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Sarasota

    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 8, 2021
Area athletes find gold and silver linings on day two of track and field championships

Athletes from Lakewood Ranch, Booker and Cardinal Mooney left the event with hardware.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 7, 2021
The 16th annual Dick Vitale Gala returns to Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

The annual event was held May 7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • Black Tie
Miles Stephens (fifth) and Josh Thomas (fourth) represented Braden River High well in the Class 3A 100-meter dash.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2021
Slow first day at track and field championships for area athletes

There were not many area competitors, but two Braden River runners proved their sprint speed against the best.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mia Spirow practices her aerial moves during Circus Arts Conservatory spring break camp. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 7, 2021
Circus Arts Conservatory seeks lease extension from School Board

As circus leaders plan an expansion, they're aiming for a 99-year lease extension to remain on Sarasota High School's campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
For three months in 2020, the city temporarily suspended enforcement of its paid parking program because of COVID-19, leading to a steep decline in revenue. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
City keeps parking management in-house — for now

In addition to passing on options for teaming up with a private parking operator, the commission extended provisions allowing for expanded outdoor dining.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The concept includes a mixed-use complex including public parking, a gourmet market, a boutique hotel and town homes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
Concept floated for St. Armands hotel

A developer wants the city to consider turning a St. Armands parking lot into a mixed-use hub anchored by a hotel. Could that one day become reality?

  • Sarasota
  • News
It took Wigelsworth some time to put the castle together. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 6, 2021
Celebratory sand castle

Siesta Key Sand Sculptor makes sand castle for Sarasota Centennial.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
About 2,300 acres of sea grass has been lost.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Seagrass in Sarasota Bay drops to 12-year low

Data show an 18% decrease in Sarasota Bay, or a loss of 2,300 acres of sea grass.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School board leaders are considering a partnership that would move the training of its annual 450-member firefighter school to a new county site.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
School district, county consider fire training partnership

As the county prepares to build a regional fire training site, school leaders are considering switching from the district's current facility to a partnership at the new facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Superintendent Brennan Asplen began his role in August 2020 and now school board members will evaluate his effectiveness in his first year on the job.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Board members consider how best to evaluate superintendent

Superintendent Brennan Asplen has been on the job for nearly a year. Now board members will evaluate his effectiveness.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson was named a 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Sarasota teacher named finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year

Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson is one of five statewide finalists.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The fire department is considering improvements that include additional staffing and enhanced fire stations. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
County considers improvements to fire department

The county is considering expanding its Rapid Response Unit and improvement stations in south Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Riverview High beach volleyball team won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Class AA Championship on May 1. Photo courtesy Tim Britt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2021
Last team sand-ing

Riverview High's beach volleyball team wins SSAC state tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Landscape architect Phil Smith shared conceptual designs showcasing a plan for widening sidewalks and eliminating angled parking on Main Street. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Main Street makeover gets preliminary design

City officials expressed excitement about a proposal to widen sidewalks and eliminate angled parking, though some questions — including cost estimates — remain unanswered.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After the orchestra reiterated its belief that land in Payne Park was essential for the group to remain in the city, Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown said he believed both parties should be willing to compromise. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Orchestra, city engage in venue conversation

Although the orchestra initially pushed for action from the City Commission, both parties met last month for a private discussion about a music hall in Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout
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Kayla Taylor
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3
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  • May 15, 2026
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4
A lane closure will affect traffic on the John Ringling Causeway during an FDOT maintenance project.
  • May 14, 2026
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5
Karie Friling makes brief comments to the Sarasota City Commission during her visit to the May 4 commission meeting.
  • May 14, 2026
New city manager calls career in public service 'most noble of professions'

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