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News

Former District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Betsy Benac and Take Back Manatee.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner continues to allege defamation

Kevin Van Ostenbridge's lawsuit against Betsy Benac was dismissed, but he has requested a rehearing.

  • East County
  • News
The original 1957 Longboat Key Town Charter is printed on rice paper and stored at Town Hall, along with copies of the original document printed in 1959.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 5, 2026
Charter review presents opportunity for change for Longboat Key

The town is due for its once-a-decade review of its charter, which means a chance to look at bigger policy and governance matters on the Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Dunn is a former U.S. Air Force medic. He's also a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2026
'Dunn' with special interests, Duette resident enters District 1 race

John Dunn wants the people to run Manatee County, not special interests or even commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Bicyclist killed crossing US 301 in Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 4, 2026
Bicyclist killed crossing US 301 in Sarasota

The 51-year-old was not wearing a helmet and wasn't in a crosswalk, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shoreline damage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is among the nearly $40 million in city recovery expenses left behind by the 2024 hurricane season.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 4, 2026
City staff to hold budget steady for next fiscal year

A fund balance shortfall of $4.3 million has prompted Sarasota officials to instruct departments to trim operating costs and suspend capital purchases.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners George Kruse and Mike Rahn supported the project from the start.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 4, 2026
Compromise gives Lakewood Ranch-area development another shot

After an initial denial, Manatee County commissioners approved a 195,000-square-foot commercial project near Uihlein Road.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 3, 2026
Former Sarasota mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat

Kelly Kirschner, 51, was elected to the City Commission in 2007.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An overflow parking lot with 10 spots is open during the day at Bayfront Park accessible via Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 3, 2026
Bayfront Park neighbors express frustrations over parking, litter and more

Residents near Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park have raised the issue with town leaders, who have urged residents to report code violations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

The School District of Manatee County School Board voted unanimously on the school's name, which has been referred to as AAA High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio, 38, has been arrested and terminated by the Sarasota Police Department after investigation of simple battery against a 16-year-old girl.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is preparing its 5-year Transportation Improvement Program to submit to FDOT.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
MPO accepting public input for transportation improvement program

The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is accepting public input as it prepares its five-year project priority list for submission to FDOT this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington stands next to one of the new voting machines.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 30, 2026
Elections forge ahead with revamped Supervisor of Elections office

Manatee County’s Scott Farrington will get his first major tests after winning a high-profile election in 2024.

  • East County
  • News
Damage to the shoreline of Ken Thompson Park at City Island following the 2024 hurricane season.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Waterfront park to receive $3 million in hurricane repairs and resilience

The money will help make 2024 storm-related repairs and shore up the shoreline at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Analysts at SPD's Real Time Operations Center monitor multiple cameras, sensors and other devices spread throughout the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Annual crime rates in Sarasota continue to decline

In presenting the annual Sarasota Police Department crime report, Chief Rex Troche said the department is "just right" to be effective.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hurricane Milton at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9, 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 29, 2026
Climate Adaptation Center predicts fewer storms this hurricane season

The annual forecast by the local nonprofit predicted a total of two major hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 »
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Latest News

1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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