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Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day

Six years after the sourdough craze, local loaves still rise with surprising ingredients like Key Lime Pie.

Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day

Latest News

1
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers
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.
2
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
3
  • March 31, 2026
Paid parking considered on Anna Maria Island
The Coquina Beach parking lot has dozens of free spots for beachgoers. There were plenty of open spaces Monday, March 30 as rain began to fall.
4
  • March 31, 2026
Dirty Sara-Soda hopes to clean up with a new beverage
Indigo's Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
5
  • March 31, 2026
Some north-end community center details emerge, others remain unknown
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique speaks with community group Longboat North at Longboat Island Chapel Thursday, March 19.

Neighbors

Bird Key Yacht Club members Carol Smith, Amy Lazarus and Beth Nothstine played instrumental roles in keeping the club's lecture series fresh this season by inviting friends to tell their fascinating life stories. Closing out the series, Bobbi Brown shared tales from her journey starting a makeup empire.
  • March 31, 2026
Longtime friendships make Bird Key lecture series possible
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe
The Easter Bunny offers encouragement to the families joining the egg hunt at Longboat Key Club Resort.
  • March 31, 2026
Hop to it this Easter weekend on Longboat Key
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

Arts + Culture

Michael Stephen Brown's "Carnival of the Endangered Animals" will make its world premiere in Sarasota.
  • March 31, 2026
La Musica pairs two musical carnivals for its 40th anniversary
Artist Maria A. Guzmán Capron beside one of her large-scale textile works featured in “Maria A. Guzmán Capron: Penumbra,” on view at Sarasota Art Museum through Sept. 27.
  • March 30, 2026
Season is still sizzling. Make sure to take in some shows before summer arrives.
The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday
When he's not painting, artist Tom Stephens makes fishing rods.
  • March 23, 2026
Sarasota artist lives the life aquatic

Cops Corner

  • March 25, 2026
One martini, one daiquiri and three beers

A man told an officer he suspected he was drugged after an evening of drinking left him disoriented and blacked out. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • March 24, 2026
Baby raccoon safely rescued from Longboat patio

A tiny raccoon was delivered to an animal rehab center. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Eat + Drink

Indigo's Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
  • March 31, 2026
Dirty Sara-Soda hopes to clean up with a new beverage

The "dirty soda" mobile business is owned by Lakewood Ranch's Amber Hanratty, who saw an opening in the market.

Co-owner Chris Carter works with a barista behind the counter of the second location of Sips, which opened at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive this month.
  • March 25, 2026
Second Sips debuts on Longboat Key

Build-your-own sandwiches and cozy space sets second branch apart from original.

Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location

The original Lakewood Ranch location of the Italian and Seafood restaurant will remain open.

Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day
  • March 21, 2026
Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day

Six years after the sourdough craze, local loaves still rise with surprising ingredients like Key Lime Pie.

Schools

Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been named president of the Florida Future Business Leaders of America. This makes her the first of Manatee County.
  • March 31, 2026
LRHS junior named president for Florida's Future Business Leaders of America

Gabriella Martinez Reyes will lead 11,000 members of Florida Future Business Leaders of America.

Ellenton's Rennee Lux, who will serve as the director for KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch, is eager to welcome children and families into the new space.
  • March 25, 2026
KLA Schools prepares to open new early learning center in Lakewood Ranch
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fourth graders Leona Killion and Michael Chmielarski created business cards as a dancer and a soccer player for the Project T.E.A.C.H. activity on March 12.
  • March 23, 2026
Project TEACH volunteers work to inspire young minds in Manatee County
Linda Medina and Aliana Donald, second graders at Daughtrey Elementary, are eager to answer any questions Miss Gina might ask about the books she reads.
  • March 4, 2026
Books for Kids continues to bring reading passion to elementary students
The winners of an essay contest had the chance to read out their essays during the event, and they included fourth grader Lorelei Martin, second grader Olivia Batista, kindergartener Logan Hernandez, third grader Petronius Boles, first grader Jade Rivers and fifth grader Amara Berry, pictured here with Assistant Principal Jennifer Kahler.
  • February 22, 2026
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus celebrates centennial anniversary
The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students

Sports

Jacobey Mobley's speed isn't just on the track. He was Booker football's leading rusher in 2025 en route to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals.
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacobey Mobley

The senior won two races at the Hurricane Invite for Booker High boys track and field.

Mickey Cohen is the leading scorer for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse this season. He surpassed 100 career goals as a junior in 2025.
  • March 30, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Mickey Cohen
Noah Kumar spent the 2025 season on the PGA Tour Americas, but is poised to make his Korn Ferry Tour debut April 2 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
  • March 26, 2026
Guided by a golf legend, young pro returns home
The view of the field at LECOM Park from the Section 16 grandstand. Opened in 1923, it's the oldest ballpark in the Grapefruit League and second-oldest in the minor leagues.
  • March 25, 2026
MLB spring training under my microscope
Sponsored Content
Hank Lebioda shot 17 under par to finish third at the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic.
  • March 25, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic found an above-par home in Lakewood Ranch
Kole Ayrault leads the Sailors in batting average and hits, as of March 23, and also ranks third for RBIs and runs.
  • March 24, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kole Ayrault
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Things To Do

Rachel Moulton stars in Florida Studio Theatre's time-travel tale, "Birthday Candles," which runs through May 17 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
  • March 31, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 2-8
The Easter Bunny offers encouragement to the families joining the egg hunt at Longboat Key Club Resort.
  • March 31, 2026
Hop to it this Easter weekend on Longboat Key
Gary Love of Gary Love Photography shows an art festival-goer how the various places the light hits the shell-covered beach give the up-close image depth. He was one of several new artists featured at the Feb. 21-22 art festival on Longboat Key.
  • March 26, 2026
Art show upcoming this weekend

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Opinion

1
  • March 30, 2026
  • By Letter to the Editor
Regime change in Iran is best outcome
2
  • March 25, 2026
  • By Jay Heater
LECOM Suncoast Classic generates more than $1 million for students and charities
3
  • March 23, 2026
  • By Letters to the Editor
They are goons who don't understand Jesus

Real Estate

A Country Club Village home at 7028 Portmarnock Place sold for $4.55 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-three-half baths, a pool and 7,072 square feet of living area.
  • March 31, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Lakewood Ranch
The Unit 201 condominium at 111 Golden Gate Point was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,346 square feet of living area.
  • March 26, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 9-13 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
The home at 601 Triton Bend sold for $3 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,313 square feet of living area.
  • March 25, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 9-13 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

Photo Galleries

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking
Jeff Smith, president of the Landings Management Association, and Judi Smith, display two tanks into which they dumped phytoplankton, one with oysters and one without, to show the work the oysters do in keeping the water clean.
  • March 30, 2026
The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes
Kellen Dorsch and his wife Alanna Giuliani sit with Velly.
  • March 29, 2026
6th annual Get Your Mutt Movin' helps get support moving for rescue animals
Pam Yulke, modeling an outfit by J. McLaughlin at the "Lights, Camera, Legacy" fashion show, is a past president and has been in the University Park Women's Club for 23 years.
  • March 29, 2026
A fashionable event for the University Park Women's Club
Roland Nyarfadi, 7, finds an egg.
  • March 28, 2026
Kids make a splash for Easter egg hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
Lakewood Ranch sisters Jade Lowrey, 5, and Hazel Lowrey, 3, had fun collecting eggs and getting their faces painted at Eggstravaganza.
  • March 28, 2026
It's no yoke! 600 children scoop 10,000 eggs at Eggstravaganza
Sue Wertman and Ann Quackenbush join their sister-in-law, Molly Quackenbush, in enjoying a pancake breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. Chris Sachs and fellow Kiwanians volunteers to raise support for Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee.
  • March 28, 2026
Kiwanians support Family Promise chapter at pancake breakfast
Tennis pros Robert Jendelund and Tomasz Borucki face off in a doubles match against Jhonathan Gonzalez and David Pfister at the Longboat Key Tennis Center's end-of-season party March 25.
  • March 28, 2026
Tennis pros face off at end-of-season bash
Together, John and Shannon Barton make the "Roaring '20s" at the Great Gatsby-themed annual dinner for members of the Friars Club. Attendees shared their favorite memories from the season and gave out awards at the March 24 celebration at the Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 27, 2026
Friars golfers throw back to Roaring '20s
Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
  • March 27, 2026
Longboat families connect with first responders
Five youth sailing teams raced against one another in the first Next Tack regatta on March 21 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron headquarters. The program is a more advanced offshoot of the partnership between Spectrum Sailing and the Sarasota Youth Sailing Squadron that fosters inclusive, peer-based sailing instruction.
  • March 25, 2026
New inclusive sailing program brings big smiles
Glenn and Linda Courtney and their daughter Chelsea Courtney look at seashells.
  • March 24, 2026
Sarasota Farmers Market continues to create community
Deborah DiCarlo and approximately 150 fellow celebrants raise a glass to toast Longboat Island Chapel's 70th anniversary. Attendees shared memories and cake at the festivities March 22 at Shook Hall.
  • March 23, 2026
Longboat Island Chapel celebrates 70 years
Tasha Robinson has played the harp for 35 years. On St. Patrick's Day, she performed with two of her instruments at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church before attendees enjoyed an Irish-themed holiday dinner.
  • March 23, 2026
Tunes of the highlands come to Longboat Key
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs
Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
  • March 21, 2026
Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers
Mary Schultz shows off the latest Lilly Pulitzer style on the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild spring fashion show March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
  • March 20, 2026
Spring fashion comes to life on Women's Guild runway
Sarasota's Tony Mullet, Dianne Gardner, Annelle Mullet,
Dave Gardner and Denise Miller get their green on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Lakewood Main Street on March 17.
  • March 18, 2026
A green day on Lakewood Main Street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Cathy and Dennis Kennedy
  • March 17, 2026
Revelers head to Shamrock Pub to uphold their St. Patrick's Day tradition
  • March 17, 2026
Temple members encouraged to reflect at outdoor art exhibit
Flamenco dancer Carolina Esparza performs with Los Rumberos on March 15 at The Education Center for the final Sunday Performing Arts Program installment this season.
  • March 17, 2026
Los Rumberos close out Education Center's Sunday shows
Ashley Dawson and Kristen Laviolette share what the Ladies of Longboat social group has meant to them as they greet members at the March 11 meetup at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
  • March 16, 2026
'Ladies of Longboat' social group enjoys new energy
Marc and Susan Benjamin are all smiles on the dance floor as they groove to the Aloha Sharks band March 14 at The Sanctuary.
  • March 16, 2026
The Sanctuary celebrates season with annual poolside party
Sarasota's Kelley Rouse celebrates after she participates in the Bus Pull for Inclusion, a fundraiser for the nonprofit Inclusion Revolution, that will assist in providing job-related resources to people with disabilities.
  • March 16, 2026
Bus pull raises $22,455 for Sarasota nonprofit
Fourth grader Ava O'Mahoney of 4-H and her mother Megan O'Mahoney spend time with Clover.
  • March 15, 2026
Kids showcase agricultural skills amid carnival fun at Sarasota County Fair
Hysen Muhametaj, Jamison Eige, Ron Major and Sydney Bartlett of Direct Window & Door celebrate Eige's win at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off.
  • March 14, 2026
Spicy showdown at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off
"Paradise Runway" fashion show models Judie Jacobson, Patti Wrobel, Cheryl Gross, Janet Nash and Regina Napoli wait to show off their second outfits for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club fundraiser.
  • March 13, 2026
Paradise Runway fundraiser hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club
A restored 1920 Craftsman residence set on a corner double lot has entered the market in Sarasota’s West of Trail neighborhood for $4.19 million.
  • March 12, 2026
Treehouse adds whimsy to restored West of Trail home in Sarasota
The home at 1356 Harbor Drive was built in 2017 and has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 6,752 square feet of living area.
  • March 12, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
Rex Jensen welcomes Fabienne and Brett Hutchens to the party at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • March 9, 2026
Having fun makes horse sense at the Sarasota Polo Club
Al Van Iten helps out shopper Jenny Phillips with her purchase of a teak shower set at the Royal Rummage Sale. Van Iten said he appreciates helping out the charitable effort while getting to meet interesting people.
  • March 9, 2026
Crowds come out en force for Royal Rummage Sale
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan, Meals on Wheels Plus President and CEO Maribeth Phillips, and Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation President Jeffrey Toale gather together after Phillips accepted a $25,000 grant to beautify Daybreak.
  • March 9, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation honors 2025 grant recipients
Mark Daunt from The Resort at Longboat Key Club doles out a sweet pick-me-up from the organization’s booth at the 3rd annual Town of Longboat Key Open House on March 7 at the Town Center Green.
  • March 9, 2026
Longboat town open house features nearly 40 reps

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