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News

BBC Main Street initially announced a three-phase plan for redeveloping the Main Plaza site, but a project did not come to fruition ahead of the sale of the property.
    By
  • Kevin McQuaid
  • November 8, 2019
Main Plaza property sells for $20 million

The new owners intend to develop apartments and office space on the downtown Sarasota property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Vice Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie pose for a photo following today's City Commission meeting.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 8, 2019
City Commission selects Jen Ahearn-Koch as mayor

At an annual statutory meeting, outgoing Mayor Liz Alpert gave a speech focused on the city’s planning efforts during a period of growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
EDC President and CEO Sharon Hillstrom. SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen, Fawley-Bryant Vice President Stu Henderson, and EDC incoming Chair Brian Volner celebrate Jensen's award.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 7, 2019
Rex Jensen honored at Bradenton Area Economic Development 2019 annual Update Reception.

Rex Jensen honored at Bradenton Area Economic Development 2019 annual Update Reception.

  • East County
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School Guardian Lenny Gutmann and student support specialist Kim Thomas dump ice cream on top of Principal Katy Price, before letting the children add the toppings.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 7, 2019
Human sundaes sweeten deal at Lakewood Ranch school

Children smother Willis Elementary School administrators in ice cream after beating fundraising goals.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Richard Brown, Medical Director of Cancer Care Services at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, signs the wall of the linear accelerator vault. His message was dedicated to his late cousin, Kenny Freed.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 7, 2019
Staff, patients sign walls of incoming cancer care facility

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's Radiation Oncology Center is slated for completion in August 2020

  • East County
  • News
Adrien Lucas, Connie Deramo, Dennis Robertson and Guy DiLullo protest against potential development on the Quads ahead of Wednesday's Sarasota County Commission meeting, where plans for the land will be discussed.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 7, 2019
Protestors want undeveloped Celery Fields as County Commission approves easement

Sarasota County has controlled the land since 1985, and leaders approved a conservation easement for three of the four quadrants.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Town Commissioners are seeking $2.89 million from Manatee County to help with a $10 million groin-sand project at Greer Island.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 7, 2019
Longboat initially OKs maximum borrow for beach projects, asks Manatee for help

Commissioners agree on ballot language of no more than $34.5 million, though final OK pending in December.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An easement along Beach Road, shown here in 2017, has maintained public access to the beach across the vacated right of way.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 6, 2019
Judge declares Beach Road charter amendment unconstitutional

The decision also struck down a portion of a second charter amendment restricting the county’s ability to sell parkland and water-adjacent rights of way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Savor the Sounds was a community happening last held in Bayfront Park in 2016.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 6, 2019
Tree lighting, concert series coming to Longboat

Chamber of Commerce, town team up for events on Town Center land.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Grants Gardens on Gulf Bay Road is hoping to revamp its property to better shield its buildings and vehicles from sight.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 6, 2019
Grant's Gardens gets initial OK on prelude to renovation of Longboat site

Commission approves land-use changes, zoning changes but more votes are in the future.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
There's optimism the Sarasota-Manatee is making progress on affordable housing, but as community leaders pursue solutions, some questions and challenges remain.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 6, 2019
Part 2: Sarasota, Manatee leaders pursue affordable housing solutions

Experts say there's no sure-fire solution for fixing housing affordability, leading officials to pursue a variety of strategies. Will this multifaceted approach produce results?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh was pleased Tara Preserve residents Judy Koegel, Lucy Kemp, Shannon Fedder and Darby Connor feel the changes will improve safety.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 6, 2019
Manatee County improves safety on Tara Boulevard

Manatee County improves safety on Tara Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer received a 3% raise after his annual evaluations. Harmer earned a perfect score from four commissioners.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 6, 2019
Longboat Key Town Commission approves raise for town manager Harmer

Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer and Town Attorney Maggie Mooney both earned strong reviews from the commissioners in this year's evaluations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Columbia University professor Joaquim Goes listens as Out-of-Door Academy junior Reece Whatmore explains her work on creating oyster housing units.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 6, 2019
For ODA students, the world is their oyster

Columbia University professor and Out-of-Door Academy students find the world is their oyster

  • East County
  • News
Denver Inopiquez, a Marine Corps veteran and Manatee Technical College barbering student cuts Bradenton resident Joe Brice's hair during the 21st annual Manatee County Stand Down.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 6, 2019
Career marine adjusts to new life in Lakewood Ranch

Marine Corps veteran adjusting to life in Lakewood Ranch after 21 years in the military

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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