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News

For three months in 2020, the city temporarily suspended enforcement of its paid parking program because of COVID-19, leading to a steep decline in revenue. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
City keeps parking management in-house — for now

In addition to passing on options for teaming up with a private parking operator, the commission extended provisions allowing for expanded outdoor dining.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The concept includes a mixed-use complex including public parking, a gourmet market, a boutique hotel and town homes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
Concept floated for St. Armands hotel

A developer wants the city to consider turning a St. Armands parking lot into a mixed-use hub anchored by a hotel. Could that one day become reality?

  • Sarasota
  • News
About 2,300 acres of sea grass has been lost.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Seagrass in Sarasota Bay drops to 12-year low

Data show an 18% decrease in Sarasota Bay, or a loss of 2,300 acres of sea grass.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School board leaders are considering a partnership that would move the training of its annual 450-member firefighter school to a new county site.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
School district, county consider fire training partnership

As the county prepares to build a regional fire training site, school leaders are considering switching from the district's current facility to a partnership at the new facility.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
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Latest News

1
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
2
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
3
Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
  • March 27, 2026
Longboat families connect with first responders
4
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition
5
Tenants at the Stickney Point property range from a wealth planning firm to a boat club.
  • March 27, 2026
The details behind Sarasota County's Stickney Point land deal

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