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News

Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts

The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
The Coquina Beach parking lot has dozens of free spots for beachgoers. There were plenty of open spaces Monday, March 30 as rain began to fall.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Paid parking considered on Anna Maria Island

Manatee County Board Chair Tal Siddique said the idea is to reduce the tax burden of lot maintenance away from those who don’t utilize the beaches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Indigo's Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
Dirty Sara-Soda hopes to clean up with a new beverage

The "dirty soda" mobile business is owned by Lakewood Ranch's Amber Hanratty, who saw an opening in the market.

  • East County
  • Business
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique speaks with community group Longboat North at Longboat Island Chapel Thursday, March 19.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Some north-end community center details emerge, others remain unknown

Manatee County will invest hundreds of thousands, Longboat Island Chapel will provide space, and The Paradise Center will provide programming. Other details are less clear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The white shell median on Bay Isles Road near Town Hall will be refreshed in a landscaping project set to wrap up before Independence Day.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 30, 2026
Landscaping work planned on Bay Isles Road

Saltwater tolerant plants will be used on the medians, and the project is expected to wrap up in time for the Fourth of July parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota's Alderman MURT includes a rest area with a shade shelter, drinking fountain, benches and tables, and a bike repair station as well as landscaping. This view looks east, toward School Avenue.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 30, 2026
City's latest transportation link opens Tuesday

Sarasota's Alderman Multi-Use Recreational Trail connects south of the park from School Avenue to Payne Parkway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Traffic often backs up from the Cortez Bridge intersection onto Longboat Key during peak season.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 30, 2026
Manatee looking for MPO citizens advisory committee members

The Metropolitan Planning Organization develops plans, policies and priorities that guide transportation decision making.

  • East County
  • News
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 30, 2026
City works to add parcel to workforce housing project

At its April 6 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission will be asked for input on a staff proposal to purchase a third parcel on First Street for a city-led workforce housing project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, speaks with Indigo’s Suzanne Henke following the Envision Manatee presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library March 28.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 30, 2026
Workshops seek feedback on Manatee County's comprehensive plan updates

Engineering firm Kimley-Horn has been working on the comprehensive plan update for three years.

  • East County
  • News
The Longboat Pass drawbridge opens anywhere from 100 to 300 times per month, according to an FDOT engineering study.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 29, 2026
Town reiterates stance against fixed-span bridge

About two years after Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier sent a letter to FDOT advocating against a fixed-span bridge, newly picked Mayor Debra Williams has done the same.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide

21-year-old woman was notified of new charges while serving an unrelated prison sentence.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tenants at the Stickney Point property range from a wealth planning firm to a boat club.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Mark Gordon
  • March 27, 2026
The details behind Sarasota County's Stickney Point land deal

Sarasota County leaders, looking to add park space and water access for residents, have zeroed in on a site just off Siesta Key. The $21 million project, to some, is a gem-like opportunity. For others, it's ripe with questions.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs and City Attorney Joe Polzak recently shepherded the City Commissioner's search for a new city manager.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 26, 2026
City auditor and clerk awarded 15% base pay increase

Sarasota City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs is awarded a 15% base pay increase to $225,684 by the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Ohana seawall is having repairs done in March. The seawall extends into the Gulf, cutting off public beach access as the seawall is part of the Gulf-facing home’s property.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 26, 2026
Seawall repairs underway at Ohana

The Ohana estate in Longboat Key has a locally famous seawall that extends into the Gulf and cuts off beach access for the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Gary and Keely Siebein of Siebein Acoustic present their sound study proposal to the Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 26, 2026
Firm hired to study the 'soundscape of Sarasota'

Siebein Acoustic of Gainesville has been contracted by the City Commission to map out Sarasota's audible characteristics as they apply to the recently approved noise ordinance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
A single-family residence at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under construction for years and is nearing completion.
  • May 6, 2026
Application tweaks aim to streamline permitting process
2
Caroline Bartlomiejczuk, Sage Alcorn and Sofia Ortega are members of the orchestra at Lakewood Ranch High School.
  • May 6, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High music department earns national recognition
3
Alannis Peterson of Prism Artistry "eats" fire at Agave Bandido for its Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5.
  • May 6, 2026
Agave Bandido hosts Cinco de Mayo party in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch
4
Circus Trail currently runs along the east side of Circus Boulevard before crossing over the road to the east and then back again.
  • May 6, 2026
Circus Trail envisioned to connect Fruitville to 17th Street Park
5
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
  • May 6, 2026
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat

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