In Southwest Harbor, a School Reorganization Plan Raises Big Questions.

The town joined other Mount Desert Island communities in sending the proposal to voters after a discussion about debt, property, and representation. Carrie Jones Aug 14, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Maine Seacoast Mission. SOUTHWEST—Earlier this week, Southwest Harbor joined Bar Harbor and Mount Desert in ordering that the school reorganization article be placed on the November 3 ballot. The plan—if … Continue reading In Southwest Harbor, a School Reorganization Plan Raises Big Questions.

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As Short-Term Rentals Are Potentially Spreading, Southwest Harbor Takes Stock.

Select Board asks town manager to explore rental inventory as neighboring communities revisit STR policies. The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Wealth Management. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The goal the town’s Select Board gave its town manager was clear, August 11: Find out what the town has to do procedurally to inventory its rentals, both long-term and short-term. The directive came after a short-term … Continue reading As Short-Term Rentals Are Potentially Spreading, Southwest Harbor Takes Stock.

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“We Want to Be There Every Night”: Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service Works Toward 24/7 Coverage and Sustainability.

New executive director speaks to community home health plans for the per-diem agency. Carrie Jones Jul 30, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Maine Seacoast Mission. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On the western side of Mount Desert Island, emergency medical services (EMS) and ambulances are a lifeline in medical emergencies and keeping a constant ambulance presence is a priority, representatives of the non-profit Southwest Harbor-Tremont … Continue reading “We Want to Be There Every Night”: Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service Works Toward 24/7 Coverage and Sustainability.

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After Tragedy, Lindenwood Inn Begins a New Chapter.

Southwest Harbor Approves Lindenwood Inn Liquor License Amid Ownership Transition. Carrie Jones Jul 20, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Historical Society. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The Lindenwood Inn has new owners, but the property’s pending sale created an unusual challenge for the Southwest Harbor Select Board as members worked through the inn’s liquor license renewal last week. On the agenda, the request … Continue reading After Tragedy, Lindenwood Inn Begins a New Chapter.

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Marshall Brook Residents Still Waiting for Answers.

Questions about contaminated wells, a proposed water line, and who is responsible dominated more than an hour of discussion before the Southwest Harbor Select Board. Carrie Jones Jul 16, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—”It’s always been a fight,” said Jodie Aragona as she sat in the front row of the Southwest Harbor Select Board meeting, … Continue reading Marshall Brook Residents Still Waiting for Answers.

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The Heart of Southwest Harbor Marched Down Main Street Before It Danced on the Green.

The Flamingo Festival celebrated the neighbors, volunteers, traditions, and quirks that make a community. Carrie Jones Jul 14, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Music Festival. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—It began with pancakes and ended with a dance party. Festivals like Southwest Harbor’s Flamingo Festival are rarely performances. They’re reunions. They’re celebrations of neighbors. At their best, they are a town telling itself … Continue reading The Heart of Southwest Harbor Marched Down Main Street Before It Danced on the Green.

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Southwest Harbor Flocks Together for Flamingo Festival. There's joy in every plastic bird this weekend. Free to read, link in the bio, just click through.

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No Egrets: Flamingo Festival Brings the Flocking Fabulous Fun to Southwest Harbor This Weekend.

Carrie Jones Jul 09, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Every year, at the Flamingo Festival in Southwest Harbor, there are flamingos, yes, but the pink-filled summer event brims with, joy, community, and gratitude. The parade is full of laughter, the breakfast is full of pancakes. The craft fair and book fair are full of adventures and stories. The annual … Continue reading No Egrets: Flamingo Festival Brings the Flocking Fabulous Fun to Southwest Harbor This Weekend.

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A 255-Foot Yacht Left for Bar Harbor. Now Some in Southwest Harbor and Dysart’s Marina Want Answers.

Why Southwest Harbor Lost One of the World’s Largest Sailing Yachts. Carrie Jones Jul 07, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Viridian Law. SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Last week’s arrival—and departure—of the mega yacht M5 has led to some discord in Southwest Harbor, lost revenue for a local marina, and a full audience at the town’s Harbor Committee meeting, Monday. “I assume most people are … Continue reading A 255-Foot Yacht Left for Bar Harbor. Now Some in Southwest Harbor and Dysart’s Marina Want Answers.

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A Carefully Crafted Yes: Southwest Harbor Approves School Resource Officer

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Southwest Harbor, Coast Guard Seek Workshop After Paid Parking Concerns Erupt During Select Board Meeting.

Officials Aim to Strengthen Ties After Parking Discussion Carrie Jones Jun 25, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Historical Society. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Tension and worries between the town and the Coast Guard base over the town’s new paid parking program at the Lower Town Dock bubbled out during the Select Board meeting, June 23. The tension was about parking, contined into … Continue reading Southwest Harbor, Coast Guard Seek Workshop After Paid Parking Concerns Erupt During Select Board Meeting.

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One Seat, Three Applicants, and a Notable Decision.

Select Board Replaces Planning Board Vice Chair Lee Worcester With Former Member. Carrie Jones Jun 24, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Viridian Law. SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The Southwest Harbor Select Board did not choose to reappoint its Planning Board Vice Chair Ben “Lee” Worcester back onto the Planning Board, during its January 23 meeting. Instead, the board unanimously appointed David Lloyd, who has previously … Continue reading One Seat, Three Applicants, and a Notable Decision.

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