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News

Although City Commissioner Liz Alpert said she supported the extension, she encouraged the developer to consider updating its preliminary site design, depicted in this concept image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2021
Developer revisits affordable housing project

With a deadline extension from the city, developers renew plans to build 393 workforce apartments.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After producing concept plans for a parklet, depicted in the rendering above, the St. Armands Business Improvement District received construction quotes that were more than four times over budget, so the group is scaling back.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2021
St. Armands landowners eye streetscape upgrades

Circle stakeholders are considering refreshed landscaping, improved lighting and reworked signage as they pursue a plan for enhancing the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Downtown Improvement District and St. Armands Business Improvement District are responsible for projects such as the lightpole flower baskets in downtown Sarasota. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2021
New faces join improvement district boards

A majority of the City Commission indicated a desire to bring fresh perspectives to downtown and St. Armands Circle property owner groups.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city altered plans for a multi-use recreational trail along U.S. 41 in an effort to complement the nearby Sarasota Art Museum, the former Sarasota High School building.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2021
City, school board discuss U.S. 41 trail plans

Plans are moving forward for a new pedestrian and cyclist route near Sarasota High School, albeit with a few trees relocated from the initial proposal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Under the terms of a negotiated agreement with neighbors, noise violations at Raffurty’s Bar and Grill could lead to the revocation of the business’s liquor license.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2021
Main Street bar brokers liquor license compromise

The owner of Raffurty’s Bar and Grill worked with neighbors to establish noise restrictions and other guidelines for the downtown business.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ed Zunz served on the Longboat Key Town Commission from 2016-2021.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 17, 2021
Ed Zunz discusses having to resign early, tenure on Town Commission

Since March 2016, Ed Zunz has served as a Longboat Key town commissioner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Robert Turner, Ben Guth, Trevor Garofalo, Ray Sullivan and J.T. Bacigalupi are Myakka City Fire Control District firefighters. Guth, Garofalo and Sullivan are leading the effort to introduce East Manatee firefighters to the area.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 17, 2021
Caution ... merge ahead for East Manatee, Myakka fire districts

Myakka City-East Manatee fire merger preparations underway

  • East County
  • News
Impact fees are one-time fees charged to developers after the completion of construction projects to help cover the cost of increased stress placed on county infrastructure. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 17, 2021
Manatee County Planning Commission roundup: impact fee debate

Manatee County Planning Commission members discuss impact fees, rezone requests

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Nancy Detert said the provision allows residents who don't live near a property have a say on what will happen to it.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 17, 2021
Commission moves to eliminate citizen-initiated reviews

The current provision allows 20 or more registered voters to request a comprehensive plan amendment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Michelle Leahy, a Manatee County volunteer specialist for Parks and Natural Resources, works on a headstone during the Rye Cemetery Preservation and Beautification project.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 17, 2021
Manatee County won't bury its history during Heritage Days.

Rye cemetery cleanup just one of the activities during Manatee Heritage Days.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
Ribbon cutting held at Botanic Waterside

New Lakewood Ranch apartment complex celebrates grand opening.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka residents Elizabeth Arnold and Carol Felts are concerned about development encroaching on the area surrounding their homes.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 17, 2021
Time to push development east in Manatee County?

Manatee County Commissioners to decide urban boundary amendment

  • East County
  • News
Shamar Beatty points to his family in the stands while walking across the field with his diploma. His sash and mask has photos of memories from his time at Lakewood Ranch High School. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2021
Venue change alters graduation dates for Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools

School District of Manatee County high schools push back graduation dates after switch to LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
Country Meadows' Michelle Noel has gone from jobless due to the pandemic to the owner of Wicked Awesome Ice Cream Emporium in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 17, 2021
Pandemic planted seeds for Wicked Awesome Ice Cream Emporium in Lakewood Ranch

New ice cream emporium in Lakewood Ranch melts together fun and whimsy.

  • East County
  • News
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the town of Longboat Key to hold its IntroLBK 2021 class on Zoom instead of having the Citizens Academy in person.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 17, 2021
Virtual IntroLBK 2021 class offered to residents

The free classes about the Longboat Key town government are offered from March 23-25 on Zoom.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Together, John and Shannon Barton make the "Roaring '20s" at the Great Gatsby-themed annual dinner for members of the Friars Club. Attendees shared their favorite memories from the season and gave out awards at the March 24 celebration at the Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 27, 2026
Friars golfers throw back to Roaring '20s
2
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
3
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
4
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
5
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition

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