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News

Chris Voelker, a Downtown Improvement District board member, speaks at the Dec. 5 Fresh Friday. Voelker said she hoped downtown stakeholders would take a positive outlook toward the event series during the pilot phase.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 9, 2021
Downtown group mulls Fresh Friday changes

The first Fresh Friday event of 2022 could get an earlier start in hopes of steering more visitors into downtown shops.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mark, which opened in 2019, has nearly 50,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space — but residents are worried prospective tenants in their downtown building will prove problematic. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 9, 2021
Lemon Avenue plans spark public pushback

As the city reviews proposals for new businesses at The Mark and in Paul Thorpe Park, residents are concerned about how commercial activity might affect a central segment of downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David W. Johnston Associates Landscape Architect Phillip Smith (left) and Jon F. Swift Construction President Jason Swift (right) present a rendering of the proposed park to a member of the public.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 8, 2021
New playground, splash pad planned for Sarasota's Bayfront Park

Construction is scheduled to start by early summer 2022 and will take about eight months to complete.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is exploring the possibility of transitioning the Longboat Library from a non-profit organization to a Sarasota County-operated service. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 8, 2021
Mayor advocates for Sarasota County-operated library in Longboat Key

Longboat Key is Sarasota County's only municipality without a public library.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Members of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center team show off their Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. It was awarded at a Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance luncheon Dec. 8 at the Grove.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 8, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center earns Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosts spotlight on nonprofits at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch as Humanitarian of the Year award goes to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

  • East County
  • News
Members of the St. Armands Business Improvement District said allowing taller buildings on the Circle would encourage new construction, which they hope would attract quality tenants and increase activity. File rendering
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 8, 2021
St. Armands zoning proposals stir controversy

Although a resident group has raised alarm about proposed building rules on the Circle, property owners say some of the concern is rooted in misunderstanding.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mrs. Clause, also known as Stacey Volpe, the development assistant for SMART, brings Magic to the barn.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 8, 2021
SMART hosts open house and riding camp in east Bradenton

Those who attend SMART's open house can walk or gallop around Lollipop Lane.

  • East County
  • News
The citizen-led campaign to create single-member districts got a charter amendment on the ballot that drew support from 59.8% of voters. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 8, 2021
County advances effort to repeal single-member districts

In March, voters will decide whether to maintain the current electoral system or return to a process in which all five commission races are countywide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Acolyte Michael Downing stands next to the Rev. James Hedman, who gives a toast in honor of St. Mary Magdalene's 25th anniversary in Lakewood Ranch on Dec. 5.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 7, 2021
St. Mary Magdalene of Lakewood Ranch celebrates its 25th anniversary

Small church in Lakewood Ranch has powerful faith that has guided it 25 years.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 7, 2021
Allegiant announces March debut of service to Wisconsin

Twice-a-week flights to Appleton will launch March 11.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A new 150-foot monopole tower will be built inside the Hide-Away Storage property on the corner of State Road 64 and Lorraine Road in eastern Manatee County. It will be for AT&T, but will have room for four different carriers.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • December 7, 2021
Cell tower on way to Lakewood Ranch area at Lorraine Road and S.R. 64.

Commissioners unanimously approve a 150-foot monopole tower at Lorraine Road and S.R. 64 in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Jonathan Fleece, the president of Empath Health and Tidewell Hospice, Debbie Mason and Renee Eppard, with the Tidewell Foundation, and Alex Sheen, the founder of Bcause I Said I Would, are excited to see what promises people keep.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 7, 2021
Tidewell Foundation donors encouraged to keep promises in Lakewood Ranch

Tidewell Foundation president inspired by internationally known humanitarian Alex Sheen.

  • East County
  • News
Sarah and Paul Karon agreed to donate up to $500,000 in exchange for the naming rights to the Town Center stage. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 6, 2021
Town Center stage just the latest in a series of landmarks named for people

With a 7-0 vote, Town Commissioners approved calling the to-be-built centerpiece of the Town Center Green the Karon Family Pavilion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, approved the paint and logos on the town's high-water vehicle. Photo provided by Fire EMS Liaison and PIO Tina Adams.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 6, 2021
Longboat Key's high-water rescue vehicle gets fresh coat of paint

Utility 9 is officially in use in the town of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nikki Milbrod of Orlando and her dad Steve Milbrod of Lakewood Ranch enjoy a snow storm during Music on Main. "I couldn't wait to come back (to Music on Main," Nikki says. "The people are amazing here."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2021
Music on Main's return to Lakewood Ranch attracts thousands

Off since March 2020 due to the pandemic, Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main makes triumphant return

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Lakewood Ranch's Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
  • December 24, 2025
After five decades, this Lakewood Ranch Santa continues to spread joy and more
2
  • December 24, 2025
All I want for Christmas for the Lakewood Ranch area …
3
Itzhak Perlman conducts the 2025 Perlman Music Program Suncoast Celebration Concert.
  • December 24, 2025
Perlman Music Program Suncoast moves to central Sarasota
4
Livia Zamperlini-Ramos (left), Anna Chop (center) and Bailey Loring (right) share some joy while singing "Last Christmas."
  • December 24, 2025
Lakewood Ranch wrestlers give back to their community through caroling
5
Howard Tipton, Irwin Pastor and Susan Goldfarb stand beside the newly installed sign for The Education Center on Bay Isles Road. The center starts its winter term of programs Jan. 5.
  • December 24, 2025
Explore French art, cinematic history and more this winter

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