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News

In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 18, 2025
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence

The Sarasota County Schools Board will gather public comment Jan. 20 on a new policy that will make the window to excuse an absence consistent across schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota County's beaches, which are consistently ranked among the nation's best, offer dramatic sunsets.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 18, 2025
Tourism outlook expects visitors leveling off in 2026

Visit Sarasota County predicts a "flat" 2026 after years of declines from the COVID highs with spending still outpacing pre-pandemic levels.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renovations and construction of new concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 18, 2025
Airport's growth in 2025 sets the stage for 2026 planning

After spending some $200 million on expansion, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport sets its sights on more improvements, including a parking deck and new baggage claim system.

  • Sarasota
  • News
St. Armands Circle was several feet underwater following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 17, 2025
St. Armands receives $13.5 million to address flooding concerns

The Sarasota County Commission allocates just more than half of the $24.5 million the city requested for storm mitigation projects on St. Armands Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
At a Junior Achievement "Discovery Center'' in Tampa, elementary-aged students run a mock city.Two similar facilities are proposed to be set up at Emma Booker Elementary and Booker Middle schools in Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 17, 2025
Rejections sent to Manatee, Sarasota Schools of Hope requesters

Manatee and Sarasota counties say no to a pair of companies seeking campus space. But that might not be the end of it.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Wild pigs look for food near Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 17, 2025
Manatee County's River Club has a pig problem

Neighbors and the homeowners association have hired trappers to reduce the number of wild hogs.

  • East County
  • News
Cyclists utilize the bike lanes on Gulf of Mexico Drive along the newly completed Country Club Shores turn lane project portion of the street. The 0.84-mile segment marks the first example of the town’s Complete Streets vision.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 17, 2025
Longboat Key chips away at Complete Street(s) goal

The first project in the plan is done on the south end, and the second is planned on the north end, but making Gulf of Mexico Drive a "complete street" will require a lot more work.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County administrators address the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8. From left to right: Deputy county administrators Corey Stutte, Bryan Parnell, Courtney De Pol and County Administrator Charlie Bishop.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 17, 2025
Convention Center expansion tops 'state of Manatee County' presentation

County administrators spoke to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at its December luncheon.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Library is one of seven locations in the Manatee County Public Library System.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 17, 2025
Library Advisory Board needs 2 new members

Manatee County is accepting applications for the board until Monday, Jan. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 16, 2025
Goodwill to open Dec. 18 on Longboat Key

The used bookstore and donation drop-off location will hold a grand opening with a local author signing and giving away books.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Pator Caleb Free's daughter JoJo Free attends Risen Savior Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 16, 2025
Lutheran church brings more Christian education to Lakewood Ranch

Risen Savior Lutheran Church begins its expansion toward being a K-8 school in January.

  • East County
  • Schools
Joan M. Durante Community Park, Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 16, 2025
Longboat Key's Durante Park reopens after hurricane repairs

Fourteen months after the 2024 hurricanes, boardwalks on the 1.4-mile walking trail have been repaired, and the park has reopened to visitors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Plans are to replace the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club in Newtown with a new building and convert the current structure into outdoor play space.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 16, 2025
After years of repairs, Boys & Girls Club plans to rebuild

The Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club plans to replace its existing Newtown facility, which will be converted to outdoor space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique was picked in a 4-3 vote by the commission to serve as chair in 2026.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 15, 2025
Tal Siddique selected as chair of Manatee County Commission

Elected in 2024, the commissioner representing Longboat Key, Anna Maria and downtown Bradenton was chosen as chair in a 4-3 vote.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Residents line up behind the podium to object to a proposal for Altman Rye Townhomes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 15, 2025
Planning commission reviews three projects in east Manatee County

The combined projects would add nearly 400 housing units to the area.

  • East County
  • News
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Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
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Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters
  • February 3, 2026
Property tax issue is a big one for Longboaters

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