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News

Traffic is often bumper to bumper on Gulf Drive South. During spring break, even rainy days didn’t stop tourists from flocking to Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat has a Bradenton Beach traffic problem

For Longboat Key residents and employees trying to get to the mainland from the north end, beach traffic is a headache and getting worse each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 8, 2026
City pursues First Street parcel for workforce housing project

One small parcel remains between two larger properties the city has acquired for a workforce housing project. Staff is instructed to pursue a letter of intent to purchase.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
New volunteer board members picked by Town Commission

Four vacancies on three boards were filled by Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community

Fundraising push would repair Bradenton Beach library that does not receive government funds.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project

Mira Mar Residences has received its construction permit to add two 18-story condo towers to complement restoration of the historic Palm Avenue building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

Tara Poulton's resume includes working for DeSoto County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
The subaqueous wastewater pipeline was damaged by corrosion from resting against a log or tree stump, spilling about 11 million gallons of sewage before being repaired, according to a Longboat Key permit support document.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Wastewater pipeline to remain after replacement installed

Longboat Key’s subaqueous wastewater pipeline project is set to begin this summer, and the old pipe may have a future use.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center

With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Citizen Tax Oversight Committee meets once a year to review expenditures of revenue brought in from the infrastructure surtax. The 2026 meeting lasted about 15 minutes on Thursday, April 2.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 6, 2026
Longboat infrastructure tax spending plan comes up $6 million short

A 1% tax in Sarasota County and .5% tax in Manatee brings in about $1.3 million per year for Longboat Key infrastructure spending.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard

Benderson Development makes its first appearance before city staff on an application for zoning changes at the former Sarasota County Administration Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions

A Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage is in effect from April 3 through July 1.

  • East County
  • News
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts

As the resort nears the finish line on flood-proofing requirements, new improvements and a permanent CO could come next.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

Plans submitted to the Development Review Committee show replacing the vacant Sarasota Lanes with eight townhome buildings with 46 units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the man disregarded an order to drop his weapon and pointed it instead.

  • Sarasota
  • 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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