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Former District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Betsy Benac and Take Back Manatee.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 5, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner continues to allege defamation

Kevin Van Ostenbridge's lawsuit against Betsy Benac was dismissed, but he has requested a rehearing.

  • East County
  • News
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail

The city of Sarasota has entered into a local agency program agreement with FDOT to repave 1.24 miles of U.S. 41 north of Myrtle Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead

LRHS graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

With a time frame for completion in 2029, planning has begun for Phase 3 projects to expand boater access, build a parking deck and convert acres of asphalt into green space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
Thomas H Wentz
  • In Memoriam |
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz

Thomas H Wentz, III, 82, passed away on February 6, 2026. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1943, to Thomas H Wentz and Mary Jane Miller Wentz.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

The Pirates, who won district and regional titles this season, dropped a 2-1 decision to Niceville.

  • East County
  • Sports
Riders set out on the ride.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A woman approached by her ex at a beach an hour away from home calls Longboat Police
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 18, 2026
A woman approached by her ex at a beach an hour away from home calls Longboat Police

Months after the two broke up, and with suspicions of being followed, a woman called police on her ex boyfriend. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Longboat Key has dozens of canals, 88 according to a report by the town’s costal engineering consultant firm First Line Coastal.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 13, 2026
Canal payment plan gets first approval by Longboat commission

The first of two votes passed unanimously to establish flat fees and ad-valorem assessments to dredge and maintain Longboat Key's canals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Vance Freeman became the 10th different state champion in Sarasota boys weightlifting program history May 7. The senior hit all three of his lifts in the bench press to secure gold.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 14, 2026
Sarasota High lifter crowned at state championship

Vance Freeman won an individual state title to conclude his high school weightlifting career with the Sailors.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions

A Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage is in effect from April 3 through July 1.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of the street level of 1260 North Palm Residences.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 7, 2026
Condo tower controversy appears headed back to mediation

For the second time, the Sarasota City Commission sides with opponents of 1260 North Palm Residences as the developer weighs his options for further legal action.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tyre Smith is in his second year with Sarasota Rugby Club. He switched over from football after competing with Riverview High School and Wittenberg University.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Rugby Club hits the sand

Stepping away from its grass pitch, the club held its first annual 'Siesta 7s' beach rugby tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Triple Oak Preserve in Myakka City is one of the purchases Manatee County made using funds collected from the 2020 referendum.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 12, 2026
Environmental lands referendum one step closer to 2026 ballot

Manatee County commissioners were presented with four funding options to acquire additional lands and development rights.

  • East County
  • News
A beaming Dick Vitale with his All-Courageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala held on May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 4, 2026
Dick Vitale Gala raises $21 million for pediatric cancer research

In its 21st year, the gala nearly doubled last year's $12 million total, with Vitale currently battling cancer for the fifth time.

  • East County
  • Sports
Elizabeth Arnold is transitioning from citizen activist to commissioner candidate. She's running for the District 1 seat.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 21, 2026
Parrish resident steps up to protect rural Manatee County in District 1 race

As a citizen, Elizabeth Arnold fought beside the late commissioner Carol Ann Felts. Now, she's stepping into the race to fill her vacant commission seat.

  • East County
  • News
An aerial view of Sarasota Orchestra's future Music Center, a 32-acre campus that will be located at 5701 Fruitville Road, near Interstate 75.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra announces anonymous $12 million Music Center donation

Close to $87 million in donations have been publicly announced toward the Fruitville Road campus.

  • Arts + Culture
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