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News

Alyssa Otterness and Allison Rothhaar of Girl Scout Troop 524 and Lauren Otterness of Troop 504 are selling their last batch of cookies. Booth sales were canceled due to the coronavirus causing them to be creative in their sales.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 18, 2020
Fight disease's impact with Girl Scout cookies

East County Girl Scouts get creative to sell last cookies

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department deputy chief Sandi Drake walks ashore after rescuing a man and his teenage son from a rip current March 6 near Longboat Key Club. (Photo courtesy of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 18, 2020
Water rescue highlights need for rip current awareness

Longboat deputy fire chief Sandi Drake rescued a man and his teenage son from a rip current earlier this month.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota's Brian Levasseur enjoys a drink at Linksters Tap Room before the Governor's closer of bars hit at 5 p.m. Tuesday. In the background is the hand sanitizer he brought with him.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
Coronavirus updates for Lakewood Ranch and East County

Bar closures in Florida top list of coronavirus events effecting Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
During spring break, Mike Clark, a custodian at Ida M. Stewart Elementary School, helps clean the school. Students won't return to school until April 15.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
School District of Manatee County to close until April 15

School District of Manatee County to close until April 15

  • East County
  • News
The directive to close schools came from the Florida Department of Education. Sarasota County schools are currently on spring break.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota, Manatee schools to close through April 15

The state of Florida is ordering schools to close until at least the middle of next month. Statewide K-12 testing has been canceled.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North will be closed to the public until March 31.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North to close

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North to close

  • East County
  • News
Bars such as Shamrock Pub had already canceled St. Patrick’s Day events, but a state order will now force their closure for the next 30 days.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Governor orders closure of bars statewide

At a press conference today, Gov. Ron DeSantis also said the state is taking steps to limit crowds at restaurants and on beaches in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Libraries will be closed through April 12 as the county responds to the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota County libraries to close through April 12

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the county's library system will switch to digital-based services only.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The April 6 City Commission is canceled because of concerns related to COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 16, 2020
City to close recreational facilities

The City Commission agreed to close the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Bobby Jones Golf Club and more as part of a coronavirus response effort. Action on bars and restaurants could be forthcoming.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Four confirmed coronavirus cases are undergoing treatment at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 16, 2020
Longboat resident tests positive for COVID-19, undergoing treatment at SMH

A man who lives at the Privateer condo building in Longboat Key has tested positive for coronavirus, according to an email sent to condo owners and guests.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital facilities remain open, but visiting policies have been adjusted after for patients there have tested positive for COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 16, 2020
Two more Sarasota Memorial patients test positive for COVID-19

An 87-year-old man and an 80-year-old man are hospitalized and isolated after testing positive for the coronavirus March 13 and 14.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ed Chiles and Barron Schimberg are teaming up with artisan Dale Rieke of Wood Street Studios to create furniture from cut down Australian pines.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 16, 2020
Chiles and partners aim to make furniture from Australian pines

Invasive trees on parking lot land will be milled, dried and turned into custom tables and benches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 16, 2020
Longboat Key Club takes precautions after possible virus exposure to staffer

All Longboat Key Club activities, meetings and lessons are suspended for at least two weeks after a person working at the club's outdoor golf facility may be have been exposed to coronavirus.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 14, 2020
Steady flow at Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch Spring Art Show and Sale

Steady flow at Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch Spring Art Show and Sale

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 14, 2020
A professional touch on Lakewood Ranch Winter Fine Art Show

A professional touch on Lakewood Ranch Winter Fine Art Show

  • 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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