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News

Sarasota's Alyssa Freniere, Beate “Mama G” Goldstein and Blair Sellers are the people behind the new Mama G's location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 13, 2026
New German bakery, coffeehouse rises at University Town Center

Mama G's opened its doors of a new Sarasota-Bradenton location on Dec. 15 under the leadership of two 26-year-old managing partners.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Seaward Development is seeking a parallel facade administrative adjustment for its frontage along South Palm Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 13, 2026
Mira Mar project moves forward with partial sign-off

The project to rehab the Mira Mar building augmented by two residential towers has received partial sign-off from the city of Sarasota, but some adjustment requests remain.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key will soon mail out envelopes with a QR code and unique access code to fill out an online survey to guide the town’s priorities.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 12, 2026
Town surveys will hit mailboxes soon

The town of Longboat Key is surveying residents and business owners on a variety of topics to guide the town's priorities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mike Newhams began teaching science at the Out-of-Door Academy in 1997 and was known for helping anyone and everyone with anything they might need. This included staying extra hours to provide academic support and attending clubs and events.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Beloved Out-of-Door Academy teacher dies

Mike Newhams, who began teaching at ODA in 1997, died due to complications from his cancer treatments.

  • East County
  • Schools
The mobile Sarasota Learning Center can be deployed anywhere in the city, and can even be used as emergency shelter if needed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 12, 2026
Police department debuts mobile Sarasota Learning Center

Sarasota Police Department's new tech-rich trailer will be deployed by the Community Relations Division to take technology to many who don't have access.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crooked River Ranch sits along the Manatee River and is the first property that was recommended by ELMAC and also purchased by the county.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2026
Conservation, parks referendum could return to Manatee County ballot in 2026

Nationwide nonprofit Trust for Public Lands is exploring the county's financial options to make additional land purchases.

  • East County
  • News
Tropic Ocean Airways have 14 aircraft in their fleet, mostly made up of Cessna Grand Caravans with pontoons affixed for water landings.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 9, 2026
St. Regis partners with private airline for seaplane drop-offs in Sarasota Bay

Guests willing to pay for the experience will travel by air, then sea and then land to arrive at their St. Regis reservation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pura Vida Miami is at 4994 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • January 9, 2026
Healthy restaurant opens second Sarasota location

Pura Vida Miami recently opened a restaurant in The Landings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Manatee County commissioners from left to right are Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann. Siddique, Felts and McCann were newly elected in 2024. Kruse was re-elected.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 8, 2026
'Lectern guy' files to run for Manatee County Commission

Parrish's Adam Johnson sued six of seven commissioners in 2025, alleging corruption, and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot in the Capitol Building.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of a proposed condo building at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and Osprey Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
More new condos on tap for Ringling Boulevard

City reviewers consider a planned 50-unit residential building as redevelopment continues to march eastward from the downtown core.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Redevelopment of The Bay park will reach a critical juncture for Founding CEO AG Lafley in 2026.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
Will 2026 be another year of 'mights' in Sarasota?

From a new Sarasota city manager (maybe) to an implementation agreement for a new performing arts center (also maybe), 2026 promises to be an eventful year in Sarasota. Maybe.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 8, 2026
Student safety, mold issues loom for new Manatee schools superintendent

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities for 2026.

  • East County
  • Schools
A Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation is under construction at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
New county facilities headed for Lakewood Ranch area in 2026

Manatee County has multiple projects slated for Lena Road and Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 897 beds.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota hospitals gain Forbes' recognition

The magazine's 2026 Top Hospitals list includes four from the Manatee-Sarasota region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Sarasota County reevaluates need for new schools to serve Waterside

Jody Dumas, the executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said their two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

  • East County
  • Schools
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A rendering of the new Sarasota Memorial Hospital-North Port.
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Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
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Longboat Key temple celebrates multigenerational family
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Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters
  • February 3, 2026
Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters

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