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News

Photo taken by Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies on scene on June 4, 2019.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 19, 2025
Bill under consideration aims to increase boating safety

A bill known as Lucy's Law would increase penalties for vessel collisions, accidents and casualties and would implement new education requirements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Police Department officers were sworn in by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office to allow them to cross jurisdictions specifically with marine patrol.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Group of Longboat PD officers sworn in with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

The cross-jurisdictional agreement helps build relations between agencies and allows the officers to enforce Florida law between the boundaries.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Three new commissioners are sworn in on Nov. 19. The new Manatee County Commission from left to right: Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2025
6 Manatee County commissioners face lawsuit

The lawsuit claims Bradenton Times Publisher Joe McClash used his outlet to influence election in his favor.

  • East County
  • News
Inside the current overcrowded storage facility for the Sarasota County Clerk of Court and County Comptroller office.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 18, 2025
Sarasota County eyes new legal records storage building

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis is tasked to enter into negotiations for a new facility to store and destroy courts record and legal documents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Lt. Daniel Heath breaks open a window to practice creating an entry point for crews. This tactic could be used in fire response or storm rescue scenarios.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Longboat Key Fire Rescue repurposes flooded homes for training

The department practiced forcible entry tactics at homes on the island that were slated for demolition due to flooding sustained during hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photograph of the pipe lying on its side at the Town of Longboat Key's Public Works Department. The breach was in the bottom invert of the pipe.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Design continues for underwater pipe replacement after referendum

Longboat Key staff will press forward with the design process and start the application process for a State Revolving Fund loan for the necessary wastewater project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Big Waters Land Trust leads a kayaking program in the area.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • March 17, 2025
Nonprofit land conservation group spreads word of name change

Big Waters Land Trust underwent a rebranding to better align its mission with its identity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The late Mary Jo Reston (right) with Mercedita O’Connor in 2017.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 16, 2025
FST receives big legacy gift

Long-time patron Mary Jo Reston is honored by Florida Studio Theatre for $1.25 million bequeath.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County commissioners and other county officials toss the ceremonial dirt to mark the start of construction at Kensington Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 16, 2025
County breaks ground on new Kensington Park

The site of a former wastewater plant that served the Kensington Park Community will become a new Sarasota County park by summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Christ Church of Longboat Key plans to repurpose the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive to increase parking and part of a beautification project.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 16, 2025
Christ Church moves forward with long-term expansion plan

The church hopes to increase parking and add outdoor space for the organization by repurposing the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The new Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport observation facility provides an up-close view of aircraft taking off and landing.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 15, 2025
SRQ airport opens new observation area facility

Now paved, striped and secured from passing traffic, the new plane spotting area at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport includes a playground, shade structure and air traffic control audio.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Developer Paxton Kinol discusses plans for developing the Audobon Townhomes at Sarasota Station with the Sarasota Planning Board.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 14, 2025
Sarasota Station townhome project moves one step closer

Planning Board approvals pave the way for 69 townhomes that will help make possible the development of 202 affordable and workforce apartments.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats

A 14-year-old student made social media posts about carrying out a shooting Friday.

  • East County
  • News
The seating area of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has no center aisle, requiring patrons seating toward the center to step over dozens of others to enter or exit their rows.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 13, 2025
Van Wezel engineering report: Good as is for now, not for later

Karins Engineering update to the Purple Ribbon Committee indicates long-term current use, without significant modifications, is less than ideal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Gulf Coast Leadership Institute Class of 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 12, 2025
Applications now accepted for 2025 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

The annual initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is designed to develop leadership skills in service to community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique was picked in a 4-3 vote by the commission to serve as chair in 2026.
  • December 15, 2025
Tal Siddique selected as chair of Manatee County Commission
2
Tree Fort Productions takes a recovery road trip, one classic car at a time
  • December 15, 2025
Tree Fort Productions takes a recovery road trip, one classic car at a time
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  • December 15, 2025
The SCF Foundation's 11th Annual Avenues to the Future: Bourbon, Brews, & BBQ
4
Residents line up behind the podium to object to a proposal for Altman Rye Townhomes.
  • December 15, 2025
Planning commission reviews three projects in east Manatee County
5
Maddox and Lou Towery have packed up shoeboxes during the Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive for the last seven years.
  • December 15, 2025
Lakewood Ranch community rallies to support seniors with shoebox event

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