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Results for:

The update of the Sarasota City Plan includes the Recreation and Open Space chapter.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 9, 2026
May 11 city plan update open house canceled

Three chapters of the Sarasota City Plan were to be discussed.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio, 38, has been arrested and terminated by the Sarasota Police Department after investigation of simple battery against a 16-year-old girl.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carol Erker and Terri and Jeff Driver, board members with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, gave an overview of the leadership positions they hope to fill next year at the May 5 meeting.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 12, 2026
Longboat Rotary welcomes new board members

The community service organization is welcoming back its president and hopes to involve new board members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

An organization dedicated to boosting the local economy was in a pickle late last year. Lakewood Ranch executive Amanda Parrish was the right person, at the right time, to make things right.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota superintendent: District working to find spots for unassigned teachers
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 6, 2026
Sarasota superintendent: District working to find spots for unassigned teachers

Currently, 136 teacher roles are unassigned in the district.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Sarasota County side of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in 2027 or 2028, Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman said.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 20, 2026
Longboat repaving projects planned

Side roads will get fresh asphalt over the next few months, and Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in the coming years.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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
Work is winding down in the first phase of the Phillippi Creek dredging project.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 19, 2026
Work wraps up on first segment of Phillippi Creek dredging

More digging in the crucial waterway is under way and planned for 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The annual Memorial Day parade kicks off on Main Street in Sarasota at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Rebecca Souders, 10, Jessica Wilhelm and Beth Duranceau watch the parade in 2023.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 19, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 21-27

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Culture
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • By Emily Leinfuss |
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program

The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program is rebuilding — focused on access, community and the future of youth sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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
Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington stands next to one of the new voting machines.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 30, 2026
Elections forge ahead with revamped Supervisor of Elections office

Manatee County’s Scott Farrington will get his first major tests after winning a high-profile election in 2024.

  • East County
  • News
  • By JL Bainbridge |
  • April 30, 2026
Think 3% Inflation Isn’t a Big Deal? Think Again.

Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is – is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Raising roads in several Longboat Key neighborhoods is a priority for town leaders, but paying for the neighborhood resiliency projects is a more difficult ask than originally anticipated with a new $30 million price tag.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 27, 2026
Town forms 'steady as we go' budget as revenues uncertain

The 2027 fiscal year budget formation process continued with a strategic planning retreat meeting April 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short

Sarasota Housing Authority is pledged $3 million from the county to close a funding gap for McCown Towers. Another $8 million from the city still requires a commission vote.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School district demands repayment of tax fees
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 8, 2026
School district demands repayment of tax fees

The Sarasota County Commission votes to resume paying the tax collector's 2% commission fee and questions the fee itself.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rosedale Golf Classic for Homes for Our Troops was founded by Kathi Skelton and Deb Kehoe in 2013. Prior to this year's money raised, $1.5 million has been donated to the organization from their efforts.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 17, 2026
Rosedale Golf Classic brings veterans, community members together

Rosedale's Kathi Skelton and Deb Kehoe have been raising money for Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit that builds homes for veterans, since 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Tennis Center pro Robbie Salum tosses a tennis ball up for warm-ups at a clinic on April 8. He and his fellow pros shared what they find special about the public courts and insight into the career paths that led them there.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 15, 2026
Meet Longboat Key's Tennis Center pros

With one pro finishing his first high season and another tallying 14, the trio of teachers brings interesting experiences to the role.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

Florence & the Spice Boys Chef Collin Blakeman explains why Middle Eastern cuisine is the spice of life.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Contemporary Dance founder and artistic director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director join forces for SCD + WBTT May 15-16 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 12, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 14-20

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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