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News

Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle, left, is leading a departmental effort to reassess the scope of a 10-year parks master plan. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 21, 2020
City scales back park ambitions

Although COVID-19 will limit what city staff can do over the next year, officials are still interested in pursuing some priority park projects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
During the COVID-19 response, work has continued at Sarasota construction sites such as Epoch, a high-rise condominium project at 605 S. Gulfstream Ave. Business groups are concerned the virus could slow future construction.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 21, 2020
Business groups collaborate on COVID-19 policy advocacy

In an effort to stem the economic losses associated with the coronavirus, local organizations are lobbying for regulatory change.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners discussed the possibility of a paid beach parking program.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 21, 2020
County officials consider variety of traffic improvements on the key

Among proposed traffic improvements on Siesta Key are traffic calming measures, a bike share program and a water taxi.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Andrew Arbanas, center, is happy to be able to interact with his family after a month of intensive care for COVID-19 patients. Jaxson, Tiffany, Jude and Aryella are thrilled to be able to hug him.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
Not so safe at home for Lakewood Ranch area nurses

Healthcare worker isolates himself from his family to protect them.

  • East County
  • News
Jacquie McLaurin, a fifth grade teacher at Robert E. Willis Elementary, is disappointed her career ends with e-learning as she retires this year, but she has enjoyed the time with her students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
New lesson in retirement for Lakewood Ranch-area teachers

Retiring teachers and staff members disappointed with the ending but happy for the memories.

  • East County
  • News
Workers pump water from the site of a 10-inch pipe break on Bogey Lane.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 20, 2020
Boil-water order set for Longboat neighborhood

The water main break may cause Country Club Shores to have little to no water pressure.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Longboat Key Club's golf courses have remained open throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 20, 2020
Longboat Key Club golf courses provide normalcy for members

The Key Club's Harbourside and Links golf courses have remained open throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sheila Milazzo, Anita and Ed Hagen and Jo Fava enter Our Lady of the Angels for the first in-person Mass in two months.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
Cautious reopening for Lakewood Ranch-area churches

East County churches excited but cautious with reopening

  • East County
  • News
DVA Arena originally envisioned a hockey arena, construction of which began in 2005, on the site. It was demolished in 2009 by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and now is vacant land. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
No longer on ice in Lakewood Ranch

After years of uncertainty, former hockey arena site headed for development in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Crystal Landkas-Coronas feeds carrots to Melman and Twiggs. The giraffes love carrots and enjoy romaine lettuce, fresh branches from trees and other foods.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
In Lakewood Ranch area: Here's looking at zoo, kid

Public gets a free look at Rye Road Giraffes in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Pre-kindergartners like Brayden Hackman, a pre-kindergartner at Gene Witt Elementary School, could be a part of the VPK summer program, which will be done online this year. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2020
Summer school attendance could drop in Manatee County

District could see fewer students in summer programs as result of move to online learning.

  • East County
  • News
East County's Arne Hansen told stories of his time as a bombardier during WWII.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 20, 2020
Bradenton man shares stories of life and death aboard a B-17 in WWII

WWII bombardier from Bradenton talks about his days aboard a B-17.

  • East County
  • News
Suncoast Blood Centers' blood product numbers are at a "urgent" need level. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 20, 2020
Blood donations in high demand in Lakewood Ranch area

With so many blood drives having been cancelled, blood donation centers ask the community for help in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • East County
  • News
Fitz and Kim Fitzpatrick run their business, Illuminate Landscape Designs, out of their Mill Creek home. The couple try to not only shed light on people's homes but also in people's lives.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2020
Perseverance comes in handy in east Bradenton

Illuminate Landscape Designs owners Fitz and Kim Fitzpatrick navigate struggles of COVID-19 impacts.

  • East County
  • News
Vacation rentals like this one in East County currently are not allowed for short-term rentals. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 19, 2020
Manatee County advances plan to reopen vacation rentals

The plan must be reviewed by state the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the governor's office.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Lakewood Ranch sisters Jade Lowrey, 5, and Hazel Lowrey, 3, had fun collecting eggs and getting their faces painted at Eggstravaganza.
  • March 28, 2026
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The co-chairs are Darci Jacob (ninth year), Vickie Smith (fourth year) and Carolyn Ford (first year).
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Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation President Stacey Corley with panelists Dr. Kelly Hamel, Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Angela Boldo
  • March 28, 2026
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4
Tennis pros Robert Jendelund and Tomasz Borucki face off in a doubles match against Jhonathan Gonzalez and David Pfister at the Longboat Key Tennis Center's end-of-season party March 25.
  • March 28, 2026
Tennis pros face off at end-of-season bash
5
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

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