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News

The Manatee Belle can carry more than 90 passengers.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 15, 2026
Larger, air-conditioned ferry added to Manatee beach fleet

The 92-seat Manatee Belle becomes the third Gulf Islands Ferry vessel operating between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County has renegotiated its contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Management to bring back limited bulk trash pickup for one year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 15, 2026
Manatee County launches $3M pilot program for bulk garbage pickup

Regular bulk pickup was eliminated when the "Big Bin Advantage" was introduced in October.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Area Transit bus stops are unused on Longboat Key as on demand service using vehicles like the white Ford Explorer pictured are now the only public transportation options on the barrier island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 15, 2026
On-demand public transit sees steady use on Longboat

When bus service stopped on Longboat Key, on-demand ride-hailing with public subsidies took its place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Facilitator David Brain presents findings of the first St. Armands visioning session to the audience.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
St. Armands visioning wraps up, but more work remains

Following two public workshop sessions, Sarasota city staff now has its list of priorities as planning and projects for a more resilient St. Armands Circle continue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Club Road is the first signaled intersection when entering Longboat Key from the south from City Island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 14, 2026
Roundabout planned for southern gateway to Longboat Key

A roundabout on Longboat Club Road, at the foot of New Pass Bridge, pops up in planning documents but is still a long ways off.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Top rankings among the U.S. and the world's best beaches is not new to Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 14, 2026
Siesta Beach ranked No. 1 beach in the US

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings rates Siesta Beach as best in the country ahead of notable destinations in Hawaii, California and Florida.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center was moved to its current location in 1984.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 14, 2026
Budget planning kicks off with Longboat organization updates

The goals and objectives workshop gave community organizations a platform to discuss issues and suggest policies to the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dick Vitale, 86, has been with ESPN since the 1979-80 season and has called over 1,000 games for the network. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 14, 2026
Vitale reveals a new cancer diagnosis

The 86-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident and sports announcer says treatment begins next week.

  • East County
  • News
Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring

Two technicians were supposed to monitor the Myakka River, but they were hired to cover all of Manatee County instead.

  • East County
  • News
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer

After years of discussions and changes, the Longboat Key Town Commission will consider a funding formula to assess homeowners to care for canals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal

Commissioners reviewed Bishop's contract but opted to make changes before renewing it.

  • East County
  • News
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Lesley Dwyer
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC

Commissioners chose to partner with the EDC and approved a $292,450 annual contract.

  • East County
  • News
Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 10, 2026
Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges

A parole officer supplied information to Sarasota Police, prompting a search of a property in the city, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill is at 1525 Fourth St., Suite C, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 10, 2026
Sushi restaurant opens in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill will open April 10 on Fourth Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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Latest News

1
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines
2
An aerial view of Sarasota Orchestra's future Music Center, a 32-acre campus that will be located at 5701 Fruitville Road, near Interstate 75.
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra announces anonymous $12 million Music Center donation
Sponsored Content
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  • May 18, 2026
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House - Lakewood Ranch, FL
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  • May 18, 2026
Duff's Famous Wings
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Work is underway at 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents in the first phase of Tom Leonard’s plan to bring the Shore Restaurant back to St. Armands Circle.
  • May 18, 2026
Shore’s return to St. Armands underway with gutting of building

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