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News

Charlie Mopps worked as a projects manager for the town of Longboat Key from April 2019 to January 2022. (File photo)
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 19, 2022
Longboat Town Projects Manager Charlie Mopps starts new Venice job

Charlie Mopps now serves as Venice's Public Works director.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Siesta Key's incorporation plans stalled this month with a deadlocked vote by the local legislative delegation.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 18, 2022
Sarasota City commissioners vote to extend a hand to Siesta Key

City leaders approve initial contact to gauge support of annexation possibilities, though Siesta leader says community would be hesitant.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An aerial-view rendering of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus after its multiphase Master Plan is completed. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Blake Fussell
  • January 18, 2022
Koski family donates $1 million to Selby remake

Selby Gardens is expected to become the first botanical garden with a net positive energy rating through its master plan. A recent $1 million donation from Tom and Sherry Koski has helped fund the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shawna Hicks-Cranston, Elizabeth Cranston and Brad Cranston. Brad died unexpectedly Jan. 12. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance grieves after death of local businessman

Lakewood Ranch businessman Brad Cranston, who owned PostNet, dies at age 70.

  • East County
  • News
Simone Roitman performs during the Mega Challah Bake at the Grove.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 16, 2022
Mega Challah Bake unites women in Lakewood Ranch

More than 100 women come together in Lakewood Ranch for a night of making challah at the Grove.

  • East County
  • News
Chiles Group CEO and Gulf Shellfish Institute Board Member Ed Chiles (far right) spoke before a crowd Saturday morning to announce the launch of the All Clams on Deck initiative.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 15, 2022
Initiative announced to improve health of Sarasota Bay, other estuaries

The Gulf Shellfish Institute seeks to raise $22.5 million through its All Clams on Deck initiative.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Bath & Racquet Club is at 2170 Robinhood St., behind the Trader Joe’s and just south of Bee Ridge Road and U.S. 41, one of the busiest intersections in town.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 15, 2022
Bath & Racquet Club sold — again — for $15.3 million

Prominent club tripled in value in less than two years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
For 15 years, Al and Dottye Van Iten have spent their winters at the Twin Shores community in Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 14, 2022
Utility says repairs are on the way to Longboat Key beachfront sidewalk

A portion of the sidewalk remains closed on Gulf of Mexico Drive directly in front of the Twin Shores Mobile Home Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Land east and west of the Celery Fields slopes now has been set aside as perpetual green space.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 14, 2022
Land east of Celery Fields set aside for preservation

A nearly 50-acre parcel is adjacent to 33 preserved acres west of the Sarasota County landmark.

  • Sarasota
  • News
UMR Sports Founder Ryan Moore points out the additional room on the new volleyball courts that will allow players to utilize running serves.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 13, 2022
UMR Sports campus in east Bradenton begins to take shape

UMR Sports has nearly completed its six pickleball courts and four sand volleyball courts with baseball/softball fields on the way.

  • East County
  • News
Work continues on the 44th Avenue East expansion with a bridge being built over the Braden River. The segment of road connecting Creekwood Boulevard and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard was ranked on the county's MPO list. File photo.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 13, 2022
Manatee Commission prioritizes road projects

Finishing the 44th Avenue extension to Lakewood Ranch receives high priority from Manatee County Commission.

  • East County
  • News
A 2021 survey showed an 18% decline in seagrass in Sarasota Bay. Seagrass affects more than 75% of marine life. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 13, 2022
Environmental concerns continue for Sarasota Bay, expert says

Tomasko discussed the health of Sarasota Bay, what local leaders should consider in 2022 and the effects of losing about 2,000 acres of seagrass.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
JWM Managment, the first company to approach the city in 2021 about redeveloping the Fillmore Drive site, is seeking to build above the existing height limit on St. Armands. File rendering
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 12, 2022
Proposed St. Armands developments prompt density concerns

St. Armands residents and Longboat Key leaders believe increasing maximum building height and redeveloping the Fillmore lot could add to traffic congestion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Artist Erin Ernst created a sculpture of giant cigarette butts in the sand to help raise awareness. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2022
Sarasota senator sponsors cigarette butts bill

The measure would give local governments the ability to ban smoking on beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key’s Town Code does not currently allow permitting for propane and natural gas fire pits outside of structures.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 12, 2022
Longboat Key plans to allow permanently installed fire pits

A new proposal seeks to allow town-issued permitting for fire pits outside of structures.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
(Patricia Evelyn Loy)
  • March 26, 2026
Patricia Evelyn Loy
2
City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs and City Attorney Joe Polzak recently shepherded the City Commissioner's search for a new city manager.
  • March 26, 2026
City auditor and clerk awarded 15% base pay increase
3
David Lough is a regular fixture at Sarasota City Hall.
  • March 26, 2026
David Lough seeks to matter in local government involvement
4
Gary Love of Gary Love Photography shows an art festival-goer how the various places the light hits the shell-covered beach give the up-close image depth. He was one of several new artists featured at the Feb. 21-22 art festival on Longboat Key.
  • March 26, 2026
Art show upcoming this weekend
5
Joel Benham built the Giant Furby Chair.
  • March 26, 2026
Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects

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