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Results for:

Crooked River Ranch sits along the Manatee River and is the first property that was recommended by ELMAC and also purchased by the county.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • January 12, 2026
Conservation, parks referendum could return to Manatee County ballot in 2026

Nationwide nonprofit Trust for Public Lands is exploring the county's financial options to make additional land purchases.

  • East County
  • News
Redevelopment of The Bay park will reach a critical juncture for
Founding CEO AG Lafley in 2026.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 8, 2026
Will 2026 be another year of 'mights' in Sarasota?

From a new Sarasota city manager (maybe) to an implementation agreement for a new performing arts center (also maybe), 2026 promises to be an eventful year in Sarasota. Maybe.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Morgan Bettes Angell and Paul Benjamin thought a blues festival in Lakewood Ranch would be sustainable on an annual basis, but after two years, it is out.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • March 11, 2026
When it comes to the blues festival, we blew it in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival promoter says he will move the festival to G.T. Bray for 2026.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Senior Jaden Morales (top) controls Middleburg junior Nathan Harvey (bottom). The Pirate won their match by decision, 6-4, and ultimately placed sixth at 126 pounds.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 10, 2026
Braden River High wrestlers earn five medals at state meet

Jacob Fuentes tops the Pirates with a second-place finish at 144 pounds in 2A action.

  • East County
  • Sports
Junior guard/forward Isaiah Jenkins (left) looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 7A boys basketball state championship between Sarasota and Miami Columbus. The Sailors fell, 53-50, on March 14 at Jacksonville's UNF Arena.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 18, 2026
Learning to love transformed Sarasota boys basketball

As corny as it sounds, a culture of care lifted the Sailors to historic heights.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Taylore Lantz and Christine Sullivan walk at Waterside Place on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. as members of Run the Ranch.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • February 11, 2026
Club gives runners opportunity to Run the Ranch

The club was founded by Felipe Rojas and Alex Wordsworth, who wanted members to have social opportunities along with workouts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop and Scott Dudley with the Florida League of Cities Advocacy Committee.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • January 15, 2026
Longboat commissioner picked as president of Manasota League of Cities

B.J. Bishop was reelected to serve as president of the nine-member group of municipal representatives.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Joel Benham built the Giant Furby Chair.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • March 26, 2026
Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects

After a career in construction, Joel Benham, known as "GWAK," decided to make a living full-time with his detailed, large-scale re-creations of familiar products.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts

The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 4423 Bay Shore Road was built in 1938 and has five bedrooms, five-and-five-half baths, a pool and 7,615 square feet of living area.
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • April 2, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Indian Beach home on Bay Shore Road tops the week’s sales at $9.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Terry Creighton lines up a shot at a Feb. 15 tennis session at The Sanctuary.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • February 20, 2026
The Sanctuary kicks off season's activity with tennis pro

Claudiu Retean, a Sports Professionals Association-certified tennis pro, offered technique tips and motivation at the Feb. 15 session.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
An eVTOL manufactured by Joby Aviation flies over Monterey Bay in California.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • February 11, 2026
Air taxis: An alternative to sitting in Longboat Key's traffic jams?

The Jetsons maybe had the aesthetic wrong, but the flying car idea? Spot on.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • December 18, 2025
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence

The Sarasota County Schools Board will gather public comment Jan. 20 on a new policy that will make the window to excuse an absence consistent across schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Little Buoy wasted no time dragging herself into the Gulf Thursday, Feb. 26 after being rehabilitated at Mote Marine Laboratory’s City Island research facility.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 2, 2026
Rehabbed turtles released into Gulf

Little Buoy and Spud, a leatherback and green sea turtle, were rehabilitated by Mote Marine Laboratory and sent back into the Gulf on Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Agricultural Crimes Intelligence Unit meets at the Sarasota County Farm Bureau Feb. 19.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 11, 2026
Florida agricultural intelligence unit protects country assets

Law enforcement and wildlife officers meet monthly to share resources and intel.

  • East County
  • News
Saks' parent company, Saks Global, filed for bankruptcy in January.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • March 7, 2026
Bankrupt Saks Fifth Avenue to close Sarasota-UTC store

A Saks has been in the Sarasota-Manatee market for at least three decades.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Deborah DiCarlo and approximately 150 fellow celebrants raise a glass to toast Longboat Island Chapel's 70th anniversary. Attendees shared memories and cake at the festivities March 22 at Shook Hall.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 23, 2026
Longboat Island Chapel celebrates 70 years

Congregants who have been part of the church for decades and new members alike joined in the celebration of 70 years serving the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The LECOM Suncoast Classic has averaged about 20,000 fans per year and has given back more than $1 million to the community.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • March 25, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic generates more than $1 million for students and charities

LECOM's Student Scholarship Fund has benefited by more than $700,000 for its Lakewood Ranch campus students.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Sarasota Paradise huddle before the second half against AC Boise. The team previously played in USL League Two for the past three seasons and finished first in the South Florida division for 2024 and 2025.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 11, 2026
Sarasota Paradise poised to unite soccer community

The professional soccer club plays out of Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch but should loom large in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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