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Results for:

Town staffer finds balance with tiring work and passion for weightlifting
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • January 14, 2025
Town staffer finds balance with tiring work and passion for weightlifting

Matthew Ballew's busy days working for Longboat Key Public Works are paired with a lifestyle of weightlifting and bodybuilding, which has taught him important life lessons.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
With the recent release of a live-action version of "Lilo & Stitch," Disney-themed backpacks fill store shelves. But so do bags with characters like Kuromi and My Melody from the company behind Hello Kitty.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • July 13, 2025
Accessories dominate 2025 back-to-school fashion

From the smash phenomenon of troll-like dolls strapped onto belts and bags to character-themed backpacks, accessories are how students are sharing their personal fashion sense this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Myakka City Historical Society has been restoring the Myakka City School House since 1993.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • July 2, 2025
Historical sites tell Manatee County's story

Preserving history is a joint effort between government, nonprofits and residents.

  • East County
  • News
Planning Board member Shane Lamay asked if the medical office planned for University Parkway near SRQ could be moved to preserve trees.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • June 27, 2025
Airport-adjacent medical office clears Planning Board scrutiny

A medical office nestled among hotels near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport wins endorsement from the city Planning Board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Sharks swimmer Emma Lynch, 11, won three gold medals at the Shark Open from June 19-22.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • July 8, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Emma Lynch

Lynch is one of the 12 fastest 11- to 12-year-old swimmers in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Sarasota Seagrass sculpture selected for the roundabout at 10th Street and U.S. 41 has been redesigned to remove the fish per Florida Department of Transportation safety standards.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • August 5, 2025
Design and perhaps location changes affect 10th Street roundabout sculpture

For safety reasons, the small fish in the Seagrass sculpture selected for the roundabout at 10th Street and U.S. 41 have been removed while the location choice remains in flux.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Stricker is likely to be one of the favorites at the 2026 Senior PGA Championship in April at the Concession.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • July 25, 2025
A perfect match for the PGA of America?

Lakewood Ranch-area businesses needed to help service the 2026 Senior PGA Championship at the Concession.

  • East County
  • Opinion
A Starbucks is planned to come to Longboat Key sometime in 2025 or 2026, depending on permitting and construction.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • June 4, 2025
Starbucks still planned for Longboat Key plaza

Despite common beliefs, Longboat Key has no prohibition on franchises or chains, but the property would need a special exception from the Planning and Zoning Board to put in a restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has a contract with Manatee County to build a roundabout on University Parkway where Legacy Boulevard meets Deer Drive.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • August 8, 2025
Planned University Parkway roundabout sparks debate but no action

Technical issues stop the Manatee County Commission from ending the debate and any attempts to stop the roundabout.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Oquendo, the recycling coordinator for Manatee County, shows off the "big bin."
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • June 1, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market offers produce and information

The Farmers Market is a year round event held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County commissioners approve the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms for $13.5 million July 29, exactly two years after the farm's last day of business.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • August 6, 2025
Manatee County moves forward with Mixon Fruit Farms purchase

The property will be purchased for $13.5 million and be developed into a living museum, a library and other public uses.

  • East County
  • News
Gabriella Brinceanu, 14, and her sister Alaina Brinceanu, 3, work together to pop the bubbles.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • July 5, 2025
Community enjoys barbecue, bubbles at Selby Gardens' Fourth of July

Selby Gardens hosted its annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Roller skating sensation Anita Zeman manages to keep smiling, even as her husband Karoly Zeman launches her into the air under the Waterside Place Pavilion July 4 during Star-Spangled Spectacular.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • July 5, 2025
Star-Spangled Spectacular lights up Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's first July 4 festival is a smashing success at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Visitors viewing the Florida Highwaymen exhibit in the summer of 2024.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • February 5, 2025
Special Highwaymen artists showing comes to Longboat

The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel is hosting a special showing of works by the 22 famous Highwaymen artists for Black History Month.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sisters Marilyn Woodstock, Paula Piekos and Jan Owens pay a visit to their favorite artist, Pat Lundy, at the annual Longboat Key Town Hall Art Exhibition and Artists' Reception.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 15, 2025
Longboat Key Town Hall extravaganza unites art appreciators

Attending this annual celebration of local artists has become an annual tradition for sisters living across the country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with the backdrop of the setting sun.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • July 16, 2025
City committee ties a bow on its two-year mission

Sarasota's Purple Ribbon Committee adjourns after 28 meetings in 24 months as it prepares to deliver its Van Wezel repurposing recommendations to the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to open Jeff's Bagel Run in Lakewood Ranch. They will serve bagels, cream cheese, coffee and more.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • July 22, 2025
Jeff's Bagel Run to open in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to bring the Jeff's Bagel Run franchise to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Longboat Key department heads, staff and first responders gathered at Shore Longboat Key on June 6 for an employee appreciation lunch.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • June 9, 2025
Town department heads, officials recognize staff with lunch and awards

Longboat Key town employees from every department gathered June 6 at Shore Restaurant for an afternoon brunch, trivia and awards ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The School District of Manatee County holds meetings for the public to flip through physical maps of the proposed 2026-2027 Residential Attendance Zones.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • June 25, 2025
Manatee County School District seeks public feedback on rezoning

School officials and board members ask the public to make comments on the district's website.

  • East County
  • Schools
  • By Beginning to End Interiors | B2End |
  • February 20, 2025
Are You Truly Ready for Your Remodeling Project?

“We’re here to help our clients navigate the often overwhelming maze of design and renovation decisions,” says Alan Gravley. “There are more misconceptions out there than you might think.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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