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News

Investigators in 1999 linked the burned-out van found near the intersection of Myrtle Street and North Orange Avenue in Sarasota to homicide victim Esco Hunter Jr.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 17, 2026
Sarasota man arrested on 1999 cold-case homicide

A burning van was found to belong to a man found dead a day later.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Traffic resumes normal flow after Sarasota crash
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2026
Traffic resumes normal flow after Sarasota crash

Southbound lanes are closed at Floyd Street, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of the interior of Payne Park Auditorium with seating in the round.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 17, 2026
Payne Park Auditorium renovations set to begin soon

Now leased by a refocused Sarasota Players, work on Payne Park Auditorium will begin soon with plans to bring the nearly century-old troupe back to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name

Currently named AAA High School, the new school broke ground at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 21.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gazebo at the Joan Durante Park, Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 17, 2026
Quick Point repairs wrap up while Durante gazebo fix gets underway

Joan M. Durante Park, Quick Point Nature Preserve and Bayfront Park on Longboat Key will all see changes in the coming months, varying from slight at Bayfront to substantial at Quick Point.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is looking into potential impacts from a changed flight path from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport that took effect in 2024.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 17, 2026
Town plans to hold public meetings to address flight path impacts over Longboat

With a record number of passengers at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in recent years, noise, residue and pollution are all concerns of Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place

An in-demand national senior living developer — it rejects more sites than it buys — is all in on building a large community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Anthony Sciullo is Manatee County's newest planning commissioner. He was appointed to the role Feb. 12.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2026
County commissioners question if Manatee Planning Commission needs rehaul

Complaints are rising about poor attendance and members pushing their agenda.

  • East County
  • News
Officer Nick Dominis and Coti worked together since 2014.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 16, 2026
Sarasota will honor memory of longtime police dog

Coti, who died Sunday at age 12, served the city between 2014-2021.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East

The vote was 4-3 in favor of the project after the planning commission unanimously recommended denial.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights

The Lakewood Ranch Library, a major community success already, is looking to do more by looking up — to another floor.

  • East County
  • News
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

If you drive in Lakewood Ranch, then you have driven into, and out of, a roundabout. Some like them more than others.

  • East County
  • News
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents

Commission Chair Tal Siddique said adding back curbside bulk pickup was the cheapest and easiest solution available to assuage the public's unrest over recent collection changes.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Democratic Club President Lucie Lapovsky (right) updates the 160 attendees on new initiatives the Club is starting soon at a luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 10.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 14, 2026
Longboat Key Democratic Club to launch newsletter, raise funds for flippable races

Club President Lucie Lapovsky shared new initiatives with about 160 attendees at the most recent luncheon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The property at 1500 Stickney Point Road includes 21 parcels.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 13, 2026
Sarasota County to buy prominent Stickney Point property for $21M project

County commissioners authorized the $18.1 million purchase of 1500 Stickney Point Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
  • March 15, 2026
Chamber youth leadership program accepting applicaitons
2
Speed tables have been installed ahead of pedestrian crosswalks at St. Armands Circle, a popular shopping and dining destination on the barrier islands across the Ringling Causeway Bridge.
  • March 15, 2026
St. Armands Circle gets pedestrian safety improvements
3
Sarasota boys basketball coach BJ Ivey embraces Johnny Lackaff. The junior guard had a game-high 27 points March 14 in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship, but it wasn't enough to secure a title for the Sailors.
  • March 14, 2026
Sarasota boys basketball falls by 3 in state championship
4
Longboat Key firefighters were set up outside of Publix from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
  • March 14, 2026
Island firefighters raise $3,600 for muscular dystrophy
5
Hysen Muhametaj, Jamison Eige, Ron Major and Sydney Bartlett of Direct Window & Door celebrate Eige's win at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off.
  • March 14, 2026
Spicy showdown at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off

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