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Key Life

As much as SOS is an inviting place for people to behold birds — from pelicans to parakeets — the facility’s primary business is helping to revive ailing ones.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 3, 2023
Save Our Seabirds takes off on expansion plans for the nonprofit

Aaron Virgin, the new CEO of Save our Seabirds, has big plans for the avian sanctuary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Irene Chang-Britt’s story is one of personal growth and reinvention.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 3, 2023
Former Pepperidge Farm CEO is living her dream life on Bird Key

Irene Chang-Britt, the former CEO of Pepperidge Farm, shares her tales of success — and why retiring on Bird Key is the sweetest part.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Michael Drake, the Longboat Key Historical Society’s president, stands in front of the cottage that now houses the organization’s extensive collection of artifacts.
  • By Patricia Horwell
  • May 3, 2023
Longboat Key Historical Society gives new life to the past

The organization’s new location at Longboat Key’s Town Center will serve as a museum showcasing archives, artifacts and historical objects.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton is spending the first months of his new job listening to staff and evaluating systems.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 2, 2023
Meet Longboat Key’s new town manager

Longboat Key’s new town manager, Howard Tipton, measures the success of his weeks by the number of sunsets he gets to see.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Troy Roberts and Scott Ruberg show off the new batch of limited-edition “Scooter of the Beach” rum.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 2, 2023
Siesta Key Rum dives into more success with its recent release

Siesta Key Rum recently released the second batch of a limited-edition label in recognition of the celebrated Siesta Key lifeguard "Scooter of the Beach."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Amanda and John Horne will honor Café L’Europe’s favorite menu items, including the French onion soup served in an onion, but have revamped the interior and refreshed the menu.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • February 6, 2023
Restaurateur brings his brand of hospitality to the iconic Café L'Europe

John Horne, one of the area’s most experienced restaurateurs, takes the helm of an iconic restaurant on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Residents and tourists, young and old, found something to enjoy at the Lido Casino.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 4, 2023
The legendary local hot spots of the past

Before the condos and traffic, Lido, Siesta and Longboat keys housed a whole host of haunts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The lanai overlooks a pool and a small grove of mangroves and sea grape lining the bayou.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 3, 2023
1950s ranch transforms into the epitome of Sarasota style

Dan Denton transformed an ordinary Lido Shores ranch home with midcentury bones into a spectacular, modern glass pavilion set in a garden.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sam Ramey fell fast and furious in love with the life aquatic. For him, the experience was so life-changing that he finished his schooling while living aboard a sailboat.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 3, 2023
A guide to get your Sarasota fishing adventures started

As the saying goes, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. Or, as outdoorsman and angler Fennel Hudson puts it: “Having a fishing rod in your hand is merely an excuse to explore out-of-sight depths and reveal mysteries that previously only existed in dreams.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Drum circle newbie Julia Clark (center) bangs her worries away among the usual cadre of characters.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 2, 2023
The beat goes on at Siesta Key drum circle

Now in its 26th year, the Siesta Key drum circle is as steady and evocative as the tide. And much like the beach’s famous sand, its rhythm is just as healing.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Artist and Ringling College student Jesse Clark was selected to coordinate the “Visions in Black” program at area-based colleges. He also created this year’s poster art.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • January 31, 2023
Suncoast Black Arts Collective spotlights artists of color

The second annual exhibition of "Visions in Black" celebrates creativity by regionally based artists of color.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 29, 2023
Longboat 'Shark Guy' gives the ABC’s of shark fishing

Rob Metz has learned just about everything there is to know about catching sharks. And he’s not afraid to show you.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Foxy Lady’s founder and owner Lorry Eible has been a local trendsetter for 50 years.
  • By Amy Bentley
  • January 28, 2023
St. Armands' Foxy Lady is still fabulous at 50

Foxy Lady founder Lorry Eible credits family, friends and generations of loyal customers for 50 years of success.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Tracy Jackson and Tim Hensey are cautiously confident that most Siesta Key residents seek independence from county government.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 27, 2023
Siesta Key fights for its independence

A determined group of Siesta Key residents seeks a new, more responsive form of localized government for the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Andrew and Luz Hereth celebrated 15 years of marriage at the 2022 Valentine’s Day vow renewal on Siesta Beach.
  • By Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2023
The best things to do this spring on Siesta, Lido, Longboat keys

The don’t-miss events from around the keys in February, March and April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
« 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »
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Latest News

1
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
2
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
3
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
4
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
5
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

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