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News

Betsy Benac
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 23, 2020
Manatee County Commissioner announces she won't seek reelection

Betsy Benac, the current Manatee County Commission board chair, decides eight years is enough.

  • East County
  • News
Access to a Longboat Key beach.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 23, 2020
Longboat stays the course on beaches despite county decision

Sarasota County public beaches are set to reopen next week, but with several restrictions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Ski-A-Rees opened their 2020 show season on Jan. 26.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 23, 2020
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees will donate all Giving Challenge proceeds

All money brought in by the Ski-A-Rees will go to All Faiths Food Bank.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Meditation expert Trish Hart leads the online Keep Calm and Carry On social offering by SMR in conjunction with the Brain Health Initiative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 23, 2020
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch offers a 'time to breathe' in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch lifestyle remains alive with opportunities despite COVID-19 crisis.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney High senior Ruby McGregor posed in her prom dress April 20. Photo courtesy Ruby McGregor.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 23, 2020
High school seniors lament lost experiences

Sarasota high school seniors come to terms with potentially missing key events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paramedics prepare to respond to a COVID-19 suspected call wearing additional protective gear. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 23, 2020
Manatee County fire and EMS forces face COVID-19 with unified plan

Manatee County fire and EMS forces face COVID-19 with unified plan

  • East County
  • News
Jaxon, ridden by Manatee County Sheriff's Office Deputy Zach Bradley, is one of the newest horses on the Mounted Patrol Unit. Behind them is Deputy Kevin Vreeland on Gunny.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 23, 2020
Saddled up for public safety in Lakewood Ranch

When the crowds return, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office wants to have its Mounted Patrol horses ready.

  • East County
  • News
After weeks of tension with the Sarasota Farmers Market board of directors, Phil Pagano said he will resign his position and focus his energy on his popcorn business instead.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 23, 2020
Longtime farmers market director steps down

A dispute between Phil Pagano and the board of directors had led to a change in leadership for the Sarasota Farmers Market.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city is forecasting declining revenues for funds that generate income from user fees. That includes the St. Armands parking fund, which was created to pay off a 20-year bond for a garage facility near the Circle.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 23, 2020
Coronavirus takes toll on city budget

City officials are debating short-term spending priorities and bracing for long-term financial impacts associated with COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch community development district supervisors hope going to a partially automated gate system for the Country Club will save money and solve entry problems.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 22, 2020
Gateway access might change at the Country Club in Lakewood Ranch

Country Club in Lakewood Ranch studying possible change to its gate security system.

  • East County
  • News
Dakin Dairy Farms owner Jerry Dakin said he does not want to waste the milk his 2,200 cows are producing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 22, 2020
Dakin Dairy in Myakka City seeks funding so it can donate its excess milk to those in need

Myakka City dairy seems bottling funds that would allow it to donate surplus milk.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 22, 2020
County to open beaches with restrictions

Sarasota County beaches will be open for essential activities, though the parking lots will remain closed.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Evan Bates loves participating in his weekly virtual playdates with his kindergarten class. "It's really fun," he says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 22, 2020
Time to play the virtual game in Lakewood Ranch

Gullett Elementary teachers host virtual playdates for their classes

  • East County
  • News
Blake and Hailey Richards are excited to make homemade ice cream. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 22, 2020
Scientific method for fun in Lakewood Ranch

East County science teachers share experiments that can be done at home.

  • East County
  • News
Jim and Deb Kehoe, Rosedale head golf professional Matthew Pivko and Kathi and John Skelton hope the community will rally to beat last year's fundraising total of $157,945.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 22, 2020
Rosedale women's undaunted effort yields funds for Homes for Our Troops

Despite their 2020 event being canceled, "little old ladies" pile up funds for disabled veterans.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.
  • May 17, 2026
It's time for tea on Longboat Key
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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.

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