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News

The district is looking into ways to offer more protection at schools.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • March 8, 2018
Details needed to make school safety plans reality

Sheriff Tom Knight wants the school district to hire retired law enforcement officers to protect schools against active assailants. But the School Board has a lot of questions about how to make that actually happen.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners decided parking will be prohibited on the north side of Old Stickney Point Road.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • March 8, 2018
County blocks parking on part of Old Stickney Point Road

Safety issues outweighed the three spots being debated for the commission, but a proposed lot could provide more parking nearby.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • March 8, 2018
School district paid thousands to investigate complaints against administrators

The Sarasota County School Board paid an outside law firm $20,290 to investigate complaints made against Superintendent Todd Bowden and Booker High Principal Rachel Shelley.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The i-Ride operators will continue to monitor the amount of activity and adjust the hours of service going forward.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 8, 2018
Downtown circulator adjusts operations

After initially cutting back its hours of operation, the i-Ride Sarasota service is adjusting to additional resident feedback.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents worry the 624 Palm project — and other future developments — are being constructed too close to neighboring properties.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 8, 2018
Downtown residents campaign for building setbacks

As the city ponders new zoning regulations, downtown residents want more space between them and new construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carrie Ling with her family from left to right: Lawson Ling, Landen Ling, George Ling and Libby Ann Ling with their signs of support.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • March 7, 2018
Braden River Elementary teacher misses top award

King Middle School teacher wins Educator of the Year for Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
City staff discouraged the Downtown Improvement District from moving forward with plans for a gateway sign arching over Main Street near U.S. 41.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 7, 2018
Downtown group discusses wayfinding

City officials believe they’re making progress on a longstanding request for directional signs, but it’s still unclear what the final product will look like.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sue Kerr shows off a totem project featuring dogs.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 7, 2018
Art's on fire in Lakewood Ranch

Waterlefe resident's ceramics art on display during Spring Arts Show at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
Days before his Sarasota Balloon Festival runs from March 8-11, promoter Ricky Garvie supervises as the carnival attractions arrive.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 7, 2018
New balloon festival takes off in Lakewood Ranch

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
Randy Volkart, the chairman of the New Facility Committee, said the new lodge will be open any day.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 7, 2018
New Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota Elks Lodge set to open

Final permits expected within the next week.

  • East County
  • News
Harmony at Lakewood Ranch is just one of many East County communities under development. Impact fees for new homes vary by the size of the home.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 7, 2018
Manatee County Commission set to vote on impact fees

Lower impact fees would result in $2 million less annually.

  • East County
  • News
VFW Post 12055 Chaplain Ernie Freedman serves up hot dogs to fellow post member Charlie Busack.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 7, 2018
VFW offers flame-broiled thanks

VFW serves firemen lunch in appreciation of being allowed to use their facility.

  • East County
  • News
Dashwood Payen performed in the marching band at Lakewood Ranch High School. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 7, 2018
Lakewood Ranch community mourns teen's death

Popular teen heralded as great trumpet player.

  • East County
  • News
More than 70 people attended the more than eight-hour meeting Monday.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • March 7, 2018
Longboat commissioners advance plan to build St. Regis hotel

First vote goes 5-2 in favor of Unicorp in plan to remake former Colony. Second vote planned for March 16.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Braden Wood's Susan Tannebaum listens to public comment on the MSTU.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 6, 2018
Manatee Commission delays MSTU vote

Commissioners hope to to reduce assessment amounts.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
2
Artist JC Wayne hangs the ninth and final piece in her series "Atomic Universe," the latest installation at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. The display will be up throughout the holiday season.
  • December 19, 2025
Artist delves into ideas of existence at Longboat exhibition
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
5
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables

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