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News

A volunteer holds a sign for last year' s "drive thru ashes" event. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 28, 2017
Lakewood Ranch church celebrates 'Ash Wednesday'

Motorists can drive through for an ashen imposition to start the Lent holiday.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Bartz
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 28, 2017
Area mourns the passing of Manatee County Chamber President Bob Bartz

Sudden passing brings out reaction in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Some residents want to see more signs warning of alligators, such as this one on Lake Uihlein.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2017
Alligator information meeting in Lakewood Ranch turns into debate

About half the crowd feels alligators are being killed and removed needlessly.

  • East County
  • News
Steve John, the citrus production manager for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, shows the competitors how roping a steer is done.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2017
SMR Cup riders know the ropes in Lakewood Ranch

Annual competition matches cowboys against polo players in several events.

  • East County
  • News
Dana Aschinger, a Polo Club member, presents the colors before the Observer Cup.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2017
Lots of observers at the Cup

Sarasota Polo Club fans treated to perfect weather and a spirited match.

  • East County
  • News
Club pro David Perritt and Course Superintendent Jamie McCrosky say Lakewood National has both challenging and forgiving qualities.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2017
New golf course fits Lakewood Ranch to a tee

Lakewood National Golf Club on a roll after opening.

  • East County
  • News
Second suspect in Lakewood Ranch murder arrested.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2017
Second suspect arrested in Lakewood Ranch murder

Police dog helps subdue Alan Baily, who was resisting arrest.

  • East County
  • News
In a revamped proposal, Chuck Whittall' s proposal for Colony redevelopment would no longer rely on 12-story towers, as seen in this artist rendering.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • February 24, 2017
Colony developer cuts height of proposed buildings

Chuck Whittall said the decision is based on the concerns of Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Whitney Beach Plaza will remain commercial following a decision by owner Ryan Snyder.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 24, 2017
Whitney Beach Plaza owner aims to sell

After a referendum to add a residential component to the struggling Longboat Key shopping plaza failed, owner Ryan Snyder is selling off the spaces.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota plans for Fruitville Road include three traffic circles where traffic lights now control the flow of cars, trucks and pedestrians.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • February 23, 2017
Longboat Key Mayor voices opposition to proposed changes to Fruitville Road

Mayor Terry Gans addressed Sarasota city planners at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Observer Media Group owners Matt and Lisa Walsh announced the purchase of the Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2017
Observer Media Group acquires Winter Park / Maitland Observer

Local newspaper group continues growth

  • Sarasota
  • News
Attendees of Siesta Key' s Crystal Classic were greeted by a large sand sculpture announcing the events sponsors.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 23, 2017
Siesta Key Beach ranked No. 1 — again

In its 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards, TripAdvisor ranked the Sarasota County beach at the top of its U.S. list.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sustainability Manager Stevie Freeman-Montes wants the city to explore environmentally friendly projects.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
City sponsors Gillespie Park compost project

The city is using Gillespie Park to test a community composting program, encouraging residents to work together and learn about the potential benefits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Several new projects are under construction right now in Sarasota, and even more are on the way.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
Is it too late for Sarasota to stay small?

Residents worried about growth want the city to focus on maintaining the small-town character of Sarasota. Even if they get their way, have we crossed the point of no return?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paradise Boat Tours captain Sherman Baldwin has permission to operate a ferry to Bradenton Beach — as soon as he finds a docking space.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
City moves forward with water transit plans

The city approved a ferry and water taxi service between Sarasota and the region’s barrier islands, part of an effort to encourage alternative modes of transportation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
2
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
3
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
4
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library
5
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
  • December 22, 2025
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

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