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Results for:

  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • December 14, 2023
Sarasota wrestles with definitions of drinking, dining establishments

A proposed zoning amendment would, in theory, clarify the definitions of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, etc. to establish different rules under which each may operate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although downtown has drawn attention for a wave of new condo construction, older residential buildings such as the Essex House remain standing — and occupants face challenges to maintain the quality of an aging structure.
  • By David Conway |
  • September 30, 2021
Downtown Sarasota condo owners grapple with maintenance challenges

The collapse of a building in Surfside, Florida is just one factor creating a more intense interest in issues associated with managing residential towers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Benny Hedgepeth, a senior at Braden River High School, has played baseball since he was 4 years old. He looks forward to continue with his passion for sports at Florida State University.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • May 16, 2023
Braden River High senior pursues a dream job in sports

Benny Hedgepeth's love for baseball and sports in general inspires him to pursue a career in sports law.

  • East County
  • Schools
Julie Farmer stops by the sandbag station at the Myakka Community Center. She's not as worried about her cabin off River Road as she is her cottage on Anna Maria Island.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • August 29, 2023
Myakka City residents are calm, but they respect Idalia's threat

No one was overly worried about Hurricane Idalia's possible impacts, but preparations carried on just in case.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bones found at Quick Point preserve investigated by Longboat Key police
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • September 26, 2023
Bones found at Quick Point preserve investigated by Longboat Key police

Concerned citizens called to report bones found in the park, which led to an investigation. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Manatee County Commissioners Raymond Turner, James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Jason Bearden and George Kruse celebrated the opening of the 44th Avenue Bridge over the Braden River on Aug. 7. Commissioners Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn were not in attendance.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • August 24, 2023
Manatee County commissioners record new highs and lows

The decision to cut wetland protections sparks anger while the 44th Avenue extension generates joy.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Plans for Banditos Tacos & Tequila include a rooftop lounge with the bar service area beneath an enclosable structure. Under the city's new definitions, it will be considered an indoor bar.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 20, 2024
In defining bars and clubs, city asks: Do restaurants need kitchens?

The city of Sarasota's proposed zoning definitions of downtown restaurants, bars and nightclubs would impact those establishments' operations, hours and outdoor seating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Through increased training and a cohesive effort between all departments, Town Manager Howard Tipton hopes to push the town toward the Florida Governor Governor's Sterling Award.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • November 21, 2023
Town staff gears up for performance excellence award journey

The Longboat Key Town Commission planning retreat included a presentation about how the town will progress toward the Governor’s Sterling Award.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
At their April 17 meeting, barrier island mayors discussed how they might collaborate to better enforce regulations preventing illegal trimming or removal of mangroves, like the one that occurred on Longboat in 2023.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • April 20, 2024
Barrier island officials discuss mangrove delegation, infrastructure

Mayors from Longboat Key, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach met on Longboat to address common issues.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School fifth graders Landon Cuervo and Zachary Danahy compete in an alliance with Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fifth graders Hayden Laning and Noah Jackson. The two teams will share the points earned.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • February 22, 2023
Vex program expands in Manatee elementary, middle schools

The School District of Manatee County is pushing the importance of engineering and coding lessons.

  • East County
  • Schools
Matthew Amendt (left) plays Christopher Marlowe and Dylan Godwin plays William Shakespeare in "Born With Teeth" at Asolo Rep.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 23, 2024
'Born with Teeth' snarls with biting Elizabethan wit

William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe risk their lives to create great theater in this historical tragicomedy on the Asolo Rep stage.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Josh the Otter visits one of Sarasota's elementary schools to talk about water safety.
  • By Sidra Wali |
  • June 19, 2023
Rotary Club of Longboat Key's season of service

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key has been a steadfast pillar for the community, supporting philanthropy, youth literacy and conservation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Isabelle Monroe, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, loves showing cows at the Manatee County Fair. She names each of her cows after a car part of maker.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • January 2, 2024
Students pick the perfect name for their Manatee County Fair animals

Whether it's for laughs, a reference to a favorite food or a tradition, students put thought into picking an animal's name.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lisa Baskfield and Julia Yesler
  • By Nat Kaemmerer |
  • May 4, 2022
Longboat Key full-timers look forward to slower season

Although season gets longer every year, full-time residents look forward to less traffic and a lighter calendar.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dead honey bee comb.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • April 10, 2024
Residents upset after utility crew eradicates honey bee colony

The colony had been a part of the community for at least 24 years, according to residents. Neighbors wish they'd had a say in the bees' fate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cardinal Mooney won a district title Feb. 3 with a 70-30 win over Bradenton Christian.
  • By Ryan Kohn |
  • February 10, 2023
Trio of stars lead Cardinal Mooney girls basketball to No. 4 class ranking

The Cougars are seeking a third-straight trip to the state semifinals.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Melissa Douberly searches for weeds in the dirt.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • February 8, 2024
Junior League refreshes butterfly garden at Child Protection Center

The butterfly garden is a reminder of the CPC's mission, which encourages children to spread their wings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The outdoor patio space doubled in size after Sips began leasing its second space.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • February 29, 2024
Sips marks one year on Longboat with gelato shop expansion

The new gelato spot, a sister business of Longboat Key coffee shop Sips, opens March 1 in Whitney Plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Optimist Red White and Blue team Coach Marcos Darcy and sailor Sam Vaughan.
  • By Petra Rivera |
  • August 22, 2023
Sarasota Youth Sailing kicks off its fall season

Program director Megan Swick recaps summer camps and gives a look into the fall racing program.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • April 1, 2024
APRIL FOOL: FPL calls quits on undergrounding, will begin overgrounding utilities

After the undergrounding utility project faced one too many hiccups, Florida Power & Light decided to revert to overhead utilities.

  • April Fools
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