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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
Nathan Schrimsher gives some love to his horse, Hanover, after his win in the riding portion of the modern pentathlon.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 11, 2016
Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

Gold medal story comes to life at Nathan Benderson Park

  • East County
  • News
After earning a spot on the Crimson Cabaret dance team, Alexsa Dietrich shows off her new university colors.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 11, 2016
Braden River senior earns spot on Alabama Crimson Cabaret

Alexsa Dietrich uses experience and hard work to ace tryout at the University of Alabama

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 11, 2016
Town plans emergency beach project

Longboat Key aims to place as much as 40,000 cubic yards of sand at the south end of the island this summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 11, 2016
Commissioners approve 1,400-home community

Medallion Home plans to convert dairy farm immediately south of Waterlefe.

  • East County
  • News
An open kitchen allows patrons to watch chefs in action and also creates an opportunity for interaction between the kitchen and guests. The kitchen features a pizza oven.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 11, 2016
SMR expands Country Club offerings

With area growing, developer adds The Lodge to Lakewood Ranch Country Club's luxury amenities.

  • East County
  • News
Gene Witt Elementary Principal Gene Witt David Marshall talks to Addie Bertrand, a recent graduate. Bertrand lives in St. Augustine but wants to move to Bradenton to be closer to her family.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • May 11, 2016
Manatee County schools hire learning

Increased retirement numbers leave school districts competing for qualified teachers.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
The debut Suncoast Food & Wine Fest was held in 2002. The event raises funds to donate to a host of local nonprofits.
  • August 15, 2026
Rotary launches its Suncoast Food & Wine Fest with a fresh look
2
Siebein Acoustic has been taking sound readings at various times across the city.
  • August 15, 2026
Citywide sound study seeks public input
3
Chris Watts stretches Petar Sibinkic in the newly-expanded Longboat Key Fitness studio at 511 Bay Isles Pkwy.
  • August 14, 2026
Fitness pairs with mobility at Longboat Key Fitness
4
Balos Restaurant will be located on the ground floor of The Edge Sarasota in a 7,200-square-foot space.
  • August 14, 2026
Mediterranean restaurant to make Florida debut in downtown Sarasota
5
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has built a path on Bourneside Boulevard, from State Road 64 to University Parkway.
  • August 14, 2026
Manatee County focuses on growing its trails

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