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News

Manatee County commissioners decided county owned beaches will open up next week.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 28, 2020
Manatee County to reopen beaches

Manatee County-owned beaches will open May 4 with some restrictions.

  • East County
  • News
City officials have expressed a desire to help small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 28, 2020
City plots COVID-19 economic assistance program

At next week’s City Commission meeting, officials will discuss dedicating $2.3 million to an initiative that would issue $5,000 grants to local businesses affected by COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A COVID-19 drive-thru testing site will be open April 28 to May 1 in Manatee County. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 28, 2020
Manatee County Health Department to host drive-thru COVID-19 test site

Officials say Manatee County residents no longer need a prescription, but appointments are required.

  • East County
  • News
With a statewide closure of nonessential businesses set to expire at the end of the month, a group of local business leaders is advocating for a rapid reopening over the next few weeks.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 27, 2020
Business leaders advocate for reopening region

An ad-hoc task force is encouraging government officials to lift some COVID-19 restrictions and allow businesses in Sarasota and Manatee to resume operating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lynn Larson's masks in progress.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 27, 2020
To mask or not to mask? Longboaters cover the possibilities

For many people, it depends on the activity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The commission meeting will be held in the county's administrative building. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 27, 2020
Manatee commissioners talk about coronavirus emergency

Manatee County board also to discuss meeting schedule.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 27, 2020
Life on Longboat

Residents keep their eyes open for cool photos.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mayor Ken Schneier (left) and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock (right) were sworn in to their respective positions on March 23, which is the last time the town commission met in person.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 26, 2020
Schneier navigates unusual first weeks as Longboat Key's mayor

The Longboat Key Town Commission last met in person on March 23 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key's first turtle nest. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 26, 2020
Longboat Key sees first turtle nest of 2020

Though turtle season doesn't start until May 1, the nesting mothers are arriving.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The tornado watch expires at 11 a.m.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 24, 2020
Tornado watch in effect for Sarasota, Manatee

While watch expires at 11 a.m., storms arriving from offshore will likely continue throughout day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County will have a second drive-through collection site at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 23, 2020
Manatee County makes 800 COVID-19 test kits available

Manatee County makes 800 COVID-19 test kits available.

  • East County
  • News
"Revival" follows a group of four older New York choreographers as they teach dance to senior citizens for the first time.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 23, 2020
Sarasota Film Festival releases full lineup

The festival will be held online April 27 through May 3.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 23, 2020
Deputies, police officers take motorcyclist into custody

Man detained on Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chris Robinson turned his son's nursery into his studio for his YouTube channel lessons. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 23, 2020
Modern take on history for Lakewood Ranch students

YouTube channel helps Nolan Middle School teacher bring lessons to life for his class.

  • East County
  • 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
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