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News

Commissioner Nancy Detert was the lone commissioner in opposition, stating the amendments don't do enough to ensure new affordable units.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
County amends affordable housing incentives

The changes mean developers who build east of I-75 no longer have to include affordable units, but they can opt to.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
Commission approves out of cycle hotel proposals

The approval means staff can now allocate time for review of the proposals.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioners hope medical marijuana dispensaries do not get turned into recreational dispensaries.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
County aims for home rule on marijuana

Commissioners remain opposed to personal-use laws, even if legalized by the state legislature.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The northern soccer fields at Premier Sports Campus could be used as an overflow section for the event lawn when not being used for sports, based on the county's first draft of a general development plan for Premier's expansion.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Premier plan starts taking shape

Inside the planning of the Premier Sports Campus park expansion

  • East County
  • News
USRowing Olympic hopeful Michalina Fili practices rowing at Nathan Benderson Park. Excluding athletes who are training for the Olympics, very few rowers are coming to Nathan Benderson Park this winter. (Courtesy of SANCA)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Olympic Trials return to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota to spark competitive thrills

While it won't be as significant as the previous Trials in terms of economic impact, having the Olympic rowers train and compete in Sarasota will offer a boost during the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2021
Brain Health Initiative founder expects big 2021 in Lakewood Ranch

Brain Health Initiative founder Stephanie Peabody expects huge goals in 2021 in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton region.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County deputy Joy Jewett and Centerstone peer specialist Sara Holloway walk through a homeless camp Dec. 14 in Bradenton. Centerstone is a nonprofit that treats people with mental health or substance abuse issues.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Manatee County adds homeless outreach officer

Day or night, new Manatee County homeless outreach officer answers the call

  • East County
  • News
11-year-old Charlie Rayner practices riding with the help of his mom, Erin Rayner, the owner of Opportunity Farm. Charlie Rayner is riding 18-year-old Popcorn.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
EYE ON BUSINESS: New opportunities in East County

Riders of all ages jump at Opportunity Farm in east Bradenton

  • East County
  • News
Every third grade teacher has made their new classroom their own. Joanne Sollazzo decorated hers with a cow theme. The teachers were able to move into the new addition over winter break.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
Teachers thrilled with Gene Witt addition

Eight classroom addition increases teaching opportunities at Gene Witt Elementary.

  • East County
  • News
May I have this dance? Carol latches on to Monica Welde.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2021
Clawing through the pandemic at Bearadise in Myakka City

Owner Monica Welde remains committed to sustaining the Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Greenbrook's Matt and Lisa Buck chow down on food from Cigar City Smokers during their first Ranch Nite Wednesdays. The food trucks at the event provide multiple options for people to indulge.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
Ranch Nite returns to Lakewood Ranch

Food trucks and cornhole among the draws for Ranch Nite Wednesdays at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases for more School District of Manatee County employees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 26, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases

Salary increases are approved for more School District of Manatee County supervisors, administrators, administrators and managers.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner George Kruse, pictured at a Nov. 19 meeting, moved Jan. 26 to give administrator Cheri Coryea a 15 day notice of a vote to terminate her contract.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 26, 2021
Manatee County Commissioner admits affair, charges manipulation of his vote.

Manatee County commissioners move to vote on Administrator Cheri Coryea's job status for second time in three months.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Al Maio brought the project back to the table for discussion.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 26, 2021
County leaders will again discuss mental health district

The taxing district would allow funds to be diverted to mental health organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The larger L-shaped cottage will temporarily sit on cribs near 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Photo: Nat Kaemmerer
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 25, 2021
Chiles Group moves L-shaped historic cottage

Crews moved the cottage down Palm Drive early in the morning on Jan. 21.

  • 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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