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News

Nine confirmed COVID-19 patients remain hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2020
COVID-19 patient dies at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Reports state the patient was Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, the first reported Sarasota County death linked to the coronavirus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The event will be held outside the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 24, 2020
Coronavirus testing site to open in Manatee County

Patients will need a prescription to participate.

  • East County
  • News
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium hopes to open its new aquarium facility in Nathan Benderson Park by 2023.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2020
County, Mote to execute lease agreement for aquarium site

The County Commission voted unanimously to advance a land-use deal with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for property in Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Betsy Benac and her fellow Manatee County commissioners extended the county's "state of local emergency."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 24, 2020
Manatee County expected to get 'drive-thru' COVID-19 testing this week

Manatee County commissioners extend 'state of local emergency' due to coronavirus.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 23, 2020
Longboat Key organizations pull together volunteers to help during pandemic

Several of the town's organizations are calling on volunteers to help with daily life.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
About 20 or so people attended the Longboat Key statutory meeting on Monday, March 23, 2020. Town staff did its best to space out the chairs to practice appropriate social distancing amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 23, 2020
Longboat's new commission OKs emergency resolution

The Longboat Key Town Commission is planning to meet electronically on April 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A restoration project at Five Points Park is scheduled to begin later this week.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 23, 2020
City to close Five Points Park for repairs

The city announced the closure of the downtown park as a measure designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 via pedestrian activity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 22, 2020
Member of Temple Beth Israel tests positive for COVID-19

The member has been admitted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 21, 2020
Longboat closes Public Tennis Center over COVID-19 concerns

Recreational facilities of Bayfront Park also closed, town says

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital said the patients still being treated there are being kept in isolation and cared for by staff members trained in infection control methods.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 21, 2020
Three patients, physician test positive for COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial

Ten individuals have tested positive at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and five remain hospitalized. Three hospital workers in close contact with the physician are self-isolating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The City Commission has empowered City Manager Tom Barwin to take action in response to the coronavirus.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
City encourages nonessential businesses to cease in-person operations

In an emergency order, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin strongly urged most businesses to switch to remote or by-appointment work to whatever extent possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After initially ordering restaurants to operate at half-capacity, the governor is now requiring the closure of all dine-in service.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
State orders closure of dine-in at restaurants

The new COVID-19 regulation goes into effect immediately. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed. The state is also ordering gyms to close.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sherry Dominick (left) and B.J. Bishop (right) are sworn in as Longboat Key town commissioners on Monday, March 23, 2020, at a statutory meeting.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 20, 2020
Bishop, Dominick sworn in to Longboat Key Town Commission

The town of Longboat Key did its best to practice social distancing when B.J. Bishop and Sherry Dominick were sworn in on Monday morning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells dispelled rumors by saying no shelter in place order for residents has been discussed by county officials.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 20, 2020
Sheriff says no lockdown of Manatee County residents has been discussed

Manatee County Sheriff says no lockdown has been discussed by the county.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital President and CEO David Verinder speaks at a March 3 press conference about the local COVID-19 response. Since then, six patients at the hospital have tested positive for the disease.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
Visitors off-limits at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

After two more patients tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital said visitors will only be allowed in special circumstances effective at 6 p.m. today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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