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News

Geri Lopez, Manatee County’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity (REO) Department director, said new federal funding will allow the small business recovery program to go countywide.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Safety First grants targeted for Manatee County businesses

Manatee County will award funds to help businesses with safety features.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Middle School rising seventh graders Ehab Bakhet, Kyle Page and Peyton Lyn eat lunch in the cafeteria. The district is considering different options for food services for next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
Learning plan unveiled for Manatee County schools

School District of Manatee County recommends full return for elementary students and hybrid classes for middle and high school students.

  • East County
  • News
Fireworks start at 9 p.m. People should be in their designated parking areas by 8:30 p.m. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
A celebration with pop at Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake will require a ticket to ensure social distancing.

  • East County
  • News
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the 75 products available at AltMed MUV.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

AltMed MUV cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key has posted signs around town urging residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 30, 2020
Longboat plans Thursday vote on mask rule

Emergency rule would take effect immediately, if approved at special meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The City Commission gathered for a special remote meeting to discuss the proposed mask ordinance.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 29, 2020
Sarasota City Commission approves mask requirements

In a 4-1 vote, the commission adopted an ordinance mandating face coverings when social distancing is not possible in public settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key's public beach parking closed in mid-March until June 1. It will closed again on Tuesday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key beach parking to close Tuesday

The closures will likely extend beyond the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SunCoast Blood Centers is urging those recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area blood bank needs plasma from COVID-19 survivors

Lakewood Ranch blood bank officials say plasma levels are 'critical.'

  • East County
  • News
The Paradise Center executive director Suzy Brenner is shown taking a selfie with a mask. The facility is one of three in Longboat Key distributing free masks to the public. Photo Courtesy: Suzy Brenner, The Paradise Center
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key leaders encourage mask usage

As of Monday, the town of Longboat Key is not mandating mask usage to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2020
Need a mask? Have one

Fire department makes free masks available at Station 91's front door.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visitors to Sarasota Memorial Hospital will be required to pass a temperature check as part of the facility's screening procedures. Image courtesy Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
Sarasota sets one-day high for COVID-19 cases

As the number of positive tests continues to rise locally, Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced it is once again restricting visitors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although some businesses, including Artisan Cheese Company, are already requiring the use of masks, new city regulations could mandate face coverings in all indoor settings when social distancing is not possible.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
UPDATE: City set to discuss proposed mask requirements Monday

As COVID-19 cases rise locally, the commission will consider an ordinance mandating face coverings in indoor and outdoor settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said her proposed budget includes a 7.1% increase in the property tax base. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 26, 2020
Manatee County administrator presents $710.7 million budget to commissioners

More Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies included in $710.7 million FY 2021 budget.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County is planning to have elementary students fully return to school in the fall while middle and high schools will have hybrid classes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 25, 2020
Manatee school district lays out recommended reopening plan

Elementary students to return fully to school while middle and high schools will have hybrid classes.

  • East County
  • News
Siesta Key residents worry the proposed mixed-use project will exacerbate traffic in the area.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Siesta Promenade appeal heard in 2nd District Court of Appeal

The plaintiff's attorney argued that Sarasota County commissioners did not follow the proper procedure when approving the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office
2
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
3
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
4
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
5
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library

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