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News

Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

The aging building donated by Murf Klauber and moved to Bayfront Park may be replaced with a private-public fundraising effort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Work is winding down in the first phase of the Phillippi Creek dredging project.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 19, 2026
Work wraps up on first segment of Phillippi Creek dredging

More digging in the crucial waterway is under way and planned for 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The oval median at Bay Isles Road will be refreshed in a landscaping project that will uproot the unkempt plants in the median.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 19, 2026
Bay Isles landscaping project begins

The medians along Bay Isles Road should be refreshed in time for an Independence Day parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

Hillary Ellis will fill a seat created by Senate Bill 2508.

  • East County
  • News
ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan speaks at the Longboat Key Disaster Preparedness Seminar organized by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Thursday, May 14.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 19, 2026
Panel gives tips to prep for the worst on Longboat Key

Just before the start of hurricane season, disaster preparedness seminar included misconceptions addressed, forecasts shared and serious warnings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines

School board members and school community members debate what the dress code should be and whether school uniforms are an option.

  • East County
  • Schools
The St. Regis Longboat Key arch is installed on a private groin that extends into the Gulf.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
Longboat Key makes case against St. Regis arch

Jurisdiction claims and FDEP permit both addressed in town’s suit against St. Regis.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
City of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short shares an update on the Anna Maria Pier to Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams (left) and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton (right) at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting May 6.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
Barrier island mayors meet to discuss pier, parking and phone pings

The mayors of Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach met May 6 to discuss issues facing the barrier islands and projects that are underway or planned.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.

The out-east story keeps adding new chapters, from county office buildings to a globally known furniture store.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

Two seats will become available when citizen slots expire at the end of June.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout

Sarasota County hopes to alleviate busy-time traffic backups at the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard intersection.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

An organization dedicated to boosting the local economy was in a pickle late last year. Lakewood Ranch executive Amanda Parrish was the right person, at the right time, to make things right.

  • East County
  • News
Officer Ryan Block and K-9 Partner Kodak have become Sarasota Police Department's second certified explosive detection team.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2026
SPD K-9 team earns explosive-detection certification

Officer Ryan Block and K-9 partner Kodak have completed a rigorous 300-hour certification program for explosive detection certification.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A lane closure will affect traffic on the John Ringling Causeway during an FDOT maintenance project.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 14, 2026
Roadwork will close Ringling Causeway lane at Bird Key

One westbound lane expected to be shut down after 7 p.m.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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