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News

Hundreds of people took advantage of free sand at Lakewood Ranch Community Park as locals wait to receive free sandbags.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 6, 2017
Hurricane Irma — Lakewood Ranch digs in

Hundreds fill sandbags at Lakewood Ranch Community Park.

  • East County
  • News
East County residents fill their sand bags at Lakewood Ranch Community Park on Wednesday after the county declared a state of emergency.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 6, 2017
Manatee schools close Friday due to Hurricane Irma

Manatee County declares state of emergency as Irma approaches.

  • East County
  • News
After the ribbon was cut, the Lorraine Road extension was opened to traffic at 2 p.m. Sept. 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 6, 2017
Lorraine Road extension clears path to Sarasota County

After morning celebration, roadway opens to help expand Lakewood Ranch into Sarasota County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 6, 2017
Sarasota County schools closed on Friday

Activities will continue as normal on Thursday, and officials will monitor the storm over the weekend to make a decision about school next week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In the case of a Longboat Key evacuation, police would set up checkpoints on the north and south ends of the island, limiting initial re-entry access.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 6, 2017
Longboat leaders still wary of Irma's local effects

Decision still pending on possible evacuation, but officials want residents to know re-entry plans.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Benderson Development's Director of Florida Leasing Mark Chait says the tenant mix in UTC is impressive for the industry.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 6, 2017
More in store at UTC in Sarasota

Shoppers have more choices along University Parkway corridor

  • East County
  • News
Police Chief Pete Cumming congratulates newly promoted Lt. Robert Bourque at a ceremony on Sept. 5, 2017.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 6, 2017
Detective elevated to rank of lieutenant

Detective Sgt. Robert Bourque was promoted to lieutenant on Sept. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
With Hurricane Irma approaching, lines for gas were long in Manatee and Sarasota counties on Tuesday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 5, 2017
Manatee County clerk warns to protect important documents

Either store them in a safe place or take them with you when evacuating.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 5, 2017
After-school activities canceled Friday in Sarasota County

Schools are scheduled to remain open, but district officials will be making a decision the afternoon of Sept. 6.

  • Sarasota
  • News
County emergency personnel transported Willie Shaw to the hospital after he suffered an apparent medical incident during a City Commission meeting.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 5, 2017
Commissioner Willie Shaw transported to hospital

Paramedics responded to a City Commission meeting after Willie Shaw suffered an apparent medical episode.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Local residents buy the necessary resources to stay safe during Hurricane Irma at BJ's Wholesale.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 5, 2017
Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton brace for Hurricane Irma

The county to give out sandbags in Lakewood Ranch in preparation for the potentially "catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane.

  • East County
  • News
There was a steady influx of traffic at the town's lone gas station.
  • By Ryan Butler & Katie Johns
  • September 5, 2017
Longboat Key gears up at stores, gas station, marina

Around the island, Longboaters made sure they were prepared in case Hurricane Irma strikes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County can expect to see the effects from Hurricane Irma as early as Friday evening.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 5, 2017
Sarasota County prepares as Hurricane Irma approaches

County staff are pooling resources and monitoring the storm to keep residents informed on what steps they should be taking. For now, the message is just to be prepared.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Local governments, including officials from the city of Sarasota (pictured), Longboat Key and Sarasota and Manatee counties met today to review the region's emergency preparedness plans.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 5, 2017
Longboat prepares for Hurricane Irma

With a major storm looming, emergency personnel are instructing Longboat residents to begin their own preparations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Information about the approaching hurricane is at your fingertips, if you know where to look.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 5, 2017
How to stay informed as Hurricane Irma approaches

Sarasota County and the city of Sarasota have a lot of resources available to keep residents informed. Here's where to find them.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

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Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
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SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
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  • December 20, 2025
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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