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News

    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • May 16, 2016
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigates business burglaries

At least two suspects broke into six businesses last week.

  • East County
  • News
Ty Dauphas, Zachary Snyder and Mark Parsons of Freedom watch water drain from their creation during the timing challenge of the water tower competition.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 14, 2016
McNeal students tower over the competition

Annual Elementary Water Tower Competition hosted by Freedom Elementary.

  • East County
  • News
Vengroff has said he will not proceed with his housing plans if the city requires annual inspections for the property.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 13, 2016
City to revisit Vengroff apartment plans

Two weeks ago, Harvey Vengroff said his affordable housing proposal wasn’t going to happen. Now, city staff hopes relaxed regulations will keep the project alive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • May 13, 2016
U.S. Post Office to hold food drive Saturday

The drive will benefit the Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • News
Former Sun Hydraulics CEO Al Carlson will lead the University of Florida's engineering extension office in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 13, 2016
Sarasota-based UF partnership hires new leader

After the University of Florida launched its first engineering extension office in Sarasota earlier this year, a prominent local business figure is stepping aboard as regional director.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 12, 2016
Fine arts take flight at McNeal

The school hosted a fine arts festival.

  • East County
  • News
The former Best Western on South Tamiami Trail is currently under a Baymont Inn & Suites flag.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 12, 2016
Sheraton hotel planned for Sarasota

A five-story Four Points by Sheraton is slated to replace the former Best Western on South Tamiami Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This year's Siesta Fiesta didn't close Ocean Boulevard, but the smaller footprint did little to rekindle merchant enthusiasm for the event.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 12, 2016
Future of Siesta Fiesta remains in question

Siesta Village merchants say the annual Siesta Fiesta is on life support. Some businesses say the event needs a jolt of energy — but others want to pull the plug.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 12, 2016
St. Armands leaders expand bathroom wish list

As the city works on addressing a long-standing need for public restrooms on St. Armands Circle, businesses want to add even more facilities to the shopping district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Event organizers hope to secure Payne Park as the new home for Thunder by the Bay, but the city is still weighing its options.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 12, 2016
Thunder by the Bay organizers target Payne Park as favored site

Once again, a potential Main Street home for the motorcycle fest has been ruled out. Can the city and event organizers come to an agreement on a new location?

  • Sarasota
  • News
New food truck regulations could come before the County Commission by late September, staff says.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 12, 2016
County hits brake on food truck rule changes

Although the Sarasota County Planning Commission is interested in relaxing the regulations on food trucks, any changes won’t take effect until fall, at least.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 12, 2016
Siesta drives at alternative to Big Pass dredge

As the city works on a plan to renourish Lido Key, Siesta residents turned to Longboat Key for insight regarding another option.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city has closed a portion of Cocoanut Avenue as part of a series of planned improvements for the road this year.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2016
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Cocoanut street closure and affordable housing feedback

The city closes a downtown street for construction, and our readers share their thoughts on the murky future of a proposed apartment complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Employee Lee Tehart restocks pineapples.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 11, 2016
Aldi opens new store

The new store in East County will ease overcrowding at the Cortez location.

  • East County
  • News
Randy Bezet, the founding pastor at Bayside Community Church has lead the church's expansion along with the addition of Bayside College.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 11, 2016
Bayside College expands in Lakewood Ranch area

Church's rapid growth leads to desire to educate young leaders

  • East County
  • News
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