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News

The new programs would help those with substance abuse or those who have mental illnesses. Photo courtesy Sarasota County Jail
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 27, 2020
County officials hope to lower recidivism rates with new initiatives

The Sarasota County Commission approved three new programs that aim to lower recidivism and overcrowding in Sarasota County Jail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although spring break used to bring a great influx in population, local business owners say the key has gotten more popular so population remains steady throughout the spring and into the summer.
  • By Brynn Mechem and David Conway, Observer staff
  • February 27, 2020
As Siesta notoriety grows, so does 'spring break season'

Business owners say there isn't as noticeable of a difference between spring break and summer population as there was 10 years ago.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Several homes on Treasure Boat Way are listed on Airbnb for about $100 a night.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 27, 2020
As county collects Airbnb tax, some question need for vacation rentals

The county collected $1.8 million from the vacation rental site, but some Siesta Key residents would like to see the end of the rentals in residential areas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fire units are on the scene of a reported fire at 5311 Gulf of Mexico Drive. (Town of Longboat Key photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 27, 2020
Morning fire on Longboat spreads into attic

First responders were called to 5311 Gulf of Mexico Drive around 9:30 a.m.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Goglia of the St. Armands Residents Association speaks during a panel on short-term rentals at a Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations meeting on Friday, Feb. 21.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 27, 2020
St. Armands remains focused on ‘hotel houses’

The city is still reviewing its options for regulating rental properties, an exercise that could soon be affected by new state laws.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Palm Avenue merchants paid to install seasonal tree lights on the street late last year, but the city must approve a plan to allow for permanent lighting on certain downtown streets.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 27, 2020
Palm Avenue merchants push for tree lights

On Monday, the city will consider allowing the installation of year-round tree lighting in portions of downtown and St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Perhaps the crux of the whole issue: The turn lanes onto Tamiami Trail from Gulfstream.
  • By Nat Kaemmerer and Eric Garwood
  • February 27, 2020
Tales of two Trails: We dive into Sarasota's seasonal traffic

Just how bad is it out there? We try to get to the airport through rush hour in two different directions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 27, 2020
Longboat residents learn more about town's beach efforts

Ballot issue for upcoming renourishment projects before voters on March 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The new structure's first floor will be 12 feet above sea level. It will include two bedrooms and two bathrooms for the manager on the second level. The first level will offer offices, another bathroom, meeting space and a mailroom
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 26, 2020
Longboat board signs off on Aria addition

Condo association in litigation over condition of 1930s era villa.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key residents attend the final class of the Citizens Academy of Government program at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department on Feb. 19.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 26, 2020
Citizens Academy pulls back curtain on local government

The weekly seven-part course provided access to several departments of Longboat town government and the people who work for it.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jon Thaxton suggested the city could use a tiered incentive system to reward developers who provide the most beneficial housing projects for the community.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 26, 2020
City leaders offer differing housing perspectives

As city staff works to advance policy changes, commissioners shared their affordable housing priorities at a workshop Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Julie Bianchi, the head of the middle school, talks about the garden feature and virtual reality studio in the new building.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 26, 2020
Out-of-Door Academy building for a better future in Lakewood Ranch

Out-of-Door Academy expands middle school with new facility and quad

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County commissioners meet at the county administration building downtown. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 26, 2020
Right-of-way acquisition could be a county priority in Manatee County

County executives, commissioners believe land for road projects needs to be purchased sooner.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota civil engineer Steve Suau told attendees of the Feb. 18 LWR Talks event Lakewood Ranch is about two weeks away from starting construction on a pilot program meant to improve water quality.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 26, 2020
Lakewood Ranch filtration project set to begin

Engineer says SMR will break ground in March on the water filtration pilot study.

  • East County
  • News
Terry Wilson, a Waterlefe resident, paints stripes on her sheepshead fish. "I was shocked when I found out we were painting with a real fish," Wilson says. "It sounds like fun."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 26, 2020
Painting on a grand scale in East County

Waterlefe residents learn how to paint with a fish

  • East County
  • News
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The Florida scrub-jay is the only species of bird that is endemic to Florida.
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Official kindergartener Avalyn Chavez, 5, hugs Ruby Chavez at the gate of Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 10. In an interview, Avalyn said she was excited to meet her teacher and wear her new sparkling shoes for the first day of school.
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'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, broker says

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