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News

Osprey make their nests at the tops of dead trees, atop power poles and on manmade nesting platforms.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 19, 2020
Town not planning to remove existing osprey-nest poles

FPL is removing its power poles, but not the free-standing osprey-nest poles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 18, 2020
County prepares for potential hurricane evacuations amid COVID-19

Officials are considering additional measures such as more space between people, masks and extra sanitation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city had kept the beach closed as it awaited additional COVID-19 testing data.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 18, 2020
Lido Beach to reopen

Beginning Tuesday morning, the public can once again visit the beach.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key commissioners participate in Monday's virtual special budget workshop meeting.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 18, 2020
Town takes cautious look at budgets on the horizon

Fiscal year 2021 begins in October for the town of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2020
Lakewood Ranch church's parade uplifting for members

Oasis Church of Lakewood Ranch hosts small parade to share messages of love and hope.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy. Staff members are back at work at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille in Bradenton.
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 15, 2020
Restaurant chews on ways to survive, make it through summer

A longtime industry leader learns that sometimes not doing something — say takeout in the pandemic — can be a long-term benefit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 15, 2020
Wildlife advocates urge beach caution

Several nests on Siesta Key Beach have been disturbed by those walking dogs on the beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 15, 2020
Demolition begins on Siesta Key fire station

The station will be built at the same location, 1170 Beach Road, and will be completed by summer 2021.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The City Commission unanimously authorized the creation of the grant program earlier this month.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 15, 2020
Applications open next week for city business assistance grants

Small businesses in the city of Sarasota can seek up to $5,000 beginning Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although gyms were excluded from the state's initial reopening plans, they will be allowed to open as long as the businesses maintain social distancing and follow other health guidelines. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 15, 2020
DeSantis expands reopening to include gyms, more

Beginning Monday, restaurants, stores, museums and libraries will be allowed to open at 50% capacity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 15, 2020
Air Force flyover thrills Sarasota Memorial Hospital staff

MacDill-based aerial tanker banks low over Sarasota to honor medical professionals and first-responders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Danae, Nash and Chris Koeper
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 15, 2020
On Longboat Key, town wishes young resident happy birthday

A fire truck, police vehicle and public works vehicle drove by on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Paradise Center held physically distant exercise classes until mid-March.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 14, 2020
Longboat Key Paradise Center to reopen in a modified capacity

Exercise classes and discussion groups of 10 or fewer will be held outdoors beginning May 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Scenic Production intern Justin Allan works on the floor of the Gompertz Theatre. Photo courtesy Sarah Haley.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 14, 2020
Relief bill allows local theaters to rehire employees

Florida Studio Theatre and Asolo Repertory Theatre were able to hire back nearly 100 local artists and theater employees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The proposed 43-space public lot would be located on the old sheriff's office site. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 14, 2020
New public parking lot may be added to south Siesta Key

Sarasota County Planning Commissioners approved a plan to turn county-owned property into 43 public parking spaces.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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