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Sarasota | News

A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project

Mira Mar Residences has received its construction permit to add two 18-story condo towers to complement restoration of the historic Palm Avenue building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center

With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard

Benderson Development makes its first appearance before city staff on an application for zoning changes at the former Sarasota County Administration Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

Plans submitted to the Development Review Committee show replacing the vacant Sarasota Lanes with eight townhome buildings with 46 units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the man disregarded an order to drop his weapon and pointed it instead.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

Sarasota police officers rescued a man threatening to jump from the sixth floor of a downtown parking garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles

City of Sarasota transportation planners Alvimarie Corales and Corinne Arriaga have received promotions to capital projects manager and chief transportation planner, respectively.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

Karie Friling had a long-time dream of retiring to Florida. She will arrive earlier than expected as the new Sarasota city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Landscaping projects such as the one proposed for South River Road SR 777) in Venice by the state transportation department are accounted for in the state budget. But upkeep is almost always a county responsibility, something Sarasota officials are concerned about.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 2, 2026
Costs connected to roadway landscaping concern county

State budget pays to plant in medians and shoulders of state roads, but only if Sarasota agrees to a forever-maintenance deal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Irrigation regulations have been increased as the region continues to see impacts from an extended drought.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Watering restrictions increase as drought extends

A phase 3 water shortage means a narrower window to the once-a-week irrigation schedule already in place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Hurricane preparedness workshop scheduled in April

A panel of experts will share tips on how to stay prepared and informed during hurricane season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County has opened a 1.5-mile stretch of newly bifurcated Legacy Trail, separating bicyclists and other wheeled conveyances from walkers and runners.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
First phase of parallel track to Legacy Trail opens

A 1.5-mile stretch of bifurcated Legacy Trail opens to safely separate pedestrians from riders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This Lido Shores home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is listed at $12.98 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Lido Shores home hits the market at $12.98 million

The home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is owned by It Works! co-founder and author of "Rich Girl Poor Girl."

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 1, 2026
Citywide speed limits set at 20 mph on local streets

As part of Sarasota's traffic calming plan development, local street speed limits are capped at 20 miles per hour, faster for collector and arterial roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bravo's Pizzeria & Italian Eatery at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota has closed.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 31, 2026
Pizzeria closes on Main Street in Sarasota

Bravo’s Pizza & Italian Eatery has shuttered next to the Hollywood 11 movie theater.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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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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