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Business

Diners sit outside at Lazy Lobster. Owner Michael Garey said business really starts to ramp up in February before March, April and May, the busiest months of the year for the restaurant.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 4, 2026
Seasonal upswing back to 'normal' on Longboat Key

As spring break approaches, Longboat Key business owners are optimistic that business will continue to ramp up.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Susan Phillips retired in 2025 from her role as the town manager's assistant.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 3, 2026
Phillips named chair of Longboat Key Foundation

The organization's founder, Jim Brown, announces retirement from the position.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Brian Taylor, who works as executive vice president for Perform[cb], has been working from CoworkLWR since 2021 in order to have a separation between work and home life. He enjoys the opportunities to network with fellow remote workers at the new location.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 3, 2026
CoworkLWR moves to a new, larger Lakewood Ranch location

Keith Pandeloglou's business had spent the past 10 years on Lakewood Main Street.

  • East County
  • Business
Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
Late-night cookie chain opens its first store in Sarasota

Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sanddy Marchena owns Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch with his wife Melodie Marchena (not pictured). Michelle Frease is the academy's director.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place gains a Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy of Sarasota opens its child care and preschool business March 2.

  • East County
  • Business
General manager Desmond Hill brings warmth and ease to Lucky Pelican’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 18, 2026
Lucky Pelican's general manager shares how he keeps the restaurant flying high

What makes the Lucky Pelican Bistro so good? No bad days. And the lobster roll, of course.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Marlon Brown served as city manager of Sarasota from 2021-2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2026
Nonprofit elects former city manager, investment advisor to board

Barancik Foundation taps Marlon Brown and Jeffrey McCurdy for three-year terms.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Longboat Key resident Patrice Fanning started off serving as an officiant for friends, and she is now expending her work into an official business.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 11, 2026
Longboaters in love can keep it local with new wedding officiant business

Longboat Key resident Patrice Fanning recently started her new business, Forever without Borders, to offer wedding officiant services here or wherever couples need her.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Herb Methodology co-owner Tryla Brown Larson celebrates the launch of her line of locally made products at Longboat Key's Design 2000 Salon on Jan. 29.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 4, 2026
Herb Methodology launches at Design 2000

The line of locally made products covers everything from bath bombs to bug repellent.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Chamber launches summertime internship program
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is connecting students with businesses through InternConnect, a paid summer internship.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarah Firstenberger was named CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce in June.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 4, 2026
Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm

Homegrown CEO Sarah Firstenberger brings fresh ideas and steady leadership to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Cinthia Peña is the new managing director of CreArte Latino.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2026
CreArte Latino names new full-time managing director

The new role for Cinthia Peña is made possible by a Barancik Foundation grant.

  • Arts + Culture
Karen Medford has moved up the ladder with her Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Med Spa business by opening a location in Waterside. The new location will include a boutique.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2026
Sirius Day Spa opens new location in Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub

Owner Karen Medford says it has been a dream for her to own a spa at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Yahaira and Adam Shimer operate Crust N' Crumb out of their Heritage Harbour home.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 27, 2026
Baking hobby turns into a hot business for Manatee County couple

Baking racks and equipment have taken over this Heritage Harbour household over the past year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is at 6320 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • January 23, 2026
New sandwich shop opens in south Sarasota

Capriotti’s, known for its submarine sandwiches, is located on South Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
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Latest News

1
Molly Reichenbach, Caio Menegardo and Brian Scanlon cheer for their classmates as they receive their diplomas from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy May 20.
  • May 21, 2026
First class of seniors ready to soar from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy
2
  • May 21, 2026
Sarasota gunfire remains under investigation
3
Sheila B. Barach
  • May 21, 2026
Sheila B. Barach
4
The 7-Eleven planned for 44th Avenue West and White Eagle Boulevard will look similar to the 7-Eleven on University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
  • May 21, 2026
7-Eleven planned for Lakewood Ranch fuels outrage
5
Ann Morrison played the titular role in the Broadway touring production of "Kimberly Akimbo" for 10 months.
  • May 21, 2026
Sarasota actor Ann Morrison is forever young

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