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News

Historical Resources Manager Rob Bendus said it's important to preserve the county's history to add to quality of life.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 20, 2021
Historical resources department protects Sarasota County's history

As they celebrate the centennial year, historical resources employees reflect on the past and look toward the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier wrote a two-page letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Schneier asked DeSantis to veto House Bill 403.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 20, 2021
Longboat mayor asks DeSantis to veto home-based business bill

House Bill 403 would prohibit local governments from taking certain actions on the regulation of home-based businesses.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Downtown merchants Darci Jacobs, Ron Soto and Harmoni Krusing Bens said they could be amenable to eventually eliminating some Main Street parking spaces — but only if the city significantly expanded the nearby parking supply.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 20, 2021
Main Street businesses protest streetscape idea

Although city officials and property owners have expressed a desire to redesign two key downtown blocks, merchants aren’t happy with the prospect of losing parking spaces.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners suggested consulting a design firm or holding a public contest to identify possibilities for a new logo. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 20, 2021
City considers new look for logo, seal

The City Commission directed staff to explore the possibility of updating key imagery, though not everyone’s in favor of change.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Workers contracted by the town of Longboat Key dredge sand on Friday, May 14 at 4001 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 20, 2021
Longboat heads into hurricane season with bulked-up beaches

This year's hurricane season comes as the town continues its beach renourishment projects.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County Commission voted to pay $3,000 for Commissioner James Satcher's public record lawsuit settlement and an estimated $15,750 in attorney fees and costs.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 19, 2021
Manatee County pays commissioners' legal tab

Manatee County Commission votes to protect itself against "chilling effect" created by lawsuits

  • East County
  • News
Parrish's Donnie Nelson, Jami Nelson and Owen Nelson stand in front of a greeting presented to them from members of the Malachite EMS station in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 19, 2021
Special delivery: Baby born in Lakewood Ranch parking lot

Manatee County EMS chief delivers baby in Lakewood Ranch parking lot

  • East County
  • News
SunCoast Blood Centers Technician Ryan Milner and Parrish resident Daniel Wansten stand outside the mobile concierge unit. Milner and Wansten made an appointment to do it again the next day after Wansten's pulse came in over 100.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 19, 2021
Blood donations needed in Lakewood Ranch, beyond

SunCoast Blood Centers needs donations as demand for blood rises

  • East County
  • News
Sharon Carole and Chris Covelli of the he Realm Restaurant Group, which recently acquired The Bijou Café in downtown Sarasota. (Courtesy image)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2021
Landmark Sarasota restaurant sold, founders to retire

New Bijou Café owners plan to continue normal operations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Manatee County Commission will decide May 25 whether to appoint interim Administrator Scott Hopes to the permanent position.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 19, 2021
Manatee County commissioners set vote to forgo administrator search

No search for Manatee County administrator?

  • East County
  • News
In addition to featuring volunteers, a photo posted to the city’s Twitter account on March 27 showed Mayor Hagen Brody at a Van Wezel vaccination event. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 19, 2021
Mayor’s conduct causes concern among residents, officials

An argument at City Hall regarding a vaccination clinic has led to criticism of Mayor Hagen Brody’s behavior.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Palmetto High School's Principal Carl Auckerman will take the lead of Braden River High School next year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2021
History buff Braden River High's future

Carl Auckerman wants to establish relationships before taking over as principal at Braden River High in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Signs that remind students to wear masks may be a thing of the past if an optional policy takes effect July 1. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 18, 2021
School mask policy could shift to optional July 1

Superintendent aims to hold off on changes until school year ends.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The former bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive has sat vacant for years.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 18, 2021
Longboat Key voters to consider two density changes

Voters will consider referendum requests for 597 Buttonwood Drive and 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jennifer Campos, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, wants to set an example for her brothers and nephews as she becomes the first in her family to graduate high school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
New horizons for Lakewood Ranch student

Lakewood Ranch High's Jennifer Campos becomes the first in her migrant family to graduate.

  • 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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