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News

High touch areas, like touch tanks and the hurricane wind simulator, as well as presentations and narrations that encourage congregation, will remain closed.Â
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 28, 2020
Mote to reopen June 5

The aquarium has been closed since March 16 and will reopen with new rules and guidelines.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 28, 2020
City keeps Bobby Jones trails open

With golf operations closed, city complex opens its paths to exercise fans, wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mike Moran
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 28, 2020
Leaders consider COVID-19 impacts on county budget

Leaders predict millions in losses in tourist development tax and gas tax revenues over the next two years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Parking in March at the Shore on Broadway Street.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 28, 2020
Town commissioners expected to vote on proposed changes to restaurant parking

The commission is set to meet virtually Monday afternoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High senior softball player Avery Goelz has made history.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 28, 2020
Lakewood Ranch softball player named Gatorade Florida Player of the Year

Avery Goelz is the first Mustang to receive the award.

  • East County
  • News
Selby Gardens hosts events such as its annual New Year’s Eve Gala at Michael’s on the Bay. The event space and partnership with Michael’s on East was the subject of scrutiny from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 28, 2020
Property appraiser questions nonprofit tax exemptions

A challenge from the Sarasota County Property Appraiser could affect Selby Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Studio Theatre and other organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city closed a portion of the 1300 block of Main Street over the weekend to accommodate expanded outdoor dining. Despite some rain, at least one restaurant in the area said the closure was a financial success.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 28, 2020
City to continue street closure tests

As the city experiments with using roads as space for outdoor dining and pedestrian passage, it's unclear what direction the program will take.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eateries such as Columbia Restaurant have expanded outdoor dining as COVID-19 regulations remain in place.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 28, 2020
Lido Beach reopening sparks hope for St. Armands recovery

The city is working with stores and merchants on the Circle to move more business activity outdoors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The prefabricated metal home was built to be assembled on-site — and could be dissembled if a plan for relocating it moves forward.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 28, 2020
Arlington Park residents hope to relocate historic home

The neighborhood association wants to turn Sarasota’s last remaining Lustron house into a community center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County YMCA Interim CEO Frank Frey says he is planning for the "worst case scenario" to make sure the YMCA remains viable.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 27, 2020
Pandemic puts Manatee County YMCA at risk

After the Manatee County YMCA was making financial gains, COVID-19 cut the Y's membership in half.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Director of Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Geri Lopez said she expects the county to have multiple phases of business assistance, but the first will focus on reopening under COVID-19 related restrictions.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 27, 2020
Manatee County researches ways it can help local businesses after pandemic

Manatee County researches ways it can help local businesses after pandemic

  • East County
  • News
Cyndee Vanderford of Send Me Cyndee Travel loves helping people plan their dream vacation and advocating for her clients.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 27, 2020
A trip through the unknown for Lakewood Ranch-area travel agents

Some people are eager to travel again while others are more hesitant

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 27, 2020
Cheers to the Lakewood Ranch graduates

Parents, teachers and staff members celebrate seniors as they pick up caps and gowns for July graduation

  • East County
  • News
Conner and Spencer Young bond over their passion for cars.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 27, 2020
Altered ceremony, same vows for East County couple

Couple adjusts to wedding plans changed by pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 27, 2020
Bittersweet farewells for Lakewood Ranch-area students

Mona Jain Middle and Freedom Elementary have parades to celebrate students as they move onto new schools.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF
2
CAC Co Founder Dolly Jacobs and all the models gather on the stage for the fashion show finale.
  • May 16, 2026
Circus Arts Conservatory hosts first Cirque Vogue fashion show
3
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Education Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch
4
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.
5
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

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