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News

Sarasota's Cindy Appel and Lakewood Ranch's Lindsay Roth grab lunch at Fast N Fresh at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch May 4. It was Appel's first lunch out since the shelter-in-place mandate went into effect.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 6, 2020
Pivotal time for restaurants in greater Lakewood Ranch area

Sarasota restauranteurs must persevere as their customers decide whether it is safe to return.

  • East County
  • News
Amy Caron, a staff member with Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, loads a van with food to deliver. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 6, 2020
Giving Challenge accepted in Lakewood Ranch

Donors come through for Lakewood Ranch-area nonprofits during Giving Challenge

  • East County
  • News
Commercial real estate agents Michele Fuller and Stacy Rosenberg hope to attract users that will service the neighborhood and also compliment one another.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 6, 2020
Businesses flock to new plaza in Bradenton

School House Plaza is expected to open in summer off State Road 64 near Haile Middle School.

  • East County
  • News
Greta and her cygnet. Photo by Lou Newman.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 6, 2020
Longboat Key cygnet hatches

Out of five eggs, one cygnet emerged from its shell on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Parade organizer Keith Pandeloglou, the director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, had to cancel the Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2020
Virtual memorial replaces Lakewood Ranch parade

COVID-19 causes cancellation of Tribute to Heroes Parade in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County reports no issues at reopened beaches.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2020
No issues at reopened Manatee County beaches

No issues at reopened Manatee County beaches.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Police are investigating a crash on Tamiami Trail just south of downtown.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2020
Lanes reopen after Sarasota traffic crash

Collision involving motorcycle prompted closure at Tamiami Trail and Bahia Vista Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 5, 2020
Longboat plans test of new alert system

Code Red system being replaced by Alert Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said state drive-up testing results show Florida's infection rate for COVID-19 to be below 3% currently.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 5, 2020
Governor lauds Florida's COVID-19 testing in Sarasota

Sarasota's new COVID-19 testing site gets visit from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

  • East County
  • News
The Giving Challenge results were presented virtually instead of during an in-person ceremony.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 5, 2020
2020 Giving Challenge raises $18 million for nonprofits

The fundraising challenge easily broke 2018's record of $11.7 millions

  • Sarasota
  • News
A majority of the commission wanted to see a sustained decline in the rate of COVID-19 cases locally before reopening Lido Beach, which has been closed since March 21.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 4, 2020
City to keep Lido Beach closed

In a split decision, the City Commission voted to keep the beach closed through mid-May as officials await more COVID-19 test results. Boat ramps will reopen Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Restaurants on Lakewood Main Street began to see customers come back on Monday. They will have more space for them beginning Friday.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 4, 2020
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch closes to traffic to give restaurants more seating capacity

Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch restaurants open May 4 at 25% capacity under state guidelines.

  • East County
  • News
The Longboat Key Town Commission met virtually for the second time on Monday, May 4.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 4, 2020
Longboat begins assessing COVID impact on budget

Town Manager Tom Harmer and town finance director Susan Smith presented their early analysis to the Town Commission on Monday afternoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 4, 2020
Lawsuit challenging county's redistricting plan denied in federal court

A lawsuit that claimed Sarasota County's new district lines were unlawful was denied in federal court.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Customers sit outside Pastry Art Bakery Cafe on Monday afternoon, the first day outdoor dining was allowed following a statewide stay-at-home order associated with COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 4, 2020
Reopening begins in Sarasota

The public can resume some activity that had been restricted to limit the spread of COVID-19, including outdoor dining and parking at county beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

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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
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