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News

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Program Director Ron Serpliss said he disappointed the residential foster care program has ended, but he is excited about potential programming opportunities that may be coming.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
New direction for Sheriffs Youth Ranches property in Manatee County

Group home services discontinued at the Rye Preserve campus.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 1, 2020
Longboat reports sewer line repairs completed

The break happened Sunday night in an underwater sewer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Geri Lopez, Manatee County’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity (REO) Department director, said new federal funding will allow the small business recovery program to go countywide.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Safety First grants targeted for Manatee County businesses

Manatee County will award funds to help businesses with safety features.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Middle School rising seventh graders Ehab Bakhet, Kyle Page and Peyton Lyn eat lunch in the cafeteria. The district is considering different options for food services for next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
Learning plan unveiled for Manatee County schools

School District of Manatee County recommends full return for elementary students and hybrid classes for middle and high school students.

  • East County
  • News
Fireworks start at 9 p.m. People should be in their designated parking areas by 8:30 p.m. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
A celebration with pop at Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake will require a ticket to ensure social distancing.

  • East County
  • News
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the 75 products available at AltMed MUV.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

AltMed MUV cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key has posted signs around town urging residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 30, 2020
Longboat plans Thursday vote on mask rule

Emergency rule would take effect immediately, if approved at special meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The City Commission gathered for a special remote meeting to discuss the proposed mask ordinance.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 29, 2020
Sarasota City Commission approves mask requirements

In a 4-1 vote, the commission adopted an ordinance mandating face coverings when social distancing is not possible in public settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key's public beach parking closed in mid-March until June 1. It will closed again on Tuesday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key beach parking to close Tuesday

The closures will likely extend beyond the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SunCoast Blood Centers is urging those recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area blood bank needs plasma from COVID-19 survivors

Lakewood Ranch blood bank officials say plasma levels are 'critical.'

  • East County
  • News
The Paradise Center executive director Suzy Brenner is shown taking a selfie with a mask. The facility is one of three in Longboat Key distributing free masks to the public. Photo Courtesy: Suzy Brenner, The Paradise Center
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key leaders encourage mask usage

As of Monday, the town of Longboat Key is not mandating mask usage to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2020
Need a mask? Have one

Fire department makes free masks available at Station 91's front door.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visitors to Sarasota Memorial Hospital will be required to pass a temperature check as part of the facility's screening procedures. Image courtesy Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
Sarasota sets one-day high for COVID-19 cases

As the number of positive tests continues to rise locally, Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced it is once again restricting visitors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although some businesses, including Artisan Cheese Company, are already requiring the use of masks, new city regulations could mandate face coverings in all indoor settings when social distancing is not possible.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
UPDATE: City set to discuss proposed mask requirements Monday

As COVID-19 cases rise locally, the commission will consider an ordinance mandating face coverings in indoor and outdoor settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said her proposed budget includes a 7.1% increase in the property tax base. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 26, 2020
Manatee County administrator presents $710.7 million budget to commissioners

More Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies included in $710.7 million FY 2021 budget.

  • East County
  • News
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Fifth graders Eloise Vahn and Hannah Marco are the morning news anchors for the whole first week of school on the Wildcat News Network.
  • August 10, 2026
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Official kindergartener Avalyn Chavez, 5, hugs Ruby Chavez at the gate of Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 10. In an interview, Avalyn said she was excited to meet her teacher and wear her new sparkling shoes for the first day of school.
  • August 10, 2026
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The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
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'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, broker says
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East County's Preston, Ashton and Clayton Nicholson are all eager to start their school year at Gene Witt Elementary School after attending the Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center.
  • August 8, 2026
Back to School Bash hypes up local students for school year

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