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News

As of Thursday, Dec. 17, 1,738 patients have tested positive at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and 140 COVID-19 patients have died.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 17, 2020
Tracking COVID-19 cases in Sarasota, Manatee

As of Thursday, the state lists 16,389 confirmed positive cases in Sarasota and 19,612 in Manatee. In Sarasota, 454 positive individuals have died, and 400 have died in Manatee.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Town Commission will use a hybrid approach for meetings (four of the seven commissioners physically present) for the remainder of 2020.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 17, 2020
Health Department delves into COVID-19 data for town

The state's data routinely puts positive COVID-19 cases on the Manatee County side of Longboat Key's 34228 ZIP code.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cyndi Seamon made a turtle nest in summer 2020. Photo Credit: Nat Kaemmerer
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 17, 2020
Longboat Key proposing increased sea turtle protections

The Longboat Key Town Commission could have the first reading of a proposed ordinance as soon as Feb. 1, 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick, the girlfriend of rock legend Mick Jagger, bought this Lake Club home. Photo courtesy of Michael Saunders Realtor Tina Ciaccio.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 17, 2020
Mick Jagger's girlfriend buys Lake Club estate in Lakewood Ranch

Mick Jagger's girlfriend buys Lake Club estate in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
The Planning Board voted 3-2 to recommend approval of Raffurty's major conditional use application at an October public hearing. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 17, 2020
Another public hearing for Raffurty’s liquor license

The City Commission agreed to give residents another chance to share their thoughts on a permit request from the Main Street bar.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of adjusting their meeting schedules on Nov. 16, ultimately directing staff to conduct some research before continuing the conversation. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 17, 2020
City commissioners consider shift to evening meetings

When should the City Commission hold its meetings? Some elected officials think the night time is the right time.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 17, 2020
Planning Board questions city meeting protocols

A majority of the volunteer advisory board is opposed to in-person meetings that exceed two hours, disrupting the city’s development review schedule.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David Wolff installs mini reefs underneath docks at MarVista Dockside. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 16, 2020
Siesta residents start project to clean canal

More than 20 homeowners have signed on to place mini reefs under their docks to filter water and support marine life.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh wants to see major changes to the way the county government is run.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 16, 2020
Manatee County commissioners clash as administrator keeps job

Manatee County commissioners clash, no longer considering firing county administrator

  • East County
  • News
Former Legacy Golf Club co-owners Jon Whittemore and Kevin Paschall sold it to the Heritage Golf Group on March 13, 2024. One local resident wishes there were more public golf courses in the area.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 16, 2020
Lakewood Ranch's Legacy Golf Club development gets green light

Manatee County approves plans for new homes at Legacy Golf Club

  • East County
  • News
After months of tackling obstacles as a result of the pandemic, Greenbrook's Crystal Avery and Marty Satz become husband and wife during a ceremony on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 16, 2020
Lakewood Ranch couple zigs and zags to marriage

Festive Main Street at Lakewood Ranch setting perfect for Greenbrook couple to say wedding vows.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 16, 2020
Mote releases rehabilitated sea turtle into Gulf of Mexico

Longboat Key's Public Works Department assisted in the release.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Patti Papiano says her husband, Ray Papiano, has become obsessed with adding decorations to their light display each year. They have more than 40 light-up fixtures and 50 strands of lights in their display. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 16, 2020
Lakewood Ranch man's obsession shines bright

Lakewood Ranch couple's home lights up the street every holiday season.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 16, 2020
Eta's effects: 220 flooded homes, 275,000 cubic yards of missing sand

Even with Eta's effects on Longboat Key, wind damage was minimal.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rob Oglesby, the development director for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, says the pandemic has been perfect timing for the nonprofit to construct its new facilities.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 16, 2020
Purr-fect expansion schedule at Nate's

Lakewood Ranch animal rescue will see flurry of activity over the next three months.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Steven Ball in front of the organ at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, where he directs organ and choral music for the parish’s principal services.
  • March 28, 2026
St. Boniface's new leader starts on a high note
2
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
3
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
4
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
5
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

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