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News

Sarasota County Assistant Fire Chief Tom Dorsey speaks at a news conference on Siesta Key on Friday, Sept. 27, while County Commissioner Mark Smith and Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi look on.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
Siesta Key Village businesses 'wiped out' by Hurricane Helene

Sarasota rescue officials say work is just beginning to recover from the storm.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Passersby stop to look at a large sailboat that lies beached on Bayfront Park on Friday, Sept. 27, a day after Hurricane Helene passed through the area.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
Morning after Helene reveals hit-and-miss damage at Bayfront Park

At least two sailboats suffered major damage when they were ripped from their moorings overnight.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tony Olivero of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch cleans up fallen palm fronds, tree limbs and other debris following Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 27, 2024
All quiet on the eastern Manatee front following Hurricane Helene

While west Manatee beaches took a "devastating" hit, Lakewood Ranch-area residents were dealing with minor cleanup.

  • East County
  • News
Truck are lined up at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds at dawn Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 as Florida Power & Light coordinated efforts to restore power to residents after Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
FPL crews working 'around the clock' to restore power

An estimated 76,000 customers in Sarasota County and another 22,000 in Manatee County had lost power due to the storm.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brick veneer and metal touches are characteristic of Whataburger restaurants.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • September 27, 2024
Popular Texas burger chain Whataburger seeks approval for Sarasota debut

Developers are proposing putting a Whataburger on the former Café Baci location on U.S. 41 in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Renzo Piano Building Workshop's rendering of the proposed “cultural promenade” a shaded walkway along Tamiami Trail, for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 26, 2024
Design proposal breaks SPAC into four buildings

Renzo Piano Building Workshop reveals a surprise plan to move the Sarasota Peforming Arts Center closer to Tamiami Trail and separate the spaces into four structures.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key beaches were relatively empty before Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 25, 2024
Evacuation ordered for Longboat Key ahead of Hurricane Helene

As Tropical Storm Helene strengthened into a hurricane around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Longboat Key officials advised residents that an evacuation order was in effect for residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Town of Longboat Key will fund a $2.948 million beach nourishment at Gulfside Road in FY25.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 25, 2024
Fiscal year 2025 earns final approval from Longboat commission

Of the town’s $145.4 million spending outlined in a five-year capital plan, 53% — about $77 million — is expected to come in fiscal year 2025.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Indian Mound Park boat access in Englewood will have 11 commercial charter permits available under the current proposal that will be considered by the Sarasota County Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 25, 2024
Charter boat program would limit county park access to 124 permits

The Sarasota County Commission received task force recommendation to govern use of public park gulf access by private tour operators. The bidding would start at $1,200 each.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Guardians John Bartley and Joe Hodge man the security screeners at Braden River High School's football game Sept. 20.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 25, 2024
School Board of Manatee County adds safety and security to tax referendum

If renewed, the 1-mill property tax referendum will support providing security at after-school events and funding security enhancements.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County acknowledges not being in compliance with Florida's Public Records Act.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 25, 2024
Manatee County settles public records lawsuit for $75,000

The county acknowledged that it was not in compliance with the law.

  • East County
  • News
The roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to improve safety at the intersection.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 25, 2024
Longboat Key finds potential new funding for Broadway Roundabout

Town staff recently heard from the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, which said it might have enough funds in fiscal year 2025 or 2027 to cover the remaining $3.2 million needed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Town of Longboat Key and FDOT are discussing potential ownership options for the island's pedestrian underpass.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 24, 2024
Town engages in ownership discussions about pedestrian underpass

The Bay Isles Association recently approached the town of Longboat Key about taking over ownership of the island's only pedestrian underpass along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The final budget hearing is on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 24, 2024
Manatee County adopts $3.2 billion budget

Commissioners also adopted a $5.1 billion Capital Improvement Plan and a reduced millage rate.

  • East County
  • News
The trailer and specialized equipment inside cost the East Manatee Fire Rescue approximately $380,000.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 24, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue expands specialized services

The fire district purchased a trailer stocked full of specialty equipment meant to handle the most complicated calls.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Longboat Key Police Department.
  • December 26, 2025
Show off your cars, enjoy coffee at LKPD community event
2
The pool in Taylor Morrison's Esplanade at Azario development in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch community.
  • December 26, 2025
Builder to bring 1,200-home community to Lakewood Ranch
3
Riverview High baseball player-mentors pose for a photo on Dec. 9 with their kindergarten mentees at Southside Elementary School. Danielle Sobolewski, a kindergarten teacher at Southside, asked for some silly faces.
  • December 25, 2025
Riverview High baseball mentors next generation
4
Selby Gardens Master Plan Phase 2 Learning Pavilion Interior rendering.
  • December 25, 2025
Selby Gardens' renovations add to appeal while keeping mission in mind
5
The Unit 111 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail was built in 2000 and has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,186 square feet of living area.
  • December 25, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 8-12 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

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