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Sports

John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research

Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor, hosted the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jacobey Mobley's speed isn't just on the track. He was Booker football's leading rusher in 2025 en route to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacobey Mobley

The senior won two races at the Hurricane Invite for Booker High boys track and field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam (left). Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
SB 538 will improve pay for some coaches but leave many behind

The bill, which has already passed the Florida Legislature, is poised to benefit booster-friendly programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mickey Cohen is the leading scorer for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse this season. He surpassed 100 career goals as a junior in 2025.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 30, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Mickey Cohen

The senior has been on a scoring tear for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse.

  • East County
  • Sports
Noah Kumar spent the 2025 season on the PGA Tour Americas, but is poised to make his Korn Ferry Tour debut April 2 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 26, 2026
Guided by a golf legend, young pro returns home

Noah Kumar, a Cardinal Mooney graduate, has channeled Arnold Palmer en route to the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The view of the field at LECOM Park from the Section 16 grandstand. Opened in 1923, it's the oldest ballpark in the Grapefruit League and second-oldest in the minor leagues.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 25, 2026
MLB spring training under my microscope

Comparing the parking, concessions and more at three local ballparks.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Hank Lebioda shot 17 under par to finish third at the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 25, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic found an above-par home in Lakewood Ranch

Since the tournament's debut in 2019, it has been a staple of the community calendar.

  • East County
  • Sports
Kole Ayrault leads the Sailors in batting average and hits, as of March 23, and also ranks third for RBIs and runs.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 24, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kole Ayrault

The senior first baseman/outfielder has fueled a fiery start for Sarasota High baseball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Byeong Hun An, who won the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic, is ranked No. 129 in the world, as of March 23. He tied for 21st place at the 2025 Masters Tournament and played in all four majors of the PGA Tour that season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 24, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic title doesn't guarantee PGA Tour success

However, previous winners have won millions following their wins at Lakewood National.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jenna Jahn notched a pair of top-two finishes at the Eddie Starling Memorial Invite on March 13 — including a record-breaking performance.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 23, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Jenna Jahn

As a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High, she broke the program record for the 400-meter hurdles.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cooper Jones is one of seven freshmen additions for Braden River this season. The third baseman/catcher leads the team in RBIs and ranks second in batting average, as of March 10.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Freshmen talent takes center stage for Braden River High's softball team

The Pirates were off to a fast start with seven freshmen having an immediate impact.

  • East County
  • Sports
Junior guard/forward Isaiah Jenkins (left) looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 7A boys basketball state championship between Sarasota and Miami Columbus. The Sailors fell, 53-50, on March 14 at Jacksonville's UNF Arena.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Learning to love transformed Sarasota boys basketball

As corny as it sounds, a culture of care lifted the Sailors to historic heights.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Concession Golf Club is hosting the Senior PGA Championship April 16-19.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Final preparations underway for The Concession to host Senior PGA Championship

The Lakewood Ranch golf club has officially begun its one-month countdown to the tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
Alex Bates of Riverview track and field is a reigning FHSAA regional and district champion for pole vault. Four meets into his senior season, he's already notched a pair of first-place finishes.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Alex Bates

The reigning state runner-up in FHSAA Class 4A for pole vault placed first at the Ram Invitational.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ava DiPasquale is ranked sixth in Florida among girls age 13-14 for the 2025-26 season, as well as 67th nationally in that regard, per Swimcloud.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava DiPasquale

The 14-year-old from Mill Creek won big at the Florida Age Group Swimming state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
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1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
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3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
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Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
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Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
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Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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