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News

Local college presidents, from left, Michele Morgan of Keiser University, Brett Kemker, of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art & Design, Tommy Gregory of State College of Florida, and moderator Mark Gordon spoke Feb. 25 at a lunch hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Local college administrators tackle issues with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Administrators say partnerships with local businesses strengthen the economy.

  • East County
  • Business
Anyone who may have fallen for a scam could contact the Longboat Key Police Department through the non-emergency line at 941-316-1201.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 3, 2025
Longboat PD warns of common scams for gift cards, electronic payments

The department said it’s important to verify a request if it seems suspicious or marked as ‘urgent.’

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Florida Wildlife Commission staff lift the manatee into the back of the unique vessel.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 3, 2025
FWC rescues cold-stressed manatee from Longboat Key canal

The manatee was in critical condition and transported to a rehabilitation facility in Myakka City.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Gail J. Weiser captured this photo of a beautiful sunset from Isles Beach on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 2, 2025
Longboat Key named best island to visit in the South

Travel + Leisure labeled Longboat Key "one of the region's best-kept secrets," citing its plethora of activities available to visitors "even in the depths of winter."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Bay Phase 1 opened in October 2022.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 2, 2025
The Bay in Sarasota receives $1 million 'capping' gift

The grant completes Patterson Foundation's giving to Bay Park Conservancy at $10 million in gifts and challenge matches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Ringling's curator of performance Elizabeth Doud hands the microphone to Kelly Kirschner, a board member and co-founder of UnidosNow.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2025
Barancik Foundation gives $8 million in grants

The latest round of Barancik Foundation grants includes nearly $1 million to Selby Gardens to relocate and care for rare plants during Phase 2 Master Plan construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amaryllis Park Place III buildings, as shown in this Hoyt Architects rendering, will be three stories tall with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, all priced at 80% or below area median income.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 28, 2025
Housing Authority secures funding from Lee County agency

The Sarasota County Commission has OK'd loans from Housing Finance Authority of Lee County to fund construction of two low-income housing projects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Work on the Stickney Point Bridge will shift to overnight hours through the duration of the project, according to FDOT.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2025
Stickney Point Bridge work moves to overnight hours

FDOT is shifting the work schedule on the southern bridge to Siesta Key in order to minimize congestion.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A rendering by SB Architects of 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, which will include 117 condominiums in the west tower (right) and a Hyatt Centric Harborside hotel in the east.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 27, 2025
Hyatt redevelopment branded as 1000 Boulevard of the Arts

Kolter Urban releases details for the Hyatt redevelopment project to include 117 luxury condos and the Hyatt Centric Harborside hotel. An appeal of a Planning Board adjustment remains pending.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A Renzo Piano Building Workshop conceptual rendering of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center as viewed from the 10th Street Canal.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 27, 2025
City of giving brings bold arts and cultural initiatives

New and underway projects in Sarasota require nearly $1 billion in philanthropy to bring to fruition. Organization leaders say there is enough to go around.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Karen Lehning and Sam McCarter shovel out the Seahorse Beach Resort pool.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 26, 2025
SeaHorse owners, guests happy to return to Longboat condo-hotel resort

Staff and owners were the core of the recovery process, which now brings SeaHorse Beach Resort back to fully operational.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Traffic calming measures such as this roundabout at Higel Avenue and Ocean Boulevard on the north end of Siesta Key are used to minimize crashes and slow traffic.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 26, 2025
City begins traffic calming plan update process

Sarasota city staff has is in the initial stage of developing an updated plan to slow down vehicle traffic on city streets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After Hurricane Debby hit the area Aug. 5, 2024, an East Manatee Fire Rescue worker paddles toward a flooded home on Quonset Road along the Braden River to rescue the occupant.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 25, 2025
Manatee County addresses Hurricane Debby flooding

A county study finds plenty that didn't happen during Hurricane Debby, but few causes other than an enormous rainfall.

  • East County
  • News
St. Armands experienced catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 25, 2025
Sarasota seeking $11.5 million in storm resiliency appropriations

Local legislative representatives sponsor bills for funds to protect parks, St. Armands and Van Wezel from future storm events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Members of the town's Planning, Zoning and Building Department attended a community meeting with Gulfshore and Twin Shores residents on Feb. 20.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 25, 2025
Mobile home communities ask for easier permit process to elevate units

Owners wanted to make resilient improvements on their units but were met with a stop work order from Longboat Key's Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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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
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  • 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
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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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