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News

Christ Church of Longboat Key plans to repurpose the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive to increase parking and part of a beautification project.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 16, 2025
Christ Church moves forward with long-term expansion plan

The church hopes to increase parking and add outdoor space for the organization by repurposing the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The new Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport observation facility provides an up-close view of aircraft taking off and landing.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 15, 2025
SRQ airport opens new observation area facility

Now paved, striped and secured from passing traffic, the new plane spotting area at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport includes a playground, shade structure and air traffic control audio.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Developer Paxton Kinol discusses plans for developing the Audobon Townhomes at Sarasota Station with the Sarasota Planning Board.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 14, 2025
Sarasota Station townhome project moves one step closer

Planning Board approvals pave the way for 69 townhomes that will help make possible the development of 202 affordable and workforce apartments.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats

A 14-year-old student made social media posts about carrying out a shooting Friday.

  • East County
  • News
The seating area of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has no center aisle, requiring patrons seating toward the center to step over dozens of others to enter or exit their rows.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 13, 2025
Van Wezel engineering report: Good as is for now, not for later

Karins Engineering update to the Purple Ribbon Committee indicates long-term current use, without significant modifications, is less than ideal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Gulf Coast Leadership Institute Class of 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 12, 2025
Applications now accepted for 2025 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

The annual initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is designed to develop leadership skills in service to community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County previously planned to bring a learning center and community space to Whitney Plaza.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 12, 2025
Longboat, Manatee County officials discuss options for north-end center

Manatee County officials expressed interest in continuing the project in a new, permanent location and potentially entering a short-term lease in the interim.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Construction on Upper Manatee River Road has been underway since August 2024, so it's hit commissioners' "point of no return."
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 12, 2025
Will more lanes solve traffic concerns in Manatee County?

Commissioners say their priority should be to improve existing infrastructure as opposed to adding more lanes.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering by SB Architects of 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, which will include 117 condominiums in the west tower (right) and a Hyatt Centric Harborside hotel in the east.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 12, 2025
City to decide on Hyatt appeal, SPAC agreement on Monday

The SPAC implementation agreement and the appeal of Hyatt Regency redevelopment approval highlight Monday's Sarasota City Commission agenda.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key honored Vice Mayor Mike Haycock with a plaque to celebrate his nine years of service to the town.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 12, 2025
Vice Mayor Mike Haycock reflects on nine years of service to Longboat Key

Haycock reaches his term limit for commission but hopes to continue giving back to the community after some world travel.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key's Bayfront Park is one of Suncoast Waterkeeper's weekly sampling sites.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 12, 2025
Suncoast Waterkeeper releases 2024 water quality report

The report shows trends in the region's concentrations of enterococci, a bacteria that is a fecal matter indicator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lyn Haycock, Mike Haycock, Susan Phillips and Steve Branham celebrate Branham's win at his home on March 11. Branham will take over the at-large seat currently held by Mike Haycock.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 11, 2025
Steve Branham wins race for Longboat Key at-large commission seat

Branham will take over the at-large seat currently held by Mike Haycock. The town's subaqueous loan referendum and two charter amendments passed, as well.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The purple line running from the Key to the orange dot represents the town-owned wastewater pipeline.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 11, 2025
Longboat Key voters approve loan option for wastewater main replacement

The referendum asked voters if the town should be allowed to pursue a low-interest loan option to pay for the required underwater force main replacement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Salads, bowls and wraps are on the menu at Flower Child.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 11, 2025
National healthy restaurant to make Florida debut in Lakewood Ranch

Flower Child offers a menu filled with fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Longboat Island Chapel is the Manatee County precinct for Longboat Key voters.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer, Dana Kampa
  • March 11, 2025
Longboat Key voters cast their ballots for March 2025 election

The first contested commission ballot since 2018, plus three other ballot measures, drew a small but steady crowd at the island’s two polling locations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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