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Results for:

Melody Reedy is one of several Manatee County residents to hold up signs during the land use meeting Oct. 5, 2023 in an attempt to stop commissioners from cutting wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • July 9, 2025
Senate Bill 180 handcuffs Manatee County commissioners

Florida legislators' actions might have stripped commissioners' attempts to make voter-supported changes.

  • East County
  • News
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners vote 6-1 to join a legal action that challenges Senate Bill 180.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • September 8, 2025
Manatee County joins pending lawsuit to challenge Senate Bill 180

Commissioner Mike Rahn warned that the move will likely come with consequences.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • November 27, 2024
Longboat Key hosts annual Toys for Tots campaign through Dec. 9

Through Dec. 9, residents can drop off donations at three locations around the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Breeze OnDemand operates in three zones of Sarasota County much like private ride-sharing services and delivers riders door to door, though not necessarily solo or non-stop.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • June 4, 2025
New fares for Sarasota's Breeze OnDemand begin July 1

The proposal to make rides free for 80-and-older passengers could reappear in 2026.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Paradise Center, located at 546 Bay Isles Road, has until August to raise funding to move to a new space after its rent went up under new ownership.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • August 8, 2025
The Paradise Center continues fundraising

The community center is set to move from its current location at the end of August, later moving to Longboat Island Chapel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Joan M. Durante Park offers scenic views of Sarasota Bay.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • July 1, 2025
Longboat hopes to buy underwater land for $10,000 (or less)

The submerged acreage could help with a high-profile town sewer project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
'Save the Mira Mar' is inappropriate form of horse trading
  • By Letter to the Editor |
  • May 21, 2025
'Save the Mira Mar' is inappropriate form of horse trading

Seaward's development plan rests on two shaky pillars that lacks an economic need and historic preservation, a reader says.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
First-year Lakewood Ranch boys basketball coach Kaden Knott draws up a play during a time out at a scrimmage.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • July 1, 2025
Lakewood Ranch tries to recapture past glory with new boys basketball coach

Kaden Knott, 26, sees bounce-back potential in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is opening its SEA site in early October.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
District 72 Rep. Bill Conerly, FDOT's John Kubler, Commissioner Bob McCann, Commissioner George Kruse and former Commissioner Carol Whitmore handle ribbon-cutting duties for the 44th Avenue Extension Aug. 4.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • August 6, 2025
Joyous occasion for Manatee County, but more drama on the way

The opening of 44th Avenue extension deserves celebration, but commissioners and SMR are headed for confrontation.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Former MLB player Ian Desmond was hired to coach the Lakewood Ranch High baseball team on May 21.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • May 27, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High adds major-league experience with baseball coach

Ian Desmond, a Sarasota native, is embracing a new chapter with the Mustangs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Work on the roundabout at Lena Road and 44th Avenue East is underway. Staff placed widening Lena Road from the roundabout to State Road 64 as the No. 1 priority for District 5 in the Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioners will offer their opinions May 6.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 23, 2025
Lena Road project named a top priority for Manatee County

Residents can contribute to the roadwork conversation at the next County Commission meeting May 6.

  • East County
  • News
Betsy Friedman, interim executive director, and Andy Blanch, founder and director, of Sarasota Strong, and Sister Kristina Abernathy and her husband Father Paul Abernathy
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • August 9, 2025
Pastor leads trauma-informed community development workshop

A workshop hosted by SRQ Strong is part of a project to build community resources from within the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jordan Arcari, 33, is the owner, operator and chef of Eatalia Market at Waterside. The products are imported from Italy and they offer fresh grab and go meals. Customers can also purchase other products such as wine, cheese and meats to cook authentic Italian cuisine themselves.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • June 14, 2025
Eatalia Market offers goods imported from Italy in Lakewood Ranch

Owner Jordan Arcari wanted to bring Italian culture to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Carol Peschel, Executive Director Amy Steinhauser and Barbara Koetsier participate in a relaxing afternoon of drinking tea and coloring at The Paradise Center.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 17, 2025
Longboat Key's yearlong residents enjoy high time for tea

Attendees at one of The Paradise Center's latest social events partook in afternoon tea and coloring.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brianna Behn scored 25 points in Booker High's win over Charlotte High on Jan. 21.
  • By Dylan Campbell |
  • December 31, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Brianna Behn

The Booker High point guard has been a force for the Tornadoes in her senior season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Woman reports frequent visitor outside her bedroom window
  • By Observer Staff |
  • July 9, 2025
Woman reports frequent visitor outside her bedroom window

On multiple occasions a man is spotted outside a woman's apartment engaging in a lewd act with an audience of dolls. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Sarasota softball dog-piled in the pitcher's circle after securing the final out against Riverview Sumner on May 15.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • July 18, 2025
Female athletes at the prep level have more opportunities than ever

Sarasota and Manatee county schools continue to work on evening the playing field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarah Durham is Florida Studio Theatre's associate director of improv and is in charge of the Sarasota Improv Festival.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • July 15, 2025
Meet Florida Studio Theatre's new associate improv director

Sarah Durham earned her comedy stripes at Chicago's famed Second City.

  • Arts + Culture
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
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