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Results for:

  • By Matt Walsh |
  • June 1, 2016
LBK firefighters light up

The town’s previous contract with its firefighters union was a model for Florida cities. It capped pension costs. The new contract, if approved, regresses on pensions and raises.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Charlie "CJ" Melton stars in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Young Artist Showcase on May 19-20.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 14, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 16-22

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
"Tick, Tick...Boom!" runs through Jan. 28 at The Sarasota Players.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • January 16, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 18-24

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Violinist Samantha Bennett of EnsembleNewSRQ. Photo credit: Matthew Holler
  • By Andréa Martone |
  • October 9, 2021
EnsembleNewSRQ redefines chamber music

Celebrating its sixth season with five main stage concerts, EnsembleNewSRQ highlights bold, new work by living composers.

  • Arts + Culture
The new substation will be located at 11506 Rangeland Parkway, which used to be the Lakewood Ranch Information Center.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • February 9, 2023
Manatee County Sheriff's Office is opening new substation in Lakewood Ranch

Former Lakewood Ranch Information Center will house substation until new facility is built at Premier Park.

  • East County
  • News
The Downtown Improvement District and St. Armands Business Improvement District are responsible for projects such as the lightpole flower baskets in downtown Sarasota. File photo.
  • By David Conway |
  • March 18, 2021
New faces join improvement district boards

A majority of the City Commission indicated a desire to bring fresh perspectives to downtown and St. Armands Circle property owner groups.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Currently, Bayfront Park amenities include the main recreation center building, tennis courts and a baseball field.
  • By Kurt Schultheis |
  • October 27, 2010
Park project hurdles addressed

Plans for a revitalized Bayfront Park that include a new 15,000-square-foot building will require behind-the-scenes work from the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 17, 2011
Buffer-zone brouhaha

The city's first attempt to balance developer needs with neighborhood interests in hopes some economic development has flopped, upsetting both sides and making new development harder.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Second graders Ella Baas and Aubri Darpino spend time reading in second grade teacher Laurie Rahn's nautical themed classroom. The seafoam color of the classroom adds to Rahn's theme, Rahn says.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • September 30, 2020
Willis Elementary teachers love new space

Addition provides six new classrooms for Lakewood Ranch elementary school.

  • East County
  • News
The new Daiquiri Deck location at the south bridge is now open, featuring everything locals love about the existing restaurants.
  • By Cassidy Alexander |
  • June 14, 2017
Opening weekend at new Daiquiri Deck went just like the rest, despite weather

The new location in south Siesta Key got off to a wet start, but the community turned out in force for their first weekend in business.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Linda Barnes, of Sarasota,  scopes out a large-scale map of the new configuration during an April 4 public meeting on the project.
  • By Pam Eubanks |
  • April 12, 2017
New DDI pattern expected to cut 90 seconds off each trip

Workshop educates public on DDI traffic flow.

  • East County
  • News
Whitney Beach Plaza has recently undergone renovations.
  • By Robin Hartill |
  • June 26, 2013
Whitney Beach likely to raise the bar

Plaza owner Richard Juliani says a new bar and liquor store are coming to the old Tiny's - but don't raise those glasses just yet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Laurel Park residents raise their hands to show their opposition to the proposed zoning changes in the form-based code.
  • By David Conway |
  • November 15, 2018
Code breakers: Neighborhood leaders oppose zoning changes

City staff is still reviewing a proposed form-based zoning code, but already, some residents are ready to throw the planning document away.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kim Cressell and Jessica Simmons
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 18, 2018
The Reserve offers heavenly hangout for artists and nonartists alike

The Reserve offers something for everybody — especially the creative-minded.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • July 26, 2017
All study, little action

The first phase of the 20th traffic study in 10 years doesn’t give much hope for improvements at the two worst chokepoints — Gulf Drive and Cortez and U.S. 41 and Gulfstream-Fruitville.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Alex Miller will face Edward James III in the General Election.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • October 21, 2016
Florida House — District 72: Alex Miller

Miller will face Edward James III in the general election.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city is not a developer
  • By Adrian Moore |
  • April 18, 2024
The city is not a developer

The city manager wants Sarasota to develop an $80M affordable housing project. Good intentions, but this approach always fails. A voucher program would be better.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • November 11, 2020
Summer just zoomed by, but we're glad you're back

A look at some of the stories that made a difference while you were gone.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

Karie Friling had a long-time dream of retiring to Florida. She will arrive earlier than expected as the new Sarasota city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Robin Hartill |
  • August 12, 2009
Calm before the storm

Five years ago, Hurricane Charley set its sights on Longboat Key. The island was spared of a direct hit four times in 2004.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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