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News

From left, Mona Jain, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee mascot Rocky the Bull, and School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders pose for a photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 8, 2019
Opening of Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch stirs emotions

Community honors Mona Jain during ribbon cutting for the new middle school in Lakewood Ranch named after her.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 8, 2019
Proposed budget ready for commissioners in September.

$17,189,514 spending plan delivered on Aug. 1; public hearings begin when commissioners return from summer break.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A photo of former Longboat firefighters in front of a long-gone truck.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 8, 2019
Longboat Key Fire Department looks to strengthen tradition

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi is trying to assemble historical displays of the department's past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
VPA director Rebecca Abrahamson and VPA Theatre Chairman Scott Keys stand about where the lobby will be expanded to.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 8, 2019
Booker VPA to see $4 million renovation

School officials hope investment into the theater facility will shine a brighter light on student artists.

  • Sarasota
  • News
R. Dan Nolan Middle School Principal Scot Boice said the changes should improve traffic flow at arrival and dismissal times.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 8, 2019
Lane changes aid arrival, dismissal at McNeal Elementary and Nolan Middle in Lakewood Ranch

McNeal Elementary, Nolan Middle have new car rider paths for parents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
The size of a proposed 500-space, five-story parking garage with a rooftop restaurant has been central to the controversy over Selby Gardens' master plan.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 8, 2019
State scrutinizes Selby Gardens plans

FDOT officials questioned the scope and impact of a redevelopment project, but gardens officials stand behind the proposal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ken Shelin thinks it's possible to reach a simple, agreeable solution for changing building regulation on South Palm Avenue, but residents are initially sharing opposing perspectives on the best path forward.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 8, 2019
Palm Avenue residents, owners at odds over zoning

Can neighbors with opposing perspectives find room for compromise on building rules?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lieutenant Brandon Desch shows off the Longboat Fire Department's night vision monocular. Photos by Sten Spinella.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 7, 2019
New equipment improves vision for Longboat Key Fire Department

Even in the night, firefighters can see as clear as day.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Gianfranco Santagati pictured in the dining room of La Norma. Photos by Sten Spinella.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 7, 2019
La Norma brings Sicilian spirit to Longboat Key

The Italian restaurant has settled into its tenure on the island after opening several months ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Taylor Lawson, April Costello and Chris Lawson say Colton Lawson, front, is a typical active boy, who loves to run and play, adores superheroes and is obsessed with trucks and tractors.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 7, 2019
Myakka boy still ready to race after traumatic limb loss

Myakka boy still ready to race after traumatic limb loss.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City Fire Department Chief Danny Cacchiotti and East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst say the "numbers work" for making the merger a good idea.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 7, 2019
Possible merger heads toward referendum

East Manatee, Myakka City fire districts head toward merger.

  • East County
  • News
Electricians Tony Gentile and Rick Bradford talk with veterinarian Wendy Ellis about their work inside the future Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch, on State Road 70, slightly west of Post Boulevard.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 7, 2019
What's (going) up in Lakewood Ranch?

Lakewood Ranch area housing boom draws business.

  • East County
  • News
James Palmer has earned the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 7, 2019
Who's the man in Lakewood Ranch?

Lakewood Ranch's James Palmer earns a special award from Marquis Who's Who for his lifetime of work in labor relations.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City residents Lisa Lent and Scott Myre look at a map of Parrish Community High School while they tour the campus Tuesday evening. Their daughter, Madie, 14, will be a freshman at the school this year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 6, 2019
Community celebrates opening of Parrish Community High School

Community celebrates opening of Parrish Community High School

  • East County
  • News
Panther Ridge resident Jim Schneck, with his wife Martine Vande Weghe, finds his home on the map in relation to the construction project.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 6, 2019
FDOT shares plans for S.R. 70 improvements

Roundabouts on horizon for Lakewood Ranch area in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
City of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short shares an update on the Anna Maria Pier to Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams (left) and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton (right) at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting May 6.
  • May 18, 2026
Barrier island mayors meet to discuss pier, parking and phone pings
2
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase
3
Author Susan Hanafee speaks to the evolution of the character Leslie Elliott, who goes on a truth-seeking adventure set in Sarasota in the murder mystery "Scavenger Tides." Bird Key Women's Association members read the book before hearing from the author at their May 13 meeting.
  • May 18, 2026
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group
4
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program
5
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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