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News

David Miller was grand marshal of Longboat Key's Freedom Fest in 2017. Mike Doll drives him down the parade route.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • July 1, 2021
Back to the Fourth, back to the fun

It's been a long year, but we are here to help you get back into the celebratory spirit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Vero Beach’s Rhonda and Macy Levin enjoyed the 2020 fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park with Sarasota’s Randy and Noel Bryan and Venice’s Nina and Jen Teise.
  • By Mark Bergin and Brendan Lavell
  • July 1, 2021
Mirth on the Fourth . . . again

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellations of many Fourth of July events in 2020.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lark and Heather Rippy pose for a picture inside the family's store. Driftwood Beach Home and Garden is located at 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 30, 2021
11-year-old Longboat Key girl wants to raise chickens in her backyard

Lark Rippy wrote an email to District 5 Longboat Key Town Commissioner Maureen Merrigan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill Owner Sam Ray and General Manager Jeffrey Karasawa hope to open their restaurant at the heart of The Green by the end of 2021.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Tsunami Sushi fills important role at The Green in Lakewood Ranch

Business owners at The Green hope two new restaurants located at the heart of the plaza will bring more shoppers.

  • East County
  • News
Save Our Seabirds Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer said this baby blue jay, rescued by Greenbrook's Lisa Laufenberg on May 28, could be ready to be released in the wild in July. (Courtesy of Save Our Seabirds)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota's Save Our Seabirds explains how to help an injured bird

A Lakewood Ranch woman called for help to save an injured baby blue jay. The bird is now thriving.

  • East County
  • News
Connor and Owen Fitzpatrick show off the fish they caught. It's a Fitzpatrick family tradition to try to catch a fish to make for dinner on the Fourth of July. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Food a big part of holiday traditions

Families share their delicious Fourth of July favorites.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
POWER President T.J. Meneely and Secretary Alicia Fretz stand by a sign in 2022 opposed to high-density development east of the Future Development Area Boundary line.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Myakka City nonprofit works to discuss development sprawl

Protect Our Wildlife Environment and Resources aims to give voice to Myakkans and other rural and agricultural communities.

  • East County
  • News
Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer said East County residents shouldn't wait until the last minute to buy their fireworks this year because of a supply shortage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch residents plan Fourth filled with fireworks, fun

However, an industry shortage could lower the boom in East County.

  • East County
  • News
The South Gate Community Center was designed in 1956 by architect Victor Lundy. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 29, 2021
South Gate Community Center will stay in residents' control

Voters say Sarasota County's offer was too low for the property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Musician Jim Hill and Conductor Joe Miller talk about their upcoming July 4 concert with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble makes notable return

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is back after pandemic subsides to play July 4 concert at Sarasota Opera House.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Fourth grand marshal added for Longboat parade

SMH's Jean Lucas adds to the theme of hometown heroes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beginning this winter, both Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines will fly to Washington D.C. from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Allegiant adds SRQ service to Washington's Dulles Airport

Service begins in mid-December for airport's leading carrier.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shane Catts has operated Happy Paddler Kayak Tours since October 2013.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2021
Longboat businesses bank on a healthy bay

Business owners and residents explain why a healthy Sarasota Bay is important for the quality of life in Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
One major project for fiscal year 2022 is amenities at The Bay project.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 28, 2021
Sarasota revenue increase means good news for county budget

An increase in the county's property taxes, among others, means the county will have more money than it bargained for.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Regina Gurland on her 104th birthday. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 28, 2021
Happy 104th, Reggie!

Regina Gurland's neighbors and family celebrated her on June 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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