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Spotlight

Trevor Stalcup and Jessica Assef star in George Balanchine's "Mozartiana," in Sarasota Ballet's Program Three, "Masters of Movement," which runs Dec. 19-20 at the Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 16, 2025
Sarasota Ballet taps a Balanchine disciple to stage his final major work

Maria Calegari is staging "Mozartiana," which she danced when she was a principal at New York City Ballet.

  • Arts + Culture
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands

A three-story mixed-use proposal includes the popular destination, which closed its previous Circle location after 2024's floods.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Co-chairs Kimberly Tude Thuot, Jo McKenzie and E-Dee Murphy
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • November 9, 2025
Sunset sparkles for SPARCC's fundraising soirée

Guests enjoyed a brilliant orange sunset over Sarasota Bay to kick off a night of fundraising, dinner and dancing.

  • Black Tie
Orlando Health owns land off State Road 70 at Crossland Trail in Manatee County.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • November 6, 2025
Orlando health care system plans Lakewood Ranch expansion

Orlando Health has acquired property in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Sage Kamiya has been named to Sarasota city engineer.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 18, 2025
Sarasota hires new city engineer

Former Holmes Beach Public Works Director Sage Kamiya is named to succeed new Sarasota Public Works Director Nikesh Patel as city engineer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner Barry Rainwater has launched his career as an author with "2025: Gardens and Creeks."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2025
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner writes a new life chapter

Barry Rainwater's science fiction thriller "2525: Gardens and Creeks" is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Longboat Key resident Audrey Bear is adamantly against changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive, calling it a “vanity project” that would cause a major hassle for older residents who live on the road.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 15, 2025
GMD renaming would require homework from residents, businesses

Paperwork, addresses and bills will all need updates if Longboat Key changes the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
When Nikesh Patel isn't at City Hall he is at his small family farm near Myakka caring for a variety of animals.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 25, 2025
New Sarasota Public Works director is the 'right person at the right time'

Former City Engineer Nikesh Patel succeeded long-time department head Doug Jeffcoat, who retired after 30 years with the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Woman leaves two downtown restaurants without paying her tab
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 17, 2025
Woman leaves two downtown restaurants without paying her tab

After skipping out on tabs at two restaurants, a woman is banned by police from both establishments. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A street sign marking the 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive owned by the town will remain for now as discussions on whether to rename the main thoroughfare are underway
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 2, 2025
FDOT removes Gulf of Mexico Drive signs, town to talk renaming

Longboat Key officials will hold a public meeting in October to discuss a potential renaming of the town's main thoroughfare.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A four-bedroom, five-bath home at 18826 Ganton Avenue in the Concession closed Aug. 20 for $6.9 million to become the second highest-priced sale ever in the Lakewood Ranch area.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 21, 2025
Concession home sells for $6.9 million

The Schemmel Soda Group, which handled the sale, says it is the second-highest priced home ever sold in the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
The culmination of the Sarasota Improv Fest is the All Play show, shown here in 2024.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • July 15, 2025
Sarasota Improv Festival celebrates the evolution of an art form

Improv is changing at warp speed, but Florida Studio Theatre remains at the vanguard.

  • Arts + Culture
Former School District of Manatee County Superintendent Jason Wysong
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2025
Manatee School Board fires superintendent

Mainly citing concerns over communication, the Manatee County School Board on Tuesday fired Superintendent Jason Wysong with just over 13 months remaining on his contract.

  • East County
  • Schools
1
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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