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Results for:

Lee Whitehurst was named chief of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District in 2017.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • February 21, 2025
Fire chief prepares to pass the torch of public safety

Lee Whitehurst's passion to become a firefighter was kindled as a teenager. Five decades later, with retirement looming, he remains devoted to the craft.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The AMC 12 movie theater was one of three businesses operating at the otherwise vacant Sarasota Square Mall.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • November 1, 2024
AMC 12 at Sarasota Square Mall closes permanently

The theater was one of three businesses planned to survive redevelopment of the largely vacant mall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mike Harrison and Amish, one of several horses of his on the Florida Cracker Trail Association’s Annual Cross-State Ride, a trek from Bradenton to Fort Pierce.
  • By Jim DeLa |
  • February 18, 2025
Cracker Trail lures riders to a vanishing Old Florida

The Cracker Trail Ride "either gets on you or in you."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A restored Mira Mar would remove the overhead glass enclosed walkway between the two buildings fronting South Palm Avenue.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • September 28, 2024
Developer reveals proposal to save the Mira Mar building

To restore the 100-year-old structure will cost $29 million paid for with proceeds from the sale of 70 condos in twin 18-story towers built behind it.

  • Sarasota
  • News
New board members Bob Kelly, Heather Herr and Kathy Beam join the annual St. Armands Residents Association dinner.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 10, 2025
St. Armands residents utilize post-storm enlightenment

Community members consider infrastructure resilience, particularly with storm drains, at their annual dinner get-together.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Longboat Key estate provides a ready escape to the water.
  • By Robert Plunket |
  • January 30, 2025
Longboat Key estate boasts features that make it a boater's dream come true

Set on two acres overlooking peaceful Bishop’s Bayou, this waterfront masterpiece is both eye-catching and private.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dennis DeWitt, Bob Keagy, Jeff Murphy and Jeff Barlow
  • By Petra Rivera |
  • December 16, 2024
Bird Key Yacht Club lights their docks at annual event

The Blessing of the Fleet wished members safe travels with a history that dates back to World War II.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Moratorium madness
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • February 5, 2025
Moratorium madness

‘Overdevelopment’ is not the problem in Manatee, and a moratorium is certainly not the answer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Linda, Lisa and Lindsey Mullins
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 12, 2025
Sarasota Bay Seafood & Music Festival fills ears and stomachs

The event was held in its new location of the Sarasota Fairgrounds for the first time.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A first responder from the Sarasota County Fire Department calls for the evacuation of a "shooting victim" during an active shooter training exercise Jan 30.
  • By Jim DeLa |
  • February 1, 2025
Active shooter training keeps Sarasota's first responders ready

Twice-yearly exercises smooth coordination between fire and law enforcement personnel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students from Phillippi Shores Elementary School, including Fifth graders Matthew Vinson and Kadence Butler and fourth grader Genevieve Stickley offer a performance.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • December 11, 2024
Young performers create holiday splendor in Ringling Museum courtyard

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling showcased performances by local schools, while helping draw donations to Toys for Tots.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch CERT's Dick Plotkin and Dave Esslinger talk about using drones after a hurricane to help the community.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • March 20, 2025
Lakewood Ranch CERT explores the use of drones

Manatee County Sheriff's Office explains its use of drones during a CERT meeting at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
Despite 3 hurricanes, 2024 left Longboat Key smiling
  • By Michael Harris |
  • December 25, 2024
Despite 3 hurricanes, 2024 left Longboat Key smiling

In 2024, we saved lives of turtles and birds and released them back into nature; we danced on St. Patty's Day and renewed love on Valentine's; and we found wonderful goodies, tastes and drinks only Longboat can dish out.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The purple line running from the Key to the orange dot represents the town-owned wastewater pipeline.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • February 8, 2025
What is the referendum on the March 2025 Longboat Key ballot?

The upcoming ballot includes a referendum that, if passed, would allow the town to pursue a low-interest loan for a necessary underwater pipeline replacement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • February 24, 2025
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance

Nicole Ashley Morris takes center stage when the legendary dance troupe celebrates its 60th anniversary March 4.

  • Arts + Culture
Rachel Walmsley lines up a shot during shooting practice at Braden River High School on Thursday, Dec. 12.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • December 27, 2024
Braden River senior helps JROTC team have a shot at air rifle tournament

Rachel Walmsley is floating on air after winning her region's air rifle match.

  • East County
  • Schools
Former polo pro Bob Brosious gives some quick instruction to Raymond Dweck, and Lisa and Mark Friedman during Polo with the Pros at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 19.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 21, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund kicks off 2025 with polo event

Polo with the Pros packed the pavilion despite a storm that canceled the actual polo match.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota ranks second in US in GoFundMe giving
  • By Observer Staff |
  • December 17, 2024
Sarasota ranks second in US in GoFundMe giving

More than 500 active fundraising campaigns are active in this area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Waffle Stop owner Dolly Hollinger, seen here in December 2020.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • December 20, 2024
The Waffle Stop, Sarasota 'Elvis Ate Here' restaurant, to close by end of 2024

A Sarasota institution, The Waffle Stop, is closing after 74 years.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The $31.5 million Crystal Waters estate on Siesta Key is at 8501 Midnight Pass Road.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • February 20, 2025
Siesta Key estate hits the market at $31.5 million

"Crystal Waters" is a custom-built West Indies-style mansion on 2.7 acres and 217 feet on Little Sarasota Bay.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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