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News

An aerial view of Longboat Key, looking north from the southern tip.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • November 12, 2025
For 70 years, Longboat has always been Longboat

Since its inception in 1955, Longboat Key has obviously grown, but there is always a sign that remains a single constant.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of the Mira Mar preservation and redevelopment project shows two new residential towers positioned behind the restored historic buildings.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 12, 2025
Mira Mar redevelopment makes its first appearance before city staff

The project to restore the Mira Mar building funded by two new condo towers makes its submission before the Sarasota Development Review Committee.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Unicorp National Development President Chuck Whittall made his case for allowing an arched sign to remain on a pier at St. Regis Longboat Key to Town Commissioners Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. “I think it’s not only good for St. Regis. I think it’s good for the entire town of Longboat Key,” he said.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • November 12, 2025
Unicorp president addresses LBK commission on St. Regis arched sign

The Longboat Key Town Commission signaled it might reconsider amending an enforcement code after the resort owner made his case.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
From left, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche, retired Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos and Deputy Chief Scott Mayforth following Konstantopoulos' retirement ceremoony.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 11, 2025
Retiring SPD captain gives tribute to his extended police family

Sarasota Police Department Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos flips his retirement ceremony to credit his law enforcement family during his 28-year career.

  • Sarasota
  • News
During field trips at Mote Marine Laboratory, students are given the opportunity to see sea creatures up close and explore whether or not a career in science is for them.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • November 11, 2025
Freshwater education grants awarded to two East County schools

The Southwest Florida Water Management District presented $3,000 to Lakewood Ranch High School and $2,500 to Bashaw Elementary School.

  • East County
  • Schools
A rendering of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's new North Port hospital, which is scheduled to open in 2028.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 11, 2025
Hospital system breaks ground on new North Port facility

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's new south county hospital will open with 100 beds and can be expanded to 400.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Town Commission and Sarasota County Commission met at Longboat Key Town Hall Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • November 11, 2025
Town Green Library remains on path to completion

Community leaders from St. Armands Key also shared concerns about stormwater drainage during a joint meeting of Longboat Key and Sarasota County leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Main Street will be closed from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 for the annual Veterans Day Parade. Osprey Avenue from Ringling Boulevard to Second Street will also be closed.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 10, 2025
Main street to close on Tuesday for Veterans Day parade

Closures begin at 3 a.m. Tuesday in downtown Sarasota from Links Avenue to Bayfront Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
At a Junior Achievement "Discovery Center'' in Tampa, elementary-aged students run a mock city.Two similar facilities are proposed to be set up at Emma Booker Elementary and Booker Middle schools in Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 10, 2025
Sarasota school district sets in motion sweeping vision for future

Sarasota County Schools approves a plan to attract students and eliminate empty seats.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Debbie Trice (left) and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich are the new mayor and vice mayor of Sarasota.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 10, 2025
New mayor calls hiring city manager the first order of business

After two years at the helm of the city, Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert has passed the gavel to Debbie Trice.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2025
Fundraising campaign begins for Benderson Park boathouse/events center

With schematics mostly finished, NBP Conservancy looks toward a first quarter of 2028 completion date.

  • East County
  • News
Tom and Sherry Koski (center) were recognized for their $5 million investment in Sarasota Orchestra’s, Music Center during the concert season’s first Masterworks Dinner. Also pictured are Orchestra President and CEO Joe McKenna (left) and Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2025
Sarasota Orchestra receives $5 million gift for new music venue

The gift from local philanthropic leaders Tom and Sherry Koski brings to $75 million in donations toward the planned Sarasota Orchestra Music Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This rendering offers a glimpse of the multi-building concept for the new high school slated for the corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 7, 2025
Plans for a second high school in Lakewood Ranch debated due to traffic

Some Manatee County commissioners argued that Lorraine Road should be widened before adding more traffic to the area.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County will expand its pilot program countywide to give ambulances priority at traffic lights.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 7, 2025
Emergency traffic-light system expands in Manatee

A successful trial run prompts broader rollout, including Lakewood Ranch intersections.

  • East County
  • News
The Bay park recently marked three-years since opening Phase 1.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 6, 2025
Remodeled Chidsey Library marks another milestone in The Bay

As Phase 2 work on The Bay park nears completion, planning for Phase 3 in underway to complete transformation of the 53-acre cite into Sarasota's signature park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala
2
St. Petersburg's Ella Brown and Sarasota's Mike Chambers take full advantage of the live music to show off their best dance moves at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival on Dec. 6.
  • December 7, 2025
Lakewood Ranch music fans aren't crying the blues after festival
3
Students from Sarasota High School's marching band walk in the parade.
  • December 7, 2025
Sarasota's spirit goes on display in the holiday parade
4
Debi and Mike O'Leary take a look at the tree.
  • December 6, 2025
Sarasota annual tree lighting takes place at Selby Five Points
5
Devin Mignery (center) prepares to take the snap during the FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal between Cardinal Mooney and Cocoa. The senior quarterback was inserted for junior Davin Davidson and helped usher the Cougars into the state championship.
  • December 6, 2025
Cardinal Mooney football headed to state championship

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