Longboat Observer wins Newspaper of the Year

The Longboat Observer won first place in the Class B category of the Local Media Association's Newspaper of the Year contest.

"Strong layout, strong graphics and above all, strong stories make the Longboat Observer a clear winner," according to the judge's comments.

The association also recognized the Sarasota Observer as third place in the Class C category of the contest, with judges citing a feature story tracing the rift between the city of Sarasota and Sarasota County as "a good example of taking a step back and examining a conflict snagging governmental efficiency and progress."

The East County Observer also won third place in its category.

Observer Group sister papers on the east coast of Florida also won accolades, with the Palm Coast Observer winning Newspaper of the Year in its category, and the Ormond Beach Observer notching an honorable mention.