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News

    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 7, 2017
Update: Longboat residents ordered to evacuate

Longboat Key is under a hurricane watch that begins at Anclote Island and covers the southern half of Florida to Sebastian Inlet on the Atlantic Coast.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
More than 60,000 sandbags were distributed by Manatee County on Wednesday.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 7, 2017
Manatee County issues voluntary evacuation

Those in low-lying areas and mobile homes urged to seek shelter.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County can expect bad weather from Hurricane Irma on Sunday.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 7, 2017
Sarasota County considers voluntary evacuations, shelter openings

Officials continue to monitor Hurricane Irma's path, and are preparing to make changes if the storm changes course.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Police responded to the shooting on Siesta Key on Tuesday.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 7, 2017
UPDATE: Man charged in Siesta Key Village shooting incident

The man shot a pellet gun out of an apartment above Big Olaf Creamery during an argument with a man on the street, deputies say.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key and St. Armands places of worship are canceling weekend services. File photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • September 7, 2017
Longboat Key congregations cancel weekend services

A few congregations have canceled services and will close for the weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The county is working with local, state and federal partners to prepare for Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 7, 2017
Sarasota County declares state of emergency

The city of Sarasota has also declared a state of emergency, which enables more effective coordination in advance of Hurricane Irma, officials said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
On Sept. 6, residents waited in line for sandbags for hours. On Sept. 7, only sand was available.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 7, 2017
Despite bag shortage, county continues sand distribution

The county is running low on bags for the public, but residents can still fill their own bags with sand at three locations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
File photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • September 7, 2017
Town of Longboat Key offering sand to residents

Residents should bring proof of residency to the Broadway Street beach access.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Farmers Market Executive Director Phil Pagano said the cancellation was necessary to ensure the safety of vendors and patrons.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 7, 2017
Sarasota Farmers Market to close Saturday

Hurricane Irma has caused the first weather-related cancellation of the downtown farmers market in more than a decade.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Some Siesta Key residents hope local officials would be more responsive to issues along State Road 758.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 7, 2017
County, state consider Siesta road swap

The Florida Department of Transportation is discussing a deal that would cede control of Midnight Pass Road and Siesta Drive to local governments.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Jesse Coleman installs plywood on his windows in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
  • By David Conway & Cassidy Alexander
  • September 7, 2017
Officials, residents brace for the worst from Hurricane Irma

With the storm's path still uncertain, Sarasota is diligently preparing for Hurricane Irma.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city is confident its plans will produce a high quality Lift Station 87, depicted in this rendering — but the project likely won't be done until 2020, at least.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 7, 2017
The long, costly saga of Lift Station 87

Originally envisioned as an 18-month, $8.5 million project, building Lift Station 87 will take more than a decade — and potentially more than $50 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Steve Kulp drives into the Wednesday car show at Lakewood Main Street with his pooch, Abby.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 6, 2017
"Cruzin'" in Lakewood Ranch

Car show provides a break from the worry about the impending hurricane.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County, which has been providing its residents with sandbags, also will open the Fort Hamer Bridge before its scheduled opening to help with traffic caused by the emergency situation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 6, 2017
Hurricane Irma threat will open Fort Hamer Bridge early

Manatee County announces bridge opening to help with heavy traffic that will be associated with Hurricane Irma.

  • East County
  • News
City officials meet at Lido Beach on Wednesday to discuss the viability of placing large sandbags along the shore to mitigate the impact of storm surge. Photo courtesy city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 6, 2017
City prepares for Hurricane Irma

As the city monitors the advancing storm, officials are prioritizing the most vulnerable areas of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

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Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
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Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
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Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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