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News

Sarasota County Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Michele Norton presented this picture as an example of what a hyperscale data center looks like.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • July 11, 2026
Data centers firmly rejected for Sarasota County in unanimous vote

In passing the yearlong freeze, the county joins several others around the state that have placed moratoriums.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jason Starkman, the director of operations for The Original Wolfie's and Rascal House restaurants, shows off a corned beef sandwich. Wolfie's 21 Hand Cut is coming to UTC in late November or early December.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2026
Wolfie's Hand Cut headed to University Town Center

The new restaurant will offer 21st-century versions of the Original Wolfie's and Rascal House menu items.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 10, 2026
Two killed in two crashes two hours apart on I-75

The unrelated overnight incidents in Manatee and Sarasota counties are under investigation.

  • East County
  • News
CommunityConnect facilitates communications throughout interactions with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2026
Sheriff's Office opens messaging platform to enhance communications

CommunityConnect keeps users up to date throughout their interactions with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Patio coffee cart once operated in the parking lot at Swim City on North Tamiami Boulevard.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 9, 2026
Coffee cart brews up downtown food truck expansion proposal

A local business and a mobile beverage vendor teamed up to press for the expansion of food truck use into the Downtown Bayfront zone district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tons of sand were removed from roadways along Sarasota County beaches in the wake of the 2024 hurricanes.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 9, 2026
Sarasota County still awaits $225M in FEMA, state disaster funds

With many projects on hold and others awaiting reimbursement, Sarasota County is awaiting disaster relief funds dating back to Hurricane Hermine 10 years ago.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key was left covered in sand after storm surge from Hurricane Helene swept the road.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 9, 2026
City to repair damaged streetlights on Lido Key

The Sarasota City Commission authorized a local agency agreement with FDOT to repair lighting on John Ringling Boulevard and Benjamin Franklin Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee teen charged in Sarasota homicide
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 8, 2026
Manatee teen charged in Sarasota homicide

An 18-year-old man was found bleeding near downtown around 12:30 a.m. July 7.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Done with the Gun program will take place Saturday, July 11 at Sarasota Police Department headquarters.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 8, 2026
Bring unwanted guns to Sarasota Police on Saturday

Done with the Gun program will destroy weapons dropped off to keep them from returning to circulation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shane Lamay was reappointed to the Sarasota Planning Board.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 8, 2026
Planning Board member reappointed, another named to fill vacant seat

The Sarasota City Commission reappointed Planning Board member Shane Lamay to a second three-year term. He was joined by new member Tiffany Nisbet.

  • Sarasota
  • News
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app

Sarasota-Manatee food truck owners can post their precise locations, menus, specials and more on FoodTrukt.

  • East County
  • Business
The Manatee County Property Appraiser is located at 915 4th Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 8, 2026
How your home is appraised in Manatee County

The process of appraising approximately 236,000 parcels takes a staff of 65 and a year-round effort.

  • East County
  • News
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort installed a stainless steel arch on a private groin, leading to a lengthy dispute with the town of Longboat Key, with leaders claiming it violates the town’s sign code.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • July 8, 2026
St. Regis lawyers respond to Longboat arched sign lawsuit

A trial date has been set for January 2028.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Little League serves boys and girls 4-16 years of age at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 7, 2026
Sarasota Little League treasurer sentenced to 1 year, restitution

A 35-year-old woman was ordered to make lump sum payment then monthly payments totaling $176,000.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A joint workshop is held at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall June 30 with Commissioner Bob McCann and CDD board members.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 7, 2026
Manatee commissioner tells LWR CDDs he has seen the county waste funds

Commissioner Bob McCann said too many overpriced directors are being employed by Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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