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News

An arts consultant has reiterated its belief that the current Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall can not adequately serve as a long-term venue.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 12, 2018
Bayfront planners ponder future of Van Wezel

As The Bay Sarasota considers a new bayfront performing arts hall, the group also wants to honor the legacy of the existing Van Wezel building — but how?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Architect Mark Sultana of DSDG Inc. designed the planned mixed-use film festival building.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 12, 2018
Film festival president plans mixed-use project

A residential and office development is coming to the Rosemary District home of the Sarasota Film Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city and the Downtown Improvement District hope to create a curbless, brick-paved streetscape along Lemon Avenue, but detailed plans on a potential project are still to come.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 12, 2018
City coordinates potential Lemon Avenue improvements

Downtown leaders hope to see an extension of the brick-paved Lemon Avenue mall, but the timing of the project may prove challenging.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ly Tran and Fatima Moon are the partners behind Moon & Co. Eyewear, the first tenant to move into the new retail space at 1500 State St.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 12, 2018
Mixed-use projects land commercial tenants

Throughout downtown, a new wave of residential developments also feature retail and restaurant businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zoning has changed for the new North River High School, set to open in August 2019. This is a rendering of the auditorium.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 11, 2018
New zoning approved for North River High School in Parrish

School board keeps three East County neighborhoods at Lakewood Ranch High.

  • East County
  • News
Commission chambers were full of Siesta Key business owners and residents invested in the discussion. Many residents wore signs urging commissioners to "vote no."
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 11, 2018
County approves Siesta setback amendment

Tall commercial buildings could potentially be built closer to the street near the south bridge to Siesta Key, if commissioners allow it during the special exceptions process.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 11, 2018
Sarasota deputies make arrest in viral video road rage incident

Text messages show the suspect was planning to destroy the vehicle to avoid criminal charges, deputies said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After recovering from a UTV Side-by-Side accident, 9-year-old Landon Marazon threw out the first pitch in the Marauders' home season opener.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 11, 2018
For Myakka City 9-year-old, it's game on!

Landon Marazon forges ahead after serious accident.

  • East County
  • News
Sarah Farmer, Hannah Arduini and Allison Tibor, all juniors at Braden River, work together to plan the prom at Braden River High School.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 11, 2018
Prom is still a big night in Lakewood Ranch

High school proms remain important to students and their parents.

  • East County
  • News
Vanessa Baugh has pulled out of the race for a District 73 seat in the Florida House.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 11, 2018
Baugh drops from race for Florida House seat

The Manatee County commissioner will remain at her current post through the term.

  • East County
  • News
Nick Guy
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 11, 2018
Former teacher files to run for Sarasota School Board

Nick Guy will challenge Bridget Ziegler for the District 1 seat.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wendy, the female swan's mother, walks with her cygnets in 2014.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 11, 2018
Medical staff say former Longboat Key swan killed by animal

The former Longboat Key female swan that was thought to be killed by gunfire was found to be killed by a wild animal.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Monaca Onstad, SMR's director of community relations, visits with Gary Balch, the co-owner of Maggie's Seafood, at The Market.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 11, 2018
SMR exec produces with successful farmers market in Lakewood Ranch

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
  • By Bret Hauff and Katie Johns | Staff Writer and Community Editor
  • April 11, 2018
Another Longboat season in the books

With temperatures rising and snowbirds migrating, here’s a wrap-up of this year’s season in five different arenas.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Erosion at the north end of Longboat Key could require emergency sand nourishment.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • April 11, 2018
Longboat looks to combat north-end erosion

Town officials have noticed high erosion at the north end of Longboat Key, a situation officials have considered fixing with an emergency beach nourishment project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
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District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
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Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
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All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north Sarasota park draws major collegiate softball tournament

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