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Sarasota | News

The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project

The request for proposals calls for completion of the $60 million addition in time for the summer 2028 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million

A record 751 nonprofits participated in the biennial event, which attracted 50,000-plus donors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya at the Lido Beach Pavilion walkover, which will be replaced when 6-foot-high dunes are built in the area.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 16, 2026
Projects will leave Lido Key with a whole new beach

As beach renourishment winds down, the city of Sarasota is gearing up for a project to build 6-foot-plus dunes for much of Lido Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Jon Thaxton speaks to members of the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association as Sarasota Capital Projects Manager Alvimarie Corales and local historian Jeff LaHurd look on.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 16, 2026
Condo group panel decries outcome of Downtown Master Plan

A panel discussion arranged by the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association largely decried development enabled by the 2020 Downtown Master Plan.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space

Element will shutter its current location downtown in late April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Terry Connor speaks during the State of the Community luncheon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota schools leader outlines issues but also optimism

Superintendent Terry Connor spoke at the State of the Community event by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce on April 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2026
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop

A convicted felon from Louisiana and hitchhiker from Virginia were arrested on charges stemming from a stolen vehicle stop on St. Armands.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and County Commissioners Teresa Mast, Ron Cutsinger, Mark Smith, Joe Neunder and Tom Knight flank Matt Osterhoudt as he cuts the ribbon at the new development services one stop shop.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
New county building consolidates development services staff

The ribbon is cut to open the new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services "one stop shop" in east county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Facilitator David Brain presents findings of the first St. Armands visioning session to the audience.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
St. Armands visioning wraps up, but more work remains

Following two public workshop sessions, Sarasota city staff now has its list of priorities as planning and projects for a more resilient St. Armands Circle continue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Top rankings among the U.S. and the world's best beaches is not new to Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 14, 2026
Siesta Beach ranked No. 1 beach in the US

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings rates Siesta Beach as best in the country ahead of notable destinations in Hawaii, California and Florida.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 10, 2026
Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges

A parole officer supplied information to Sarasota Police, prompting a search of a property in the city, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill is at 1525 Fourth St., Suite C, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 10, 2026
Sushi restaurant opens in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill will open April 10 on Fourth Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short

With $8 million already pledged for public parking, the Sarasota City Commission declines adding $4 million for SHA's McCown Towers funding gap.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
  • April 17, 2026
Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project
2
Bernhard Langer reads the 10th green before attempting a putt. The 47-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions and two-time Masters Tournament champion shot six under par in his opening round.
  • April 16, 2026
Senior PGA Championship tees off at The Concession Golf Club
3
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million
4
Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.
  • April 16, 2026
After 45 years, liver transplant recipient is still grateful for a second chance
5
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
  • April 16, 2026
Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics

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