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News

Murder suspect arrested on Longboat Key
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 21, 2026
Murder suspect arrested on Longboat Key

A 44-year-old Parrish man was arrested on second-degree murder stemming from a cocaine overdose.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
FHP troopers arrested an 18-year-old Cocoa man and impounded a 2022 Ford Mustang after a deadly crash on Interstate 75 Monday morning.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 21, 2026
Man arrested in deadly Manatee County crash

An 18-year-old from Cocoa was booked on vehicular homicide charges in Monday's Interstate 75 incident.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key officials are taking an in-depth look at tree regulations on the island, bearing in mind the effects of the 2024 hurricanes.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 21, 2026
Longboat's tree ordinance revamp moves along

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board invited subject matter experts to discuss potential improvements to the town’s tree code.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Carol Ann Felts' sons Kiel and Nicholas Felts unveil the new sign at David J. Crane Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 21, 2026
Manatee County remembers Carol Ann Felts at Crane Park memorial

The late commissioner had a Myakka City preserve named in her honor.

  • East County
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is taking steps to condemn and demolish the house at 6541 Gulfside Road, nicknamed the Half Moon House.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 20, 2026
Town sends compliance agreement to Half Moon house owner

The town of Longboat Key proposed a June 1 deadline for repairs to avoid forced demolition.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Truck driver killed in Interstate 75 wreck
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2026
Truck driver killed in Interstate 75 wreck

Troopers are looking for the black Mustang that drove away after the crash near State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Patrick Robinson at the dais with Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen during a recent City Commission meeting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
Sarasota deputy city manager announces retirement

Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson has informed the City Commission and senior staff of his retirement effective May 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Glen Gibellina stands at the entrance of a tiny house he built using a shipping container.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 20, 2026
Affordable housing advocate builds campaign for Manatee commission

Glen Gibellina is challenging incumbent Mike Rahn for the District 4 seat.

  • East County
  • News
Visioning sessions for the future of St. Armands Circle have been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
The vision for St. Armands Circle? It depends on whom you ask.

Flooding and traffic mitigation are common goals for St. Armands residents and businesses. The outlook on density, height and merchant mix in the commercial district remains divided.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tara Poulton and Ed Ference are two of the four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in District 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 19, 2026
Manatee commission candidates face off in Lakewood Ranch

District 6 candidates spoke their minds about roundabouts, campaign contributions and more.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County is working on finding the right wording for Policy 3232, which currently states staff will not be allowed to talk to display anything of a political nature.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Manatee school board, candidates debate politics, social movements in schools

The School District of Manatee County school board will vote on the exact wording of a policy regarding politics at an upcoming board meeting.

  • East County
  • Schools
The sailboat Hula Girl is seen alongside the Longboat Pass bridge after colliding with the span on Friday, April 17.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Traffic resumes after boat collision with Longboat bridge

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene, along with police and fire-rescue personnel.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project

The request for proposals calls for completion of the $60 million addition in time for the summer 2028 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 17, 2026
New high school in Lakewood Ranch is getting closer to being named

Now referred to as AAA High School, the School District of Manatee County has been gathering feedback on what the school should be named.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million

A record 751 nonprofits participated in the biennial event, which attracted 50,000-plus donors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
  • May 6, 2026
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
2
This fall will be Scott Paravicini's fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He's posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.
  • May 6, 2026
Despite cancer, Lakewood Ranch High coach remains committed to his players
3
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County
4
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
5
The home at 5910 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $4.9 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area.
  • May 6, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 20-24 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

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