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Sarasota | News

Analysts at SPD's Real Time Operations Center monitor multiple cameras, sensors and other devices spread throughout the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Annual crime rates in Sarasota continue to decline

In presenting the annual Sarasota Police Department crime report, Chief Rex Troche said the department is "just right" to be effective.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hurricane Milton at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9, 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 29, 2026
Climate Adaptation Center predicts fewer storms this hurricane season

The annual forecast by the local nonprofit predicted a total of two major hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley makes his case to the Sarasota County Commission for funding Phase 3 work at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 29, 2026
Sarasota County takes cautious approach to The Bay park funding

Rather than commit to a funding its portion of the The Bay Phase 3 project, the Sarasota County Commission approved half its share of the fiscal year 2027 debt service payment from TIF funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An artistic rendering by Hoyt Architects of the street level of the proposed Obsidian at 126 N. Palm Ave.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 27, 2026
Controversial downtown tower comes back before City Commission

A mediated agreement between city staff and the developer of the previously rejected Obsidian tower will be considered by the Sarasota City Commission on May 4.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In is back at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 25, 2026
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens in Sarasota

The open-air restaurant on Washington Boulevard has returned and has future plans to offer online ordering.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Boat, pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be unaffected by a $4.3 million maintenance project on Siesta Key's north bridge.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 25, 2026
Siesta Key's north bridge undergoes maintenance project

Most work will take place below the deck of the 50-year-old drawbridge.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Workers carry one of two storm surge poles Sarasota County has installed at Siesta Beach and Manasota Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 23, 2026
Storm surge poles installed at Sarasota County beaches

Colorful poles to educate the public about the dangers of storm surge have been installed at two Sarasota County beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents of some buildings in the redeveloped Bath + Racquet Residences & Club will have views of the courts and members' pool.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 23, 2026
Reimagined Bath + Racquet club expects condo occupation by fall

Bath + Racquet Residences & Club expects to move in its first residences and have the club partially opened by early fall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
1000 North will feature a floating staircase connecting the downsairs dining room with the walnut-lined second-floor lounges.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 23, 2026
Exclusive club complements developer's Sarasota evolution vision

Already expanding before it opens, 1000 North augments the vision of developer Kevin Daves to make Sarasota among the country's "most refined" cities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alderman Oaks currently has 60 assisted living units. It is seeking to add kitchens to convert them to independent living.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 22, 2026
Assisted-living facility near downtown wins rezoning approval

On second reading, a divided Sarasota City Commission approves Alderman Oaks rezoning without a site plan, opening the door for proposed renovation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Patrick Robinson at the dais with Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen during a recent City Commission meeting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
Sarasota deputy city manager announces retirement

Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson has informed the City Commission and senior staff of his retirement effective May 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Visioning sessions for the future of St. Armands Circle have been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
The vision for St. Armands Circle? It depends on whom you ask.

Flooding and traffic mitigation are common goals for St. Armands residents and businesses. The outlook on density, height and merchant mix in the commercial district remains divided.

  • 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
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Work is underway at 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents in the first phase of Tom Leonard’s plan to bring the Shore Restaurant back to St. Armands Circle.
  • May 18, 2026
Shore’s return to St. Armands underway with gutting of building
2
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
3
Kayla Taylor
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award
4
Officer Ryan Block and K-9 Partner Kodak have become Sarasota Police Department's second certified explosive detection team.
  • May 15, 2026
SPD K-9 team earns explosive-detection certification
5
A lane closure will affect traffic on the John Ringling Causeway during an FDOT maintenance project.
  • May 14, 2026
Roadwork will close Ringling Causeway lane at Bird Key

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