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News

The bridge over the Braden River, part of an extension of 44th Avenue east from Cortez Road to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, is 0.26 miles long.(Courtesy of Manatee County)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
44th Avenue bridge over Braden River 75% complete

Manatee County provides an update on massive project that will connect Lakewood Ranch with Cortez Road.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, said without reaching herd immunity, COVID-19 has many chances to mutate into more contagious or severe strains. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
Delta variant rising in Manatee County as governor urges vaccinations

Manatee County health officer says children under 12 could spread COVID-19 to their classmates.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Communities’ 3D “community Xplorer map” was awarded a gold award for best innovative use of technology at the Southeast Building Conference’s 42nd annual Aurora Awards.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 28, 2021
Lakewood Ranch's 3D map earns gold award

Lakewood Ranch's 3D Community Xplorer Map earns Aurora Award from builders.

  • East County
  • News
Kingdom Business Alliance Co-founders Greg Claxton and Scott McKay stand with member Mindy Poff after a Tuesday morning meeting at the Grove. The alliance meets every single week.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
Lakewood Ranch-based Kingdom Business Alliance keeps God first

The Kingdom Business Alliance has grown to 29 members in six months.

  • East County
  • News
Save Siesta Key board members Tracy Jackson and John Davidson welcomed a tax increase if it led to greater local control over key decisions on the barrier island.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 27, 2021
Save Siesta Key leaders discuss tax to support municipality proposal

If residents want to incorporate Siesta Key to create a new local government, the change would come at a cost to homeowners.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Protesters clap and cheer at the end of a press conference to wrap up a protest against the possibility of increased abortion restrictions in Manatee County at a commission meeting Tuesday.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 27, 2021
Abortion-rights activists protest attempts to add abortion restrictions in Manatee County

Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher raised the idea of tightening local abortion restrictions at a June commission meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh has spent nearly two decades with the company, working in roles including publisher, chief digital officer, editor and advertising sales executive. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 27, 2021
Emily Walsh named president of Observer Media Group

As CEO Matt Walsh takes a step back from the company, Emily Walsh is eager to continue her family’s lineage as leaders in the community and in the local media industry.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 26, 2021
Longboat Key undergrounding project: Crews begin removal of light poles

Crews have started removing light poles from the Country Club Shores neighborhood.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Country Club Shores resident Christopher Sachs was pleased the canal between Yardarm Lane and Bowsprit Lane was mostly clear by the time he returned home. Sachs is pictured here on July 22.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 25, 2021
Longboat Key residents cope with red tide effects

While the dead fish accumulation has subsided, residents hope red tide conditions aren't as severe as 2018.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 22, 2021
Sarasota Art museum hires new director

Shearer, the education director at Atlanta's High Museum of Art, will begin Aug. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chuck Henry said 95% of the positive COVID-19 cases in Sarasota County are of people who are not vaccinated.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 22, 2021
Longboat Key COVID-19 vaccination rate near 100%

Leaders believe the town's high vaccination rate correlates to its low number of positive cases.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 22, 2021
Siesta Key estate lists for $5.8 million

Focal point of "Casa Flamingo" is a 45-foot long Roman bath.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Officials pointed to events in other communities, such as Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main block party and concert series, as evidence for the success of First Friday programs. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 22, 2021
City leaders back plans for First Friday events

As a downtown group explores options for pedestrian-only festivities in the heart of the city, commissioners expressed support for the idea at budget workshops.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Midnight Mama performs at a St. Patrick’s Day event outside Gator Club. Some residents have raised concerns about noise from special events, while downtown businesses say tougher noise rules threaten their livelihood. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 22, 2021
Divisions remain over city sound rules

As officials wade through the complexities of noise regulations, a downtown resident is gathering support for the creation of a citizen sound committee, hoping a mix of stakeholders can find common ground.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senior hospital technician Jonathan Hande, barred owl Nova and operations manager Jocelyn Shearer.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 21, 2021
Save Our Seabirds to reopen July 30

The bird hospital and research facility has been closed to the public for 16 months.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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