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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
development group is asking the city to consider facilitating a mixed-use project featuring a boutique hotel and gourmet market on St. Armands Circle. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 18, 2021
Sarasota entertains St. Armands hotel plans

Despite concern from Longboat Key officials, the Sarasota City Commission is considering a mixed-use project proposed for the site of a public parking lot.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Palm View K-8 School Principal Kaththea Johnson gives a tablet to a student alongside Assistant Principal James Dougherty. Dougherty says it's important for schools to celebrate student successes. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
Learning Bashaw first priority for new east Bradenton principal

James Dougherty now meeting with teachers, staff and families to prepare for new school year in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
A student from Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School reads a book in Spanish. When students are in Spanish class, they will do everything in Spanish. When in English class, they'll read, speak and write in English. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2021
Twice the learning in Lakewood Ranch

Braden River Elementary School adds a dual language program in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
There is a proposal to redevelop the six units at 551 Broadway into four single-family structures.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 17, 2021
Longboat Key leaders to consider proposed Broadway redevelopment

The proposal would reduce the number of units at 551 Broadway from six to four single-family structures.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Stakeholders cut the ribbon on a Legacy Trail overpass at Laurel Road in January 2019.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 17, 2021
First segment of expanded Legacy Trail to open in July

A ribbon cutting for segment one, which stretches from Proctor Road to Bahia Vista Street, will be held July 6.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Roberto Ortega and Margo Valenzuela give their daughter Athzira Ortega flowers and balloons to celebrate her graduation from Lakewood Ranch High School last year. More guests will be allowed to attend this year's ceremonies.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2021
Attendance expands for Manatee County high school graduations

School District of Manatee County doubles attendance for graduation ceremonies at LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
The town is planning to make improvements to the west end of the North Shore Road beach entrance. Town leadersr will evaluate what to do with the chainlink fence on the north side of the entrance.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 17, 2021
North Shore beach entrance fix-ups proposed

North-end residents have advocated for improvements to the beach entrance at 100 North Shore Road.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 17, 2021
Patterson Foundation receives national recognition for reading program

The Patterson Foundation's Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading was recognized as a Bright Spot for its program "This Book is Cool!."

  • Sarasota
  • News
McHenry Lerebours received his bachelor's degree in political science from Florida A&M University and a master's degree in educational leadership from University of South Florida.Â
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 17, 2021
McIntosh Middle School names new principal

McHenry Lerebours has served as the interim principal since February.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The CDC issued updated guidance that says fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or social distance except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, including local businesses.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 14, 2021
Longboat Key adjusts COVID-19 policies

The town of Longboat Key is following guidance from the CDC.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Tennis Center manager Kay Thayer is preparing for the return of league play in fall.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 14, 2021
Tennis Center league play set to resume in the fall

The Tennis Center reopened in May 2020 and has provided a haven for many people throughout the pandemic.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Officers diverted traffic from traveling westbound on John Ringling Causeway as crews responded to the gas leak. The road has since reopened.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 14, 2021
Gas leak temporarily closes lanes of Ringling Causeway

The road has since reopened, but the Sarasota Police Department advised motorists to expect delays after a gas leak on Bird Key blocked traffic onto the barrier islands.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
2
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
3
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
4
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout
5
It’s time to remove our own regimes
  • May 15, 2026
It’s time to remove our own regimes

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