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News

Steven Zickafoose, Mona Jain's assistant principal, and Angela Lindsey, the school's principal, honor the school's eighth graders with a drive-thru parade. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2020
Mona Jain Middle caps 'amazing' first year

Mona Jain Middle students, teachers and administrators celebrate a successful first year

  • East County
  • News
Mega Morph towers over the car loop at Myakka City Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2020
Last school day transforms into special event in Myakka

Myakka family brings transforming robot to celebrate the last day of school.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Mona Jain Middle School sixth grader Emery Houston does an online quiz in class. The School District of Manatee County is developing a model for school that will be a mixture of students being in class and doing e-learning,
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 3, 2020
School District of Manatee County might try e-learning blend

Superintendent envisions blended model of being in the classroom and e-learning for students next year.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Whitford is leaving his position as operations and facilities director at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 3, 2020
SANCA executive hits finish line after enriching Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Bob Whitford gives up post at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota after building North America's top rowing facility.

  • East County
  • News
Central Park's Miryam Ballard, 2, enters the playground at Bob Gardner Park in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 3, 2020
Can't slide on responsibilities at Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton playgrounds

Officials hope those who use Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton playgrounds take responsibility for social distancing, sanitary measures.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 2, 2020
Protestors take to downtown Sarasota in Black Lives Matter march

The June 2 protest drew hundreds of people in a walk through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crews from Quinn Construction, Inc. are scheduled to begin work in August on New Pass Bridge.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 2, 2020
New Pass bridge work put off until August

The 14-part project on the link to Longboat Key from St. Armands Key will cost $2.77 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Parking at Chart House.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 1, 2020
Town approves restaurant parking changes

Longboat Key restaurants are now required to have one parking space for every 150 square feet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A lightning rod is pictured on top of a home on Halyard Lane in the Country Club Shores IV North neighborhood.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 1, 2020
Longboat considers height exception for lightning rods

The Longboat Key Town Commission could consider the proposal as soon as July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Public Works Department employees roll up tape and haul away barricades that closed off beach parking in Bayfront Park on Monday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 1, 2020
Longboat Key reopens parking at beaches

Public beach parking in Longboat Key had been closed since March 21.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key decided to close its 12 public beach access points on March 21.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 29, 2020
Parking problems continue in Longboat neighborhood

Longboat Key residents on the north end of town have emailed commissioners about people parking on Broadway.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The city restricted vehicular access to a portion of State Street last weekend, part of an experimental street closure program the city intends to continue through June.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 29, 2020
City announces more downtown street closures

The city is working with merchants on plans for temporarily closing streets to vehicles as COVID-19 response efforts continue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 28, 2020
East County students enjoy a special goodbye at Rowlett Middle Academy

Rowlett Middle Academy celebrates eighth graders with "Driving On" parade.

  • East County
  • News
Hurricane Irma in 2017 forced East County residents to seek shelter.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 28, 2020
COVID-19 leads to reduced hurricane shelter space in Manatee County

Less shelter space will be available this hurricane season in Manatee County due to COVID-19.

  • East County
  • 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
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The Florida scrub-jay is the only species of bird that is endemic to Florida.
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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.
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