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News

    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 21, 2020
Longboat closes Public Tennis Center over COVID-19 concerns

Recreational facilities of Bayfront Park also closed, town says

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital said the patients still being treated there are being kept in isolation and cared for by staff members trained in infection control methods.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 21, 2020
Three patients, physician test positive for COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial

Ten individuals have tested positive at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and five remain hospitalized. Three hospital workers in close contact with the physician are self-isolating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The City Commission has empowered City Manager Tom Barwin to take action in response to the coronavirus.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
City encourages nonessential businesses to cease in-person operations

In an emergency order, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin strongly urged most businesses to switch to remote or by-appointment work to whatever extent possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After initially ordering restaurants to operate at half-capacity, the governor is now requiring the closure of all dine-in service.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
State orders closure of dine-in at restaurants

The new COVID-19 regulation goes into effect immediately. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed. The state is also ordering gyms to close.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sherry Dominick (left) and B.J. Bishop (right) are sworn in as Longboat Key town commissioners on Monday, March 23, 2020, at a statutory meeting.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 20, 2020
Bishop, Dominick sworn in to Longboat Key Town Commission

The town of Longboat Key did its best to practice social distancing when B.J. Bishop and Sherry Dominick were sworn in on Monday morning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells dispelled rumors by saying no shelter in place order for residents has been discussed by county officials.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 20, 2020
Sheriff says no lockdown of Manatee County residents has been discussed

Manatee County Sheriff says no lockdown has been discussed by the county.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital President and CEO David Verinder speaks at a March 3 press conference about the local COVID-19 response. Since then, six patients at the hospital have tested positive for the disease.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
Visitors off-limits at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

After two more patients tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital said visitors will only be allowed in special circumstances effective at 6 p.m. today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crossing guards were employed earlier this year during an art show in St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2020
Beach, dining restrictions prompt end to crossing guard plan

Sarasota, Longboat and FDOT agree to drop idea because of traffic drop-off.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Starting Saturday, the last call for alcohol at Sarasota restaurants will be 9 p.m.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
City limits alcohol sales at restaurants

Beginning Saturday, the city will temporarily prohibit the sale of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages at Sarasota businesses that sell food for on-site consumption.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cross atop Our Lady of the Angels church in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 19, 2020
Catholic diocese suspends services through at least Easter

All religious events and prayer visitations are suspended, but those who wish to view Mass can still do so online or on TV.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota and Manatee beaches will close by Saturday morning

Due to impact from other Florida beaches closing, county officials decided to close all Sarasota and Manatee county beaches by Saturday morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
10 candidates compete for 3 seats on Sarasota County Commission

Candidates span from former city mayors to two candidates under 35 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Thousands visited Lido Beach on Sunday.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
As cancellations continue, Sarasota tourism takes dip

As popular tourist attractions remain closed, many have canceled their Sarasota vacations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
If the pledge is approved, solar power would be one of the major sources of renewable energy.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Residents hope Sarasota County takes the Ready for 100 pledge

The pledge says the county will be run with 100% renewable energy by 2045.

  • Sarasota
  • News
For art lovers, the majority of the Ringling Museum art collection can be found on its website.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota attractions switch to online presence

Many locations have closed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Here's what they recommend to stay busy.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
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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
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
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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
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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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