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News

Juan Florensa has worked as the public works director on Longboat Key for than 17 years.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat's outgoing public works director remembers 17-year tenure

Juan Florensa has had significant impact on Longboat Key in the nearly two decades that he lead the town's public works department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
State Sen. Greg Steube has filed legislation revoking municipalities' right to regulate short-term rental on private property.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat residents oppose Florida Senate short-term rental bill

A bill filed in the state legislature by Sarasota County Senator Greg Steube ignites fears over unwanted short-term visitors in residential Longboat neighborhoods.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rosedale's Chad Cox flies one of his five drones over O'Brien Family Farms to do a crop analysis.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2018
Drone company has sky-high business goals in Lakewood Ranch

Pilots hope drone business takes them to new heights.

  • East County
  • News
Evelyn Townsend said she spends hundreds of hours working on her quilts.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2018
Lakewood Ranch quilter recognized at Florida Quilt Competition

Central Park resident's artistry honored at prestigious show.

  • East County
  • News
A sign-in sheet at Bayfront Park's pickleball court has caused confusion among residents who believe the well-used court can be reserved.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Pickleball problems: Longboat residents unsure about usage rules

What residents have said they interpret as conflicting signage has caused confusion about who can play when at the well-used Bayfront Park pickleball court.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The trio is hoping Viento Kitchn & Bar can become a go-to spot for locals.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Zota's food and beverage team cooks up own flavor

The trio aims to make Viento Kitchen & Bar a culinary retreat.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
East County student Casey Rose, 18, programs a robot during class at Manatee Technical College.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2018
MTC receives historic grant

Governor presents first Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award to East County technical college.

  • East County
  • News
Stuart Ullman thinks adding more to the Cooper Creek area is "irresponsible" and will only add to traffic, pollution and other problems.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2018
Cooper Creek plan raises concerns

Nearby residents question whether growth will compromise quality of life.

  • East County
  • News
Town Manager Tom Harmer is said he's hoping his presentation circuit will give him an opportunity to introduce himself to residents.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat plans outreach for referendum questions

Town Manager Tom Harmer is hoping his meetings around town will help residents get to know what they'll vote for or against this March.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The proposed St. Regis Hotel includes 166 rooms, 102 condominiums and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat commission workshop moved for talk of Colony density plans

Commissioners suggest a larger venue for their January workshop in anticipation of a larger-than-usual turnout.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The original Shake Shack restaurant at Madison Square Park Garden. Photo courtesy of Beyond My Ken (own work) via Wikimedia Commons.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Shake Shack signs lease near UTC Mall

The location near the mall will be the first in the region.

  • East County
  • News
Dead fish washed along barrier island beaches during a red tide bloom that began in September 2016 and ended the following April.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Sarasota beaches likely to avoid recent red tide bloom

The latest bloom is not expected north of Venice.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Players Centre for Performing Arts has accepted an offer on its Sarasota theater.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 16, 2018
Players Centre strikes deal to sell Sarasota theater

Players managing director says contract offer is more than the listing price of $9.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A student peers into a microscope during a Mote program. (Courtesy image from Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory.)
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Community Foundation gives Mote $50,000 partnership grant

Part of the funds will support youth education and outreach programs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 16, 2018
Man charged with setting fire behind Mandeville Beer Garden

The fire damaged a phone junction box and its connecting wires, but Mandeville is still open for business.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers
2
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks
3
Andrii Padkovskyi plays the titular role in Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24.
  • May 20, 2026
A Ukrainian fiddler finds his roof in Sarasota
4
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.
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key
5
The home at 865 Longboat Club Road sold for $17.5 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 9,328 square feet of living area.
  • May 20, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

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