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Elite home market increases in Lakewood Ranch area
Through the past decade, the East County area, with Lakewood Ranch as the driving force, has sold its share of million-dollar homes. However, the area might not have caught the attention of the truly elite home seekers who have directed their attention to the coastal areas. That has changed. "This...
Top residential real estate sales for July 8-12 in Lakewood Ranch
A home in The Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Douglas Callander, trustee, of Richland, Michigan, sold the home at 16210 Baycross Drive to Dianna Henderson and Richard Fembleaux, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2.3 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,141 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2020.
Sprouts organic grocery announces opening date for downtown Sarasota
A budding downtown grocer has set a date for full bloom. Sprouts Farmers Market, a national organic supermarket chain, will open at 111 Links Ave. Sept. 6, as first reported by The Observer. The store was announced as a commercial tenant of the mixed-use One Main Plaza project at 1991 Main Street in May 2023.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe takes three shows to Black theater festival
Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be well represented at this year’s International Black Theatre Festival with three shows it has helped to develop. The company was invited to perform for the sixth time at the festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which had previously been known as the National Black Theatre Festival.
Longboat Key officer frees cat stuck in porch ceiling
Disturbance: Dispatch sent Longboat Key officers to investigate a disturbance call, which was reported as a man at a local resort repeatedly knocking on a room’s door. The call came in because only children were inside the unit and they were scared. Upon arrival at the scene, an officer spoke with the man. He said the people staying in this unit left clothes in the washing machine and he needed to do his laundry. After the officer advised the man there were only children in the unit, and they called 911, he apologized and an officer spoke with the oldest child to reassure them that everything was okay.
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Dylan Wester
Dylan Wester is a rising junior wide receiver on the Booker High football team. Wester transferred to the Tornadoes from Palmetto High this offseason. Wester had 26 catches for 433 yards and a touchdown in 2023. He holds college offers from the University of South Florida, the University of Toledo and Marshall University.
Who is Hugh Culverhouse Jr. and why does he keep paying for programs the government cuts?
Although he has been a major philanthropist for years, attorney and developer Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has stepped up several times this year to provide money for programs that county and state officials failed to fund. His latest gift, made with his wife, Eliza, was $107,643 to support the Embracing Our Differences art display on the Sarasota Bayfront. Sarasota County commissioners voted against the organization receiving $46,696 in tourist tax funds, and it lost a $60,947 state grant...
Here's Who's Performing in This Season's Artist Series Concerts
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota will present 26 concerts during its 29th season, which is themed "Talent Unveiled." The season runs from Sept. 22, 2024, through May 8, 2025, and will offers a range of concerts, from emerging and established classical, jazz, pops, and chamber artists. Here's the lineup. Sunday...
Sarasota School Board elections: Karen Rose and Liz Barker face off for District 2 seat
In what could be seen as a referendum on the Sarasota School Board leadership, the incumbent board chairwoman faces reelection against a local mother who has managed to out-raise her by more than $70,000. Karen Rose, the incumbent District 2 board member, faces Liz Barker, a local mother, former school...
Drinking turns deadly in St. Petersburg, roommate questioned
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CBS12) — A night of drinking turned deadly in St. Petersburg on Sunday afternoon. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said just before 5 p.m., deputies responded to 8198 49th Avenue North after reports of a man shot. At the scene, they found 50-year-old Kevin Bishop lying on the floor inside the residence with one gunshot wound to the chest.
Utility work to close section of Serata St. 7/24-26
The Venice Utilities Department will have a portion of Serata Street between San Marco Drive and Sovrano Road closed beginning Wednesday, July 24 through Friday, July 26 for a sanitary sewer manhole repair (work area shown in red box below). Asphalt restoration and paving is expected to occur next week.
Happiness Experiment founder wants to donate huge sign
July 23, 2024 - Gary King, founder of the Happiness Experiment, wants to donate one of his trademark red and white signs to the first local school willing to display it in a cafeteria. He estimates the eight-foot-long “Happiness” sign, similar to the much smaller ones found throughout St. Petersburg, is worth $350. In a social media post Tuesday, King said its display would cause “a profound change that is beyond believable.”
Coast Guard recovers body after overnight search for missing swimmer at John's Pass
JOHN'S PASS, Fla. (CBS12) — A body was recovered following an overnight search for a missing swimmer near St. Petersburg. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation on Monday evening after receiving a report of a missing 31-year-old swimmer off John's Pass. Air and surface crews...
City hosts hurricane expo for seniors
July 23, 2024 - The City of St. Petersburg will host a hurricane expo dedicated to senior citizens Thursday at the Sunshine Center. Emergency management personnel will provide crucial preparation tips, and the first 30 households to register will receive a complimentary hurricane kit. The expo is from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at 330 5th St. N.
Groundbreaking law enforcement program graduates first cohort
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody stopped in St. Petersburg to celebrate a “seminal moment” in state law enforcement history Monday. She joined police chiefs from Gulfport to Tampa, Rep. Linda Chaney, Rep. Berny Jacques and St. Petersburg College (SPC) officials at the institution’s Allstate Center to welcome the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical program’s first graduating class of 14 officers. The unique certification is Florida’s first.
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