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News

Robert Marbut, the executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, speaks at a Nov. 24 town hall meeting on homelessness at the Ken Clark Auditorium. Courtesy image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2020
Arroyo town hall stirs homelessness conversation

The return of a controversial homelessness expert included some harsh assessments of Sarasota's response strategies — and pushback from local service providers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In addition to ensuring all the downtown lighting works, Mayor Hagen Brody wanted the city to explore expanding tree lights onto branches.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2020
Holiday decor falls flat for mayor

Property owners are working with the city on a strategy to make downtown more festive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As a cost-saving measure, the St. Armands BID could eliminate some design features from its original restroom plans.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2020
St. Armands bathroom plans remain in flux

In response to rising costs, officials are considering scrapping the favored design and housing the restrooms in shipping containers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After the city rejected the first proposal, Selby Gardens revised the proposed height of the parking garage by more than 40%.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2020
Selby Gardens project set for City Commission review

Last year, the City Commission turned away Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ proposed master plan. Will a revised pitch produce a different outcome this month?

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of the 88,000-square foot facility that will include clinical services, an ambulatory surgery center and administrative offices. (Courtesy of Coastal Orthopedics)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
Coastal Orthopedics planning new Lakewood Ranch facility

Coastal Orthopedics is planning an 88,000-square foot expansion in Lakewood Ranch that will include clinical services, an ambulatory surgery center and administrative offices.

  • East County
  • News
Floyd C. Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Preserve at Braden River protects a 44.5-acre parcel of land.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
Long-established committee hopes to advise Manatee County on environmental land fund

Manatee County environmental committee could play big role in protecting more land

  • East County
  • News
Eagle Trace resident Patricia McHugh (left) shows her concern about the Cox dealership, largely flooding issues in her case, in this Jan. 25 photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
Planned Cox Chevrolet lot challenged by appeal from east Bradenton residents

Appeal of east Bradenton dealership say plans violate county code

  • East County
  • News
Edward Goltsman is one local business owner who said he did not hear about the CARES Act program in time to apply. Goltsman runs a DJ service called sarasotaparty.com and owns Bottom Line Records. (courtesy of Edward Goltsman)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
Manatee County asks for CARES Act extension

Some Manatee County businesses may lose out on CARES Act grants

  • East County
  • News
This image of Lakewood Ranch High School was taken by a Manatee County drone while it was documenting irrigation infrastructure. (Courtesy of Manatee County)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
Manatee County drone program takes off

Manatee County uses drones to inspect roofs, count infrastructure

  • East County
  • News
(From left) Sharie Kelly, Jennifer Ramsey and Nabil Rezkalla. Kelly and Rezkalla co-own Riviera Mediterranean Grille, while Rezkalla and Ramsey are both chefs at the restaurant.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2020
EYE ON BUSINESS: Restauranteur's passion on menu at Mediterranean-Italian eatery in Lakewood Ranch

EYE ON BUSINESS: Chef, designer open authentic Mediterranean-Italian restaurant in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Mike Newhams, a science teacher, explains how to separate the layers of an onion to his students. Newhams loves having his class outdoors and at the center of campus so he can connect with other students and staff members.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 2, 2020
Sky's the limit in outdoor classes in Lakewood Ranch

ODA allows teachers to host their classes in outdoor spaces during pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High School sophomore Christian Bell, freshman Nathan Walmsley and seniors Alex Bustillo and Phil Staffiles practice for their rifle competition. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 2, 2020
Lessons in leadership in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools' JROTC programs adjust to the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 1, 2020
County survey finds upbeat attitudes

The 2020 Citizen Survey found that 96% of residents say they are happy with the quality of life in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 1, 2020
County OKs Siesta parking spaces

22 spaces will be added along Ocean Boulevard at the entrance to Siesta Village.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Flori Roberts had decades of successful business experience well before she arrived in Sarasota.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • December 1, 2020
Flori Roberts remembered for charity, business acumen

The philanthropist and pioneer in the cosmetics industry passed away Nov. 23.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stars perform in the inaugural Weekend of Soul Dec. 27-28 at WBTT's Donelly Theatre.
  • December 23, 2025
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Yvette Brown poses for a photo on Dec. 11 next to the trophy case by Booker's gym. Through the first six games of the Tornadoes' season, she led in points, rebounds and steals.
  • December 23, 2025
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East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025
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Chef Drew Adams recently took the helm as the new head chef at CW Prime, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort's signature steakhouse. He brings his experience working on the Sarasota food scene.
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota chef celebrates local ingredients at CW Prime

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