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News

    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 1, 2020
Welcome back, winter residents!

A lot went on while you were gone. Here's a quick look at some of the stories that made news,

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 31, 2020
Spooky fun around the classroom in Lakewood Ranch

Primrose schools in Lakewood Ranch continues tradition of annual Parade of Costumes.

  • East County
  • News
Monaka Oberer, Grayson Tullio and Jennifer Tullio get ready to kick off the annual Boo Run at Nathan Benderson Park Oct. 31. It took a Superman kind of effort to get the race organized in just weeks.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 31, 2020
Runners have no fear at Boo Run at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Safety protocols at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota leave runners relaxed as they raise money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy awareness.

  • East County
  • News
If you are planning to vote at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, the line to cast ballots in person will lead through the back door on the porch. The ballot box for dropping off mailed ballots is also on the back porch.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 31, 2020
Last day to vote early at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall is Sunday

Early voting in Manatee County ends Sunday

  • East County
  • News
The Grand Champion, as well as the Funniest display, went to the lab department's take on Muppets' Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 30, 2020
Pumpkin carving prompts seeds of ingenuity from Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center staff members show their sharp wit when it comes to carving pumpkins.

  • East County
  • News
Mark Sternal (left) examines his sailboat washed ashore near 4239 Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key, Florida.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 30, 2020
Longboat owner cited over washed-ashore sailboat

Since September, Mark Sternal's sailboat has remained washed ashore.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Manatee County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 30, 2020
Manatee County confirms one case of West Nile Virus

The Manatee County health department urges citizens to take extra precautions about being bitten by mosquitoes after a case of West Nile Virus is confirmed.

  • East County
  • News
Penny Gold has served on the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board since May 2019.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 29, 2020
Longboat Key elections 2021: Five questions with Penny Gold

Penny Gold is running for the District 2 commissioner seat.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Residents could soon trade rides on a bus for a ride share service as part of SCAT's system overhaul. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 29, 2020
SCAT to eliminate south routes, add ride share

As part of a system overhaul, many fixed routes will be eliminated in favor of a ride share service.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The resident only parking system would apply only to Longbeach Village.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 29, 2020
Resident parking on the agenda for Longboat's Monday meeting

At least four commissioners expected to return to Town Hall for the first time since March.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
City Commissioner Hagen Brody believes allowing host-occupied rentals through companies such as Airbnb will create an income opportunity for residents without negatively affecting surrounding neighborhoods. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2020
City hits pause on host-occupied rentals

Despite assurance from the city attorney, residents remain concerned about adjusting rental rules.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rob Robinson and Karl Raffurty pledged that the operations of Raffurty's Bar and Grill wouldn't change if the city approved a new liquor license for the business. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2020
Plans advance for Main Street bar

The city’s Planning Board was split over a proposal to allow Raffurty’s Bar and Grill to operate with a new liquor license.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This weekend's Siesta Fiesta festival, rescheduled from April, featured signs reminding visitors that masks were required. Organizer Howard Alan hopes events can continue to go on during the pandemic. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2020
Sarasota event organizers sort out COVID-19 strategies

Although the city is restricting special events through March, some local gatherings are still moving forward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plans for the ten-acre first phase of the park project include an open space events lawn and a spiral boardwalk that extends to the south side of Boulevard of the Arts. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2020
Planning Board endorses bayfront zoning changes

Objections from a nearby condo weren't enough to dissuade the advisory board from supporting The Bay Sarasota's proposal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Opposed residents who live near the site of the proposed dealership protest in front of the site Oct. 17 on State Road 64. Some residents plan to file an appeal after a county commission vote paved the way for a car dealership.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 28, 2020
Opponents of Cox Chevrolet car lot near Lakewood Ranch plan appeal

Some east Manatee residents likely to file appeal of rezone for Cox Chevrolet dealership

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
  • August 9, 2026
'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, developer says
2
Myracle Green, 13, her brother Prince Bell, 3, mother Chavon Williams and brother King Bell, 8, leave the tables with new backpacks.
  • August 8, 2026
Organizations team up to offer kids free backpacks ahead of school year
3
Mia Eylon, right, recently took the helm at the newly renamed St. Armands Jewelers. With input from Diane DelloRusso, manager of Jewelry by Cole, and other experts, the new shop hasn't skipped a beat in serving patrons on Boulevard of the Presidents.
  • August 8, 2026
New jeweler takes the helm on St. Armands Circle
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  • August 7, 2026
Bat Boy: The Musical
5
Sandra Johnson, Connie DiMaggio and Linda Theuer put finishing touches on the lunch they and fellow Longboat Island Chapel volunteers provided to Longboat Island Police officers on Thursday. It is Longboat Key Fire Rescue's turn on Wednesday.
  • August 7, 2026
Community lunch recognizes Longboat's first responders

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