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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
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
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