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News

The fire department is considering improvements that include additional staffing and enhanced fire stations. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
County considers improvements to fire department

The county is considering expanding its Rapid Response Unit and improvement stations in south Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tim Williams' Tesla its charging port on the driver's side of the car.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Power to the people: Longboat Key to consider adding more EV charging stations

Bayfront Park is the only public place in Longboat Key that offers an electric vehicle charger.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The rollover crash happened at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday near the Mobil gas station on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Man taken to hospital after rollover crash on Gulf of Mexico Drive

Part of Gulf of Mexico Drive was closed early Thursday morning as first responders cleared the crash.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Firefighter/Paramedic Jamison Urch put out a building fire. Photo provided by the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Town encouraged at budget year's halfway mark

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department had an average response time of 5.4 minutes during the current fiscal year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Landscape architect Phil Smith shared conceptual designs showcasing a plan for widening sidewalks and eliminating angled parking on Main Street. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Main Street makeover gets preliminary design

City officials expressed excitement about a proposal to widen sidewalks and eliminate angled parking, though some questions — including cost estimates — remain unanswered.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After the orchestra reiterated its belief that land in Payne Park was essential for the group to remain in the city, Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown said he believed both parties should be willing to compromise. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Orchestra, city engage in venue conversation

Although the orchestra initially pushed for action from the City Commission, both parties met last month for a private discussion about a music hall in Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bradenton-based ET MacKenzie completed repair work after the town of Longboat Key's June's sewage break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 5, 2021
Town hires legal team for rights-of-way matters

The town of Longboat Key is considering whether to pursue several capital projects, which include improvements to its wastewater line.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An alligator rests at the edge of a pond in Heritage Harbour, where two residents started a Nextdoor group to advocate against the removal of alligators from ponds in East County communities. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 5, 2021
East County residents wrestle with alligator issues

Alligator removal sparks fierce debate in East County

  • East County
  • News
Vivian Quinones-Solano hopes to collect blood and platelet donations that might eventually help those going through cancer treatments, like her.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2021
SunCoast Blood Bank executive from Lakewood Ranch beats the odds

Cancer survivor challenges others to give blood in Mother's Day Challenge.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Mackenzie Loukota, who is 21 months old, and her mother, Vicki Loukota, play at the park together.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Mom's love prevails in the Lakewood Ranch area

Lakewood Ranch area moms talk about what it takes to be a good mother in 2021.

  • East County
  • News
A worker paves a road that starts at the Mallaranny property's driveway and stretches toward the back of the property on April 29.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 5, 2021
Construction continues in Myakka City while Manatee County code officials under investigation

Sarasota Medieval Fair on Myakka property requires special permit, but construction continues

  • East County
  • News
Jackie Llamas, a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, is happy she's able to coordinate a prom for seniors like Nick Lenchinsky with his mother, Angie Lenchinsky Scarpa.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Private prom excites Lakewood Ranch High students

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors ready to have prom memories.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is expected to have about 740 students enrolled if the school opens in August 2022. Within five years, the school is projected to have an enrollment of 1,965 students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Traditional vs. charter: The differences

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will provide a new option for East County parents.

  • East County
  • News
Dawn Zielinski, president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, and Tom Williams, outreach director for the club, donates bike helmets to Megan Podolan, a fifth grade teacher at Willis Elementary School, to give to students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Safer rides in Lakewood Ranch

Village Idiots Cycling Club donates helmets to east Bradenton schools.

  • East County
  • News
Steven Zickafoose, an assistant principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Angela Lindsey, principal of the school, wear masks while on campus. The administrators might not have to wear masks next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
School District of Manatee County considers letting masks down

School Board of Manatee County considers a voluntary mask policy for summer school and the 2021-22 school year.

  • East County
  • News
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