream.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The damage to Whitaker Gateway Park from hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated at $1.5 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 15, 2025
Sarasota launches park recovery update website

Sarasota's new website allows residents to track the progress of storm damage repairs at 14 coastal parks and assets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Columbia Restaurant’s fourth-generation owner Casey Gonzmart Sr., believes that passion and fun are essential in running a restaurant empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 14, 2025
Family legacy at Columbia Restaurant carries to next generation

Casey Gonzmart Sr. is passing the torch to family members as he steps down as chairman of the board of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch search turns up no armed person
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch search turns up no armed person

A suspicious person report south of University Parkway prompts deputy response.

  • East County
  • News
Lido Key is among the highest trending fall vacation rental in the country, according to vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 13, 2025
Lido Key ranks among top trending fall vacation destinations

With online searches more the tripling the year prior, vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo rates the Sarasota barrier island sixth in trending growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Jason Bearden wants money released from Manatee County's reserves that are nearing $1 billion.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 13, 2025
Manatee County moves to cut millage rate as reserves rise

Following three hurricanes in 2024, Manatee County has nearly $1 billion set aside for reserves in fiscal year 2026.

  • East County
  • News
Wilkinson Elementary operates at about 50% capacity, prompting school officials to consider closing it and sending students to three other under-capacity schools.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 13, 2025
Wilkinson Elementary closure part of broader plan, Sarasota superintendent says

By November, the Sarasota School Board could decide on closing the school and moving central office there.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Jim Whitman performs at the 2022 Kiwanis Lawn Party. The 20-year Longboat Key resident who often shared his musical talents on the Key died Sunday.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 13, 2025
Jim Whitman's death leaves Longboat community void of song

“Dr. Jim” was a longtime presence on Longboat Key known for his community involvement and on-pitch vocals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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  • December 17, 2025
Animal interactions and private experiences at Sarasota Jungle Gardens
2
Wild pigs look for food near Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • December 17, 2025
Manatee County's River Club has a pig problem
3
LaRon Foye, a senior safety/wide receiver, points to his right ring finger following his game-sealing interception against Jacksonville Bolles.
  • December 17, 2025
Cardinal Mooney football has undergone all-time turnaround
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Lynnette Beecher and Gunilla Imshaug, members of the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club, check out a photo of a baby alligator that was taken moments before.
  • December 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch photography club preserves moments in time
5
Justin Gomlak helps bring big city glamour to the Sarasota stage in "A Very Broadway Christmas," which plays Monday, Dec. 22, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
  • December 17, 2025
The Van Wezel wants you to have 'A Very Broadway Christmas'

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