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News

Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth could be often seen dotting on their dogs, Brandy and Bentley. The couple is seen here at the Siesta Key home in early 2025.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 1, 2026
Prominent Sarasota philanthropist, mentor dies at 80

Dr. Joel Morganroth is remembered for both his philanthropic gifts — at least $30 million — and his philosophical advice to multiple local leaders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Director of Public Safety Jodie Fiske (in the front wearing black) stands with fire district staff from across Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 1, 2026
Manatee County task force initiated to strengthen disaster response

Manatee County commissioners approved the reallocation of $500,000 to fund the task force.

  • East County
  • News
Palmetto's Sari Lindroos-Valimaki is running to represent District 1 on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 1, 2026
Palmetto resident is lone Democrat in Manatee's race for District 1

Sari Lindroos-Valimaki wants Republican voters to give a Democrat a chance in the District 1 race.

  • East County
  • News
An American Airlines flight takes off from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport runway 32 Wednesday, June 24.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • July 1, 2026
Soot-like dust under SRQ departing jet route not from planes, study says

The town of Longboat Key spent $28,000 on a chemical analysis study after residents raised concern over a black residue found on patio furniture.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The building at the corner of Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive at St. Armands Circle has been gutted and infrastructure is being built to support plans for the new Shore restaurant, retail and residential project.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 1, 2026
Resilient Shore project plans to navigate city approval waters

Plans for a flood-resilient new Shore restaurant, retail, cafe and boutique have been submitted and could be the first building on St. Armands Circle incorporating pricey flood-proof glass.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ken Schneier and Susan Phillips
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • July 1, 2026
LBK Charter Review Committee formed

A former mayor, former commissioner, former assistant town manager and other neighborhood and community leaders make up the Longboat Key town committee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The city right of way of the alley at the end of Aspinwall Street must be vacated to allow for construction of a new Sarasota County Clerk of Courts legal document storage facility.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 30, 2026
New circuit court storage records facility advances

A proposed new Clerk of Circuit Court records storage facility is advancing to the City Commission with unanimous recommendations of approval to rezone and vacate an alley right of way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A boat had its GPS units stolen from boat slips at Spanish Main Yacht Club in late June.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 30, 2026
Boat GPS units stolen from Spanish Main

It’s the second time boats on Longboat Key were stripped of their GPS units in the past seven months.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The city of Sarasota's Neighborhood Canopy Program provides 10- to 14-foot trees installed in front yards for $100 each.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2026
City canopy tree program returns

For $100, city residents can have a tree valued upwards of $500 planted in their front yard through the Neighborhood Canopy Program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A Sarasota County burn ban over the Fourth of July holiday means no using personal fireworks, although they are legal to purchase.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 30, 2026
Sarasota's burn ban applies to personal fireworks, fire official says

Dry weather has prompted the safety measure since mid-April.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager said he supports the three-year contract between the town and Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 30, 2026
Police union contract approved by Longboat

The PBA-approved contract includes a property tax ballot initiative clause.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bradenton's JT White believes more focus needs to be put on human interaction rather than high use of technology.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 30, 2026
School board candidate wants better tools for students

The son of a principal, JT White wants the district to be fiscally responsible while providing more hands-on support for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The committee presents its findings to County Administrator Charlie Bishop June 23.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 30, 2026
Manatee government efficiency committee says DOGE report is off base

The committee met with Manatee's administrator and will report to commissioners July 28.

  • East County
  • News
Liam Schreiner reviews the selection of house-made sweets available at the newly opened Chocolate Emporium on St. Armands Circle. Branching from the original location on Anna Maria Island, the second shop held a soft opening this week.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 30, 2026
Local artisanal chocolate shop brings sweet treats to St. Armands

A second location branching from the original on Anna Maria Island held its soft opening this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Town Commissioner Gary Coffin brought a bottle of wine to Monday's special meeting to help provide context to what a potential increase in Longboat Key millage rate would mean to a property owner.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 29, 2026
Longboat sets higher maximum tax rate

Commissioners make clear final millage isn't locked in and can be set lower than Monday's figure.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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