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News

Staff told commissioners that the comprehensive plan is a broad vision for the city. (File photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
City development plan amendments OK'd to address housing shortage

The Sarasota City Commission approves the first reading of comprehensive plan amendments it hopes will eventually result in more attainable housing incentivized by density bonuses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Both police officers and the town's Code Enforcement officer are empowered to enforce town codes.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
Code enforcement, citation changes initially approved by town

Among the changes proposed to Longboat's codes is the elimination of anonymous reports.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The St. Armands Business Improvement District is seeking city support and permitting of a holiday season festival in the park at St. Armands Circle. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 21, 2022
St. Armands leaders in opposition over winter festival request

The Business Improvement District chair asked the city to consider support of a holiday festival in St. Armands Circle. The Merchants Association head charges violation of protocols.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Birds feast after a fish kill-off in the backyard of Lakewood Ranch's Mark Engel. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 21, 2022
Dead fish are increasing in ponds around Lakewood Ranch

Heat and frequent storms are contributing causes of stinky fish kills in the Lakewood Ranch area, a University of Florida researcher says.

  • East County
  • News
Rainwater layers the forest floor in Conservatory Park in the University Park area. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 21, 2022
County committee to recommend land for acquisition, conservation

The Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee plans to have recommendations for land purchases to the County Commission by November.

  • East County
  • News
Premier Park's facilities are set for an upgrade in the county's Capital Improvement Plan. Some will be accelerated as a result of commissioners borrowing money. (FIle photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 20, 2022
Manatee County borrows money to move up infrastructure projects

The County Commission will borrow $232 million to accelerate 19 infrastructure projects, including nine in East County, with the $1.2 billion Capital Improvement Plan.

  • East County
  • News
Tactical Services Group currently provides the guards for kiosks, including this one at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch seeks new security provider

Staff members of the Inter-District Authority have received complaints about the in-person security at neighborhood gates and at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
Tommy Gregory, Roberts Dameus, Derek Reich and Fiona McFarland field questions from moderator Morgan Bentley. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 20, 2022
Florida House candidates discuss state budget, education, constitutional carry

General election candidates for Florida House of Representatives seats 72 and 73 field questions on issues from SRQ Tiger Bay Club.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Flooding in Buttonwood Harbor and other neighborhoods has come under town scrutiny. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 20, 2022
Longboat plans flooding projects with final ARPA funding

The final $1.8 million given to the town will go toward floodwater projects in Buttonwood and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to improve safety at the intersection. (Courtesy rendering)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 20, 2022
Town enters agreement for GMD roundabout, initially approves budget

The design, permitting and construction documents of the roundabout at Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive are expected to be complete in November.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Marlon Brown
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 19, 2022
Commission confirms confidence in city manager following meeting debate

City Manager Marlon Brown requested a vote of confidence following back and forth among commissioners about additions to the meeting agenda.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Administration Veronica Thames in the new Sarasota Philanthropy Center on State Street. (Photo by Eric Garwood)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 19, 2022
Gulf Coast Community Foundation opens Sarasota Philanthropy Center

The State Street location offers space for nonprofits and donors to gather.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of the completed first phase of The Bay. The circular sunset pier at the top has been redesigned as a crescent for ecological purposes. (Courtesy Bay Park Conservancy)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 19, 2022
Board recommends $48M bond for second phase of The Bay project

With The Bay grand opening set for Oct. 14-23, the Bay Park Improvement Board recommends approval of TIF financing for phase two of the $150 million, 53-acre project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 2021 Lawn Party was held on the property of the Longboat Key Club.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 16, 2022
Longboat Kiwanis' Lawn Party looks to City Island for 2022

Added capacity, construction on Longboat Key's Town Center Green prompt move.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Market changes and state recommendation led to the board's decision to opt for a change to the plan. (File photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 16, 2022
Town Commission approves changes to staff retirement fund

The town's contribution to the plan is expected to increase by $122,000 annually starting Oct. 1, 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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