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News

Diane DelloRusso, who has worked in the jewelry business for 36 years and been a longtime manager at Jewelry by Cole, said she believes customers will appreciate the new St. Armands Jewelry store with its blend of classic and contemporary styles. She came out of retirement to assist with the transition and can't wait for longtime patrons to see the boutique's new look.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 16, 2026
Two new shops coming to St. Armands Circle

Two new stores are preparing to open, one under new ownership and the other as a new location.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations

Bayfront Park in Longboat Key is down a popular amenity as the pickleball courts are redone.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jonathan Ith, who has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the last 25 years, is preparing to open a new location in Heritage Harbour to keep up with the local demand.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 16, 2026
Chick-fil-A expands in Bradenton with a new store in Heritage Harbour

Owner Jonathan Ith has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the past 25 years and is excited to open a larger store.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The proposal by KB Homes Tampa LLC includes the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Rye Road and Waterline Road.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 16, 2026
Planning Commission recommends denial for 131 homes near Rye Road

Commissioners liked how the Ivy Run developer worked with residents but couldn't get past the project’s proximity to Rye Road.

  • East County
  • News
Fire Station 92 is one of two stations on the barrier island of Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 16, 2026
Ambulances, equipment, labor costs pay off for Longboat Key Fire Rescue

The town of Longboat Key provides a high level of first responder service, but it comes at a cost that is increasing each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jimmy Glover, Teresa DeWitt, Heidi Brandt speak at the forum, beside moderator Kevin Cooper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 15, 2026
School Board District 1 candidates share their plans at Tiger Bay Club forum

Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover are contending for the District 1 seat currently held by Bridget Ziegler.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
James Satcher, a former Manatee County commissioner and Supervisor of Elections, announced and retracted his bid to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District within a week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 15, 2026
Former Manatee Commissioner Satcher too late for 2026 Congressional bid

Within a week's time, James Satcher announced and retracted his bid for Florida's 16th Congressional District.

  • East County
  • News
County Commissioner Tom Knight told staff and the EDC President and CEO Erin Silk the county must avoid unintended consequences in requested changes to the Business Park zone district.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 15, 2026
Sarasota County tells EDC to refine changes to Business Park zoning

With most requested changes already modified, the Sarasota County Commission tells the EDC to further refine its requests for changes to the Business Park zoning district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A drone flies over the Longboat Pass Bridge at an 80-foot elevation to contextualize what a fixed-span bridge would look like over the pass. Looking on (from left to right) are Longboat Key Commissioner Steve Branham, FDOT Southwest Area Office Director Wayne Gaither, FDOT Professional Engineer Trainee Stephen Pack, FDOT Project Manager David Turley, FDOT Project Development Manager Jimmy Vilce, FDOT Interim District One Secretary Jamie Driggers, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Longboat Key IT Director Jason Keen.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • June 15, 2026
Drone used to advocate against 78-foot-tall bridge option for Longboat Pass

Longboat Key leaders and FDOT reps met at Coquina Beach as the town continues to push for a drawbridge over FDOT’s fixed-span design.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 14, 2026
3 a.m. crash kills Sarasota driver on Interstate 75

The incident took place about a mile south of the University Parkway exit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peculiar Pub takes the place of Twisted Pit BBQ on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 12, 2026
Peculiar Pub crawls across Main Street in Lakewood Ranch

Peculiar Pub is offering extended hours, an elevated menu and a full bar at the new location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
East County residents wait in line before 7 a.m. on June 11 to start shopping at the new Publix at 16642 State Road 64 East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 11, 2026
Publix opens at corner of SR 64 and Uihlein Road in Lakewood Ranch

East County residents were lined up before 7 a.m. to be among the first shoppers.

  • East County
  • Business
Though homesteaded residents would gain property tax savings if Florida's overhaul proposal gains 60% of support in the November elections, even non-homesteaded property owners would see new protections from sharply rising property assessments.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 11, 2026
Property tax overhaul: What you should know

Here are the basics of what Florida voters will be deciding in November and what it might mean for property owners.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Karie Friling discusses her first week on the job as Sarasota City Manager, and how the state property tax reform referendum has shifted her initial priorities.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 11, 2026
City eyes cuts ahead of potential voter approval of property tax change

Should voters approve the property tax change, the city of Sarasota projects losing at least $5.5 million in revenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
EverCreek at Lakewood Ranch will be built by Pulte Homes off Bourneside Boulevard.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 10, 2026
1,000 homes planned for new Lakewood Ranch community

EverCreek will be a 464-acre residential development.

  • East County
  • News
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Diane DelloRusso, who has worked in the jewelry business for 36 years and been a longtime manager at Jewelry by Cole, said she believes customers will appreciate the new St. Armands Jewelry store with its blend of classic and contemporary styles. She came out of retirement to assist with the transition and can't wait for longtime patrons to see the boutique's new look.
  • June 16, 2026
Two new shops coming to St. Armands Circle
2
Jolanta Bremer received the award of the 2026 Queen Helen.
  • June 16, 2026
Attendees get into costume as Mrs. Roper at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
3
JP Soars and the Red Hots will perform a free Father's Day concert at The Bay on Sunday, June 21.
  • June 16, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 18-24
4
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations
5
Elliott Mathes grew up watching his older brother, Will Mathes, compete for Sarasota Crew at the USRowing Youth National Championships. From June 11-14, he himself rowed with a junior national title on the line.
  • June 16, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Elliott Mathes

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