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News

The state funded the barrier islands trolley program in an effort to offset some of the effects of imminent roundabout construction at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 11, 2021
Trolley service to link downtown, barrier islands

The city, county and state are collaborating on a new public transportation route, though city officials are pushing to make it more expansive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As Sarasota County explores options for relocating the downtown SCAT transfer station, downtown stakeholders are advocating for a mixed-use facility on the site with parking and retail space.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 11, 2021
Downtown group explores future parking options

From Main Street parallel parking to a garage at the SCAT transfer station site, merchants and property owners are discussing long-term strategies for reshaping the city’s commercial center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Co-project Manager Jeffrey Loffredo, Vice President Nathan Carr, SMR's Kirk Boylston, President David Sessions and Project Manager Angel Ortiz say they can't wait to see people enjoying Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 10, 2021
Willis Smith Construction finishes Waterside Place buildings in Lakewood Ranch

Landscaping and roads will complete the Lakewood Ranch entertainment and restaurant hub as businesses begin to move in.

  • East County
  • News
Gulf Coast Community Foundation leaders hope the playbook will encourage and inform residents and policymakers on how to improve water quality.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 10, 2021
Foundation creates playbook to improve water quality

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation created a playbook that highlights 43 activities that could keep Sarasota’s waterways clean and healthy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Safe Children Coalition hopes to purchase and move into a new youth shelter when its current lease expires in 2023.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 10, 2021
Safe Children Coalition adjusts to COVID-19, aims for new shelter

The nonprofit had to navigate increased service and additional stress on its youth shelter.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rick Costa Jazz Sextet perform "The Glenn Miller Sound," a concert paying tribute to the sounds of the 1940s, on March 7 at Nathan Benderson Park. (Photo courtesy of Suncoast Aquatic and Nature Center Associates)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 10, 2021
Nathan Benderson Park draws up cultural strategy

Nathan Benderson Park is aspiring to become the next arts and culture hub in Sarasota and Manatee counties

  • East County
  • News
Jon Haskins is the new football coach at The Out-of-Door Academy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 10, 2021
ODA hires former Riverview High star as head football coach

Jon Haskins was a four-year starter at Stanford and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch resident Philip Cabibi said in 2018 he bought a signal booster so his cell phone would work in his home. Some residents are still struggling with dropped calls and poor coverage in their homes. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 10, 2021
Are small gains in Lakewood Ranch cell coverage making a difference?

Lakewood Ranch residents struggle with cell phone service in their homes

  • East County
  • News
Deputy Chief Sean Dwyer stands with the RAPTOR 1, a converted Manatee County Area Transit bus now used as an ambubus.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 10, 2021
Manatee County's RAPTOR ambubus about to become extinct

Manatee County designing new ambubus to replace converted MCAT bus

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Public Works Project Manager Robert Halbach, who oversaw the project, said the improvements will improve traffic flow in the area. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 10, 2021
Lorraine Road projects near completion in Lakewood Ranch

Yearlong Lorraine Road and State Road 70 intersection project nears completion

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 10, 2021
Seuss on the loose in Lakewood Ranch

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch celebrates Dr. Seuss' birthday.

  • East County
  • News
Judy Berlow and Susan Courter hold jugs of water. The Walk for Water fundraiser allows participants to imagine what it would be like to carry a bucket of water the same distance mothers and children would walk to access water.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 10, 2021
More than a drop in the bucket in Lakewood Ranch

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch hosts the Walk for Water fundraiser virtually.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse said it's unfair to expect Manatee County citizens to look through a 1,700-page agenda over one weekend.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 10, 2021
More advance notice now given on Manatee County agendas

Manatee County commissioners hope increased agenda review time leads to more transparency

  • East County
  • News
Michael Merino and Owen Lippincott work together to figure out an attachment to the robot so it can complete more missions during competitions.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 10, 2021
New challenge for BotTanks in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's gifted STEM students must compete virtually in the FIRST program.

  • East County
  • News
Layden Kraut, Sophia Marzonie and Isabella Moncion, first graders at B.D. Gullett Elementary School are all used to using laptops. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 10, 2021
A year of COVID-19: Schools adapt in east Bradenton

Parents, teachers say the School District of Manatee County has navigated the pandemic well.

  • East County
  • 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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