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News

Brennan Asplen is currently deputy superintendent in charge of academic and student services in the St. Johns County School District.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 14, 2020
Sarasota County Schools selects new superintendent

The Sarasota County School Board picked Brennan Asplen, a deputy superintendent in St. Johns County, to lead the district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ahead of budget workshops later this month, some city officials have said they want to prepare for the worst-case scenario economically because of the uncertainty associated with COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 14, 2020
City budget attempts to forecast an unclear future

Although the city is preparing to reduce spending and generate less revenue because of COVID-19, staff’s budget proposal attempts to stave off personnel cuts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 13, 2020
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce launches small business initiative

The "SouRQ" initiative looks to help small retail and restaurant businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said the county is pausing some positions to help save money.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 13, 2020
County officials project millions in general fund losses due to COVID-19

Sarasota County leaders have proposed a budget of $323 million and a millage rate of 3.46 for fiscal year 2021.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is continuing sampling and testing of Sarasota Bay waters.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 13, 2020
Longboat Key seeks to advance new sewage pipe project

Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote that the town’s Public Works Department believes the 25.8 million gallon discharge is a “high estimate.”

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Suzy Brenner
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 13, 2020
Paradise Center gains partnerships, inches toward opening

The island's medical center is on schedule to open in September.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key's public beach parking is expected to remain closed until at least July 27.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 13, 2020
Longboat Key to keep public beach parking closed

Town Manager Tom Harmer is set to re-evaluate his executive order by July 27.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key has posted several of these "wear a mask" signs throughout the island. Photo courtesy of Nat Kaemmerer.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 10, 2020
Longboat mask policy reveals enforcement challenges

The Longboat Key Police Department has received a calls about violations to the town's mandatory mask policy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key's new online mapping tool debuted this week. It allows users to see how a property is zoned.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 10, 2020
Longboat Key launches new online zoning map

Senior planner Maika Arnold worked for several months to create the interactive map.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The device was discovered this morning near a trash can. (From Sarasota PD video)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 10, 2020
Lido Beach reopens following removal of device

Sarasota Police call in experts from MacDill AFB following the discovery this morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, shares the recommendation to offer e-learning, a hybrid schedule for middle and high school students or have students return five days per week.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 9, 2020
School District of Manatee County adjusts reopening recommendation

Students will have the option to return to school full time, participate in a hybrid schedule for middle and high school or continue e-learning.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key firefighters put out a fire on July 4 at the Portobello condominium at 3235 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Photo courtesy of Dean Congbalay.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 9, 2020
Longboat Key resident thanks firefighters for putting out Fourth of July dumpster fire

Dean Congbalay sent an email to Fire Chief Paul Dezzi to thank him for firefighters' quick action.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 9, 2020
Children 'act up' at summer camp in Lakewood Ranch

The Players Centre for Performing Arts offers Players in the Park summer camp in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 9, 2020
Sarasota officials break ground on Legacy Trail extension

When completed, the extension will connect North Port to Sarasota with a 30-mile bike trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 9, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: July 9

Jennifer Samson captured these incoming storm clouds off Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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