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News

    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Top stories to watch in Longboat Key in 2026

A new mayor, a new bridge and the start of a new library are all things to look out for in the new year on the barrier island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioner Amanda Ballard attends the Under One Roof ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1. She's up for reelection in District 2.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
Manatee County Commission's power structure could be altered by 2026 election

Three seats are up for grabs with incumbents Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard defending and Jason Bearden bowing out.

  • East County
  • News
Builder John Cannon says he didn't build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an "idea home."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 7, 2026
John Cannon fires unique shot in LWR residential home market

The Oulina model in Waterside is the result of an collaboration between a builder, architects and artists.

  • East County
  • News
Nick Gladding poses for a photo in his Sarasota Bay-facing backyard Friday, Jan. 2. In March, Gladding will be sworn in as the next Longboat Key District 3 Commissioner.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Longboat commissioner-elect discusses local control, dredging, Ohana's seawall

Running unopposed, former land use and environmental lawyer Nick Gladding will represent District 3 on the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Goglia poses for a photo on St. Armands Circle Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Goglia has been president of the St. Armands Residents Association since 2020.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
St. Armands Residents Association president discusses the future of the Circle

The volunteer president of the residents association, Chris Goglia, has resisted high-density development on St. Armands Circle since starting the role in 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sips Coffee is located at 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive and plans to open a second location on Longboat Key at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 6, 2026
Starbucks pulls out of plans for Longboat Key location

However, Sips coffee shop is opening a second location next to where a Starbucks was planned.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
With five main tabs on the home page, the website is intended to be easier to navigate.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
Website, technology updated to help Manatee run smooth 2026 elections

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington says the new website will be easier for the residents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information on school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 6, 2026
School choice selections now open in Manatee County schools

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
Neighborhood advocate enters race for Sarasota City Commission
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 6, 2026
Neighborhood advocate enters race for Sarasota City Commission

Arlington Park Neighborhood Association President Flo Entler joins the field of candidates for two Sarasota City Commission at-large seats.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A steaming plate of pasta comes up to the pass while Simone Salustri, owner of the newly reopened Nōnnō Umberto restaurant, begins work on another dish.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 5, 2026
Longstanding St. Armands Italian restaurant reopens under new name

Nōnnō Umberto, formerly operating as Le Colone, held its soft opening the first week of January under a new generation's leadership.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Views from 1418 John Ringling Parkway include the city skyline, Sarasota Bay and John Ringling Bridge.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 4, 2026
Home within walking distance of St. Armands lists for $9 million

With five bedrooms and eight baths, the John Ringling Parkway home overlooks Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rendering of the proposed Shore restaurant as viewed from North Boulevard of the Presidents.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 2, 2026
FEMA '50% rule' could be key factor for return of Shore to St. Armands

The popular restaurant might be required to shore up flood resiliency as it pursues plans to return to St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The observation deck at Joan Durante Park was rebuilt with the boardwalk and overlooks Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2025
Longboat Key wants your photos to represent the town

The town aims to enter one image in statewide contest.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
1000 NORTH will be located in the BLVD Sarasota building at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 30, 2025
Exclusive downtown club moves closer to Sarasota's approval

Co-founded by Michael Jordan in partnership with several pro athletes, 1000 NORTH is planning its second location in the BLVD Sarasota building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota Orchestra Music Center concert hall is planned as a shoebox design.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2025
2025: Sarasota by the numbers

From development costs to new housing units, here are some of the most notable figures in 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Solid bond ratings fuel further health care system expansion
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Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
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Longboat Key temple celebrates multigenerational family
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Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters
  • February 3, 2026
Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters

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