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News

Dick Vitale, 86, has been with ESPN since the 1979-80 season and has called over 1,000 games for the network. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 14, 2026
Vitale reveals a new cancer diagnosis

The 86-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident and sports announcer says treatment begins next week.

  • East County
  • News
Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring

Two technicians were supposed to monitor the Myakka River, but they were hired to cover all of Manatee County instead.

  • East County
  • News
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer

After years of discussions and changes, the Longboat Key Town Commission will consider a funding formula to assess homeowners to care for canals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal

Commissioners reviewed Bishop's contract but opted to make changes before renewing it.

  • East County
  • News
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Lesley Dwyer
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC

Commissioners chose to partner with the EDC and approved a $292,450 annual contract.

  • East County
  • News
Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 10, 2026
Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges

A parole officer supplied information to Sarasota Police, prompting a search of a property in the city, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill is at 1525 Fourth St., Suite C, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 10, 2026
Sushi restaurant opens in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill will open April 10 on Fourth Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short

With $8 million already pledged for public parking, the Sarasota City Commission declines adding $4 million for SHA's McCown Towers funding gap.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Tax reform could mean 41% hit to city revenue fund

If a bill to reform property tax in Florida reaches the November ballot, Sarasota may be seeking ways to make up tens of millions in tax revenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Saravela and the Sports Club at TPC Prestancia are pertnering for the mutual benefit of condo owners and club members.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Condo development partners with country club for shared benefits

Saravela developer GSP is teaming up with Heritage Golf Group for free membership at Sports Club at TPC Prestancia, special condo purchase benefits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County's District 1 commission seat was left vacant after Carol Felts died suddenly Feb. 24.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee County District 1 commission seat open for applications

Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option to appoint someone to fill the remaining seven months left before the general election.

  • East County
  • News
Construction has advanced quickly from Feb. 8 when this aerial photo was taken. The vantage point shows how close the school is from one of the runways at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Five more hotels are in the works for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Five new hotels slated for Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch currently has just four hotels within its boundaries.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
A single-family residence at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under construction for years and is nearing completion.
  • May 6, 2026
Application tweaks aim to streamline permitting process
2
Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.
  • May 6, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High music department earns national recognition
3
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch
4
Circus Trail currently runs along the east side of Circus Boulevard before crossing over the road to the east and then back again.
  • May 6, 2026
Circus Trail envisioned to connect Fruitville to 17th Street Park
5
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
  • May 6, 2026
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat

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