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News

Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

Sarasota police officers rescued a man threatening to jump from the sixth floor of a downtown parking garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles

City of Sarasota transportation planners Alvimarie Corales and Corinne Arriaga have received promotions to capital projects manager and chief transportation planner, respectively.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
Landscaping projects such as the one proposed for South River Road SR 777) in Venice by the state transportation department are accounted for in the state budget. But upkeep is almost always a county responsibility, something Sarasota officials are concerned about.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 2, 2026
Costs connected to roadway landscaping concern county

State budget pays to plant in medians and shoulders of state roads, but only if Sarasota agrees to a forever-maintenance deal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Irrigation regulations have been increased as the region continues to see impacts from an extended drought.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Watering restrictions increase as drought extends

A phase 3 water shortage means a narrower window to the once-a-week irrigation schedule already in place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County has opened a 1.5-mile stretch of newly bifurcated Legacy Trail, separating bicyclists and other wheeled conveyances from walkers and runners.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
First phase of parallel track to Legacy Trail opens

A 1.5-mile stretch of bifurcated Legacy Trail opens to safely separate pedestrians from riders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This Lido Shores home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is listed at $12.98 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Lido Shores home hits the market at $12.98 million

The home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is owned by It Works! co-founder and author of "Rich Girl Poor Girl."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race

Tony Barrett hopes to earn a seat as his term as fire commissioner comes to an end.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 1, 2026
Citywide speed limits set at 20 mph on local streets

As part of Sarasota's traffic calming plan development, local street speed limits are capped at 20 miles per hour, faster for collector and arterial roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The southern end of Longboat Key feature many mid-rise condo buildings including the Beaches of Longboat Key (right, built in 1984), Regent Place of Longboat Key (middle two buildings, built in 1995) and Longboat Key Towers (left two buildings, built in 1970).
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Inspections show LBK condo buildings in sound shape but come at a cost

Milestone inspections are required by the state for three-story or higher condo buildings that are 30 years or older.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff

The purchase of an administration building in Lakewood Ranch and the expanded Information Outreach department were cited as examples of excessive spending.

  • East County
  • News
Traffic headed north off Longboat Key often backs up onto the Longboat Pass Bridge as Anna Maria Island has become a congestion hotspot on the barrier islands.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Citizen survey shows love of Longboat, but road issues remain

Most takeaways weren’t a surprise, but the data still has value to town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bravo's Pizzeria & Italian Eatery at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota has closed.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 31, 2026
Pizzeria closes on Main Street in Sarasota

Bravo’s Pizza & Italian Eatery has shuttered next to the Hollywood 11 movie theater.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers

The newest class of Sarasota police officers includes a former pro baseball pitcher, college football player and the daughter of two retired SPD captains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide
2
Hunter Eichhorn watches his approach shot fly on the ninth hole. He already has four top-10 finishes this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and leads the LECOM Suncoast Classic after round one at nine under par.
  • April 3, 2026
First round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic ended early by weather
3
Colin Montgomery, a two-time winner of the Senior PGA Championship, is in the 135-player field committed to play April 16-19.
  • April 3, 2026
All-star field set for Senior PGA Championship
4
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles
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5
  • April 2, 2026
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