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Trending | Sarasota

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
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.6.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Bruce Pearl's AUTLIVE program raises awareness for for cancer prevention and detection. Photo courtesy Shanna Lockwood/Auburn Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 5, 2021
Gala's guest offers pearl of wisdom

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Myles Summerlin, Dillon Smith and Zionna Williams graduating from Booker High School.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 4, 2021
Laptops on the way

The organization is providing 175 laptops to students in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amy McKinlay and Luca Giunta
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 4, 2021
Moms on motherhood

New mothers and empty nesters alike say there is nothing pre-packaged about life as a parent.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Structures at Bobby Jones Golf Club will be removed this spring and early summer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 4, 2021
Bobby Jones nature trails closing next week

Work begins to demolish buildings in preparation for renovation of property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A city ordinance requiring a face mask when social distancing was not possible in public expired earlier this year after state regulations nullified enforcement options. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 4, 2021
City scraps plans for mask ordinance

An executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis rendered consideration of a mask mandate moot, the city attorney said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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