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News

Gulfside Road, which is usually flooded with large storms, was no different in Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 7, 2024
Resiliency projects likely to rise in priority for Longboat Key after hurricanes

Town staff calculated financial hits from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and anticipate that resiliency will be top of mind for commissioners' future planning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 7, 2024
Bay Runner service to Lido Key to resume Wednesday

The Bay Runner trolley will restart its route to Ted Sperling Park on Dec. 11 as parking enforcement along Benjamin Franklin Drive will also resume.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ripped-up drywall in Carolyn Wedekind's house shows how high the water rose during Hurricane Helene's storm surge.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 5, 2024
Longboat ordinance eliminates permit requirement for drywall repair

The emergency ordinance was passed to eliminate a permit requirement, making it easier for single-family property owners to repair drywall after the hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Morgan Rudloff looks at "Peace Within" after the sculpture's head collapsed, and the artists finished it off with a crown during the Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand sculpting.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • December 5, 2024
Sarasota County tourism 'normalizing' post-pandemic, optimistic for 2025

After a pandemic-era travel boom, Sarasota is seeing a return to normal, market researchers say, with indications of an uptick in some segments of travelers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cross Street is a one-block, one-way street between South Pineapple and South Orange avenues.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 5, 2024
Cross Street right of way remains vacated by the city

Jen Ahearn-Koch motioned and was the only vote in favor of rescinding the Sarasota City Commission's Nov. 4 approval to vacate right of way to developer Orange Pineapple.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bob Bender, Adam Myara, Albert Myara and Bruce Mahnke own Ed's Tavern and McGrath's Kitchen & Cocktails on Main Street.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 4, 2024
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch gets fresh look before 20th anniversary

New restaurants and reimagined dining aim at enticing new customers as Main Street at Lakewood Ranch heads into its 20th anniversary year.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County is seeking applicants for its Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 4, 2024
Manatee County seeking advisory board applicants

Positions are open on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.

  • East County
  • News
The location of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and expansion are outlined in red.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 4, 2024
New space on the way for Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

The Sarasota County Commission approved $35 million for headquarters expansion and a new helicopter hangar.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Purple Ribbon Committee has until June 30, 2025 to submit its report on suggestions for repurposing the Van Wezel Peforming Arts Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 4, 2024
Van Wezel group shifts to discussion mode as sunset looms

The city's Purple Ribbon Committee has until the end of June to complete its report on repurposing of the performing arts hall as its chair resigns.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to improve safety at the intersection.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 4, 2024
Town updates transportation wish list

Longboat Key commissioners continue advocating to the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization for four town projects.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An aerial picture of the beach near Bayfront Park in October 2024 shows how storm surge washed over the beach and impacted dune height and vegetation.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 4, 2024
Hurricanes shifted 60% of Longboat Key sand placed since 2021

Town staff and coastal consultants explained how the dunes lost height and vegetation and pressed the need for a long-term solution to one of the island's most erosive areas.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pine View School was evacuated Tuesday morning after a bomb threat was reported.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2024
Pine View School evacuated after bomb threat

The incident also may be connected to other false alarms across the U.S.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cold-weather shelters opening in Sarasota, Manatee
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2024
Cold-weather shelters opening in Sarasota, Manatee

Two shelter locations will be available in Sarasota County and one in Manatee County as temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-40s.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new pavilion will be built with steel and cement. It will also feature a more open layout.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 3, 2024
Pavilion construction progresses at Greenbrook Adventure Park

The roof of the Lakewood Ranch park pavilion should be in place in January.

  • East County
  • News
The Celery Fields is a more than 300-acre property that doubles as Sarasota County's primary stormwater collection zone as well as a public park and bird estuary.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • December 3, 2024
Opponents of development near Celery Fields gearing up for next battle

Sarasota County commissioners will decide the matter early next year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
2
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
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Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
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5
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays

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