Florida Realtors (www.floridarealtors.org) reports that sales by realtors of single-family existing homes in the Sarasota-Bradenton market rose by 8 percent in 2011 as compared with 2010; sales of existing condominiums increased 7 percent. Sales prices in both categories took a hit in 2011, with prices for single-family homes decreasing 4 percent, from medians of $158,000 [...]

Whitney Beach businesses embracing the busy season with initiatives.

Commissioner Phill Younger has compiled current and historical beach data from the Town’s beach engineer, Coastal Planning and Engineering, in an effort to make the beach more understandable and allow the Commission an easier way to look at the variables. The Commission will listen to a peer review on its beach program and its engineering work at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 25.

Kitchens by Kerrie has opened their new Longboat Key Design Center and invites all to celebrate with them at their Preview Party from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. on  April 21 with wine and appetizers provided by the Lazy Lobster as well as live entertainment. Kitchens by Kerrie is located in the Centre Shops (next [...]

What are informed decisions? What are uninformed decisions? What role does foresight play in our decision-making? The taxpayers of Longboat Key will soon be asked to once again approve a beach bond in the vicinity of $50 million to replenish 10 miles of beach. I am reminded of George Santayana’s admonition, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” If today’s commission proceedings are any indication of the commissioners’ final decision concerning the scope of work on the island’s shoreline, we are doomed to throw an enormous amount of money into the Gulf of Mexico, again.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch invites you to watch turtle nest openings Saturday, July 31: