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Results for:

  • By Kat Wingert |
  • April 2, 2026
In pursuit of a good laugh

From monorails to teeny-tiny garbage bins, we spread the jokes out last week in our April Fools’ issue. Readers were amused … mostly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Longboat Pass drawbridge opens anywhere from 100 to 300 times per month, according to an FDOT engineering study.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 29, 2026
Town reiterates stance against fixed-span bridge

About two years after Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier sent a letter to FDOT advocating against a fixed-span bridge, newly picked Mayor Debra Williams has done the same.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Artist Maria A. Guzmán Capron beside one of her large-scale textile works featured in “Maria A. Guzmán Capron: Penumbra,” on view at Sarasota Art Museum through Sept. 27.
  • By Su Byron |
  • March 30, 2026
Season is still sizzling. Make sure to take in some shows before summer arrives.

Five compelling reasons to wander galleries, catch a performance and reconnect with Sarasota’s creative pulse.

  • Arts + Culture
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

The Ranch Scramble draws 140 golfers and 40 businesses to Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Emi Frydman checks out the basket of Easter eggs her family members found at the April 4 egg hunt at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. The Easter activities, open to the public, made their return for the first time since the early 2020s through the efforts of church members.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 6, 2026
Back from pre-COVID hiatus, St. Armands hosts Easter bash

Leaders at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church said they were overjoyed to bring back the community Easter egg hunt for all.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's John Calovich is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident enters competitive District 6 election

John Calovich will have to win the primary first because there are four other Republicans in the race.

  • East County
  • News
On Feb. 20, 2026, Florida Power & Light Company(FPL)volunteers beautify and conduct maintenance at The Ranch of Easterseals Southwest Florida. Volunteers removed posts, helped with landscaping and maintenance efforts–supporting the organization’s mission to help people with disabilities discover new strength, improve balance and unlock potential through therapy, learning and recreation on horseback. Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, FPL’s Power to Care week consists of more than 30projects led by hundreds of employees in over 10 counties across Florida.
  • By Devaney Iglesias, Manager of External Affairs for West-Central Florida, Florida Power & Light Company |
  • March 19, 2026
Why year-round volunteer support matters for southwest Florida’s nonprofits

According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, about 40% of nonprofit organizations say they need more volunteers to meet current demand.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sue Wertman and Ann Quackenbush join their sister-in-law, Molly Quackenbush, in enjoying a pancake breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. Chris Sachs and fellow Kiwanians volunteers to raise support for Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 28, 2026
Kiwanians support Family Promise chapter at pancake breakfast

Volunteers with the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key helped raise funds to support local families facing homelessness.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Life Time, an athletic country club, is slated to open in Lakewood Ranch in late 2026. This is the outdoor pool and waterslide at the Life Time in Winter Park.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 17, 2026
Entertainment district expands in Lakewood Ranch

Several entertainment options are under construction on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
New College was founded in 1960.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 18, 2026
Potential New College takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus looms

A local group is fighting back against the move, with a former USF Sarasota-Manatee top official saying this would sacrifice one public school for another's dreams.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said his department would likely meet spending goals set last year by the County Commission, but he added additional positions are in the offing in subsequent budget years.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • March 3, 2026
Early start gets Sarasota leaders thinking about the next budget

Elected officers deliver mixed predictions on hitting spending goals.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alderman Oaks currently has 60 assisted living units. It is seeking to add kitchens to convert them to independent living.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 9, 2026
Retirement center zoning change will allow business model shift

The Sarasota City Commission was divided in its approval to rezone Alderman Oaks Retirement Center, allowing a shift from assisted to independent living.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Angelina Goesch and her mom, Ana Goesch, founder of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, pose with Ana's 4-year-old Golden retriever, Maple.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 8, 2026
The Dogs of Lakewood Ranch club allows canine lovers to network

The group's Facebook group members have found important information, such as available dog sitters and referrals for dog-related issues.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Declan Waters (left) of the Sarasota Paradise celebrates a goal against New York City FC II on Feb. 13 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • February 18, 2026
Will local soccer fans embrace Paradise in Lakewood Ranch?

The local team tests the professional level in 2026 at Premier Sports Campus.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Anthony Sciullo is Manatee County's newest planning commissioner. He was appointed to the role Feb. 12.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • February 17, 2026
County commissioners question if Manatee Planning Commission needs rehaul

Complaints are rising about poor attendance and members pushing their agenda.

  • East County
  • 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
Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board met at Town Hall Tuesday, Nov. 18 to discuss solar panels, building inspections and tree regulations.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • November 25, 2025
Longboat Key to consider adding solar power chapter to town code

Solar panel installations are not prohibited under town code currently but could still lead to code enforcement action.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Charisse Pearlina Weston is the winner of the 2026 Hermitage Greenfield Prize.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • February 3, 2026
Hermitage Artist Retreat awards 2026 Greenfield Prize to visual artist

The visual arts award, given to Charisse Pearlina Weston, includes a $35,000 cash award and a residency at the Englewood arts incubator.

  • Arts + Culture
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 1, 2026
A staple of Longboat Key for over 40 years, Harry's Continental Kitchens keeps it fresh

This Longboat Key landmark blends Old World cuisine, family tradition and a commitment to hospitality.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition

The World Monuments Fund honored Anne and Bob Essner with its inaugural Stewardship Award for Modernist Homes, recognizing a restoration that helped preserve a Sarasota icon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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