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Key Life

    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
Lassies race in Sarasota Bay. (Photo by Jennifer Joy Walker)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2022
The Luffing Lassies celebrate 50 years of friendships on the water

The Luffing Lassies is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing together adventurous women who bond over good company and the fine art of sailing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
When Judy Fryer is not working, she’s managing a 25-acre farm and participating in equestrian eventing. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 10, 2022
Old Salty Dog owner dishes on origin story of its quirky menu, sustained success

This astute businesswoman and restaurateur shares her insights on hot dogs, horses, happy employees — and the secret sauce behind running one of the most popular restaurants on the keys.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
(Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • November 10, 2022
Casey Key home makes the most of its tranquil surroundings

A spacious Casey Key estate reflects a life well lived for the former CEO of Cadbury and his family.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Allini fizzy bath truffles: $18.95. Allini bath bombs: $6.95. Allini artisan bar soap: $9.95. Set of 3 cosmetic bags: $59.95. Yellow natural sponge: $19.95.
    By
  • Guest Author
  • November 10, 2022
Up and down the keys, great gifts abound

Want to bring something special to a special someone? These local offerings lend a personal touch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Architecture Sarasota's 10th MOD Weekend will feature a yoga class at the iconic Umbrella house designed by Paul Rudolph on Sunday, Nov. 5. 
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 9, 2022
Lido Shores’ homes stand as a testament of time — and fabulous architecture

This architecturally unique neighborhood helped launch the Sarasota School of modernist architecture. Its vision of the future is not a thing of the past.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Graci McGillicuddy hopes All Star Children’s Foundation will become a model for foster care across the nation. (Photo by Harry Sayer)
    By
  • Guest Author
  • November 9, 2022
Siesta couple creates place of love, support for foster kids and their families

Graci McGillicuddy turned her passion for children’s welfare into a welcoming haven for foster children.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Fran Blum believes success is sexy. (Photo by Mark Wemple)
    By
  • Su Byron
  • November 8, 2022
Fran Blum believes success is sexy. And who’s going to argue with her?

In Fran Blum’s book of life there are no empty pages. There are many tales of travel, far-flung adventures, romance, groundbreaking careers and many missions accomplished.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
St. Armands Circle Association Executive Director Rachel Burns says her mission is to find new and innovative ways to bring people to St. Armands Circle. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 8, 2022
Get to know the leader of the St. Armands Circle Association

Rachel Burns, the new executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, brings passion to the position.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
St. Regis Longboat Key Resort/The Residences’ amenities include two restaurants, a beach grill, three bars, and a saltwater lagoon. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 7, 2022
3 condos under construction bring a new level of luxury to the keys

Two of three high-end condo projects in the area have already sold out. A third might soon join the party.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
In 2021, Karen Fraclich and Dan Belcher won for their creation “Skull Duggery.” (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 7, 2022
Sand sculptors amp up for the Crystal Classic

People come from around the region to marvel at the sensational sand sculptures, take sand sculpting lessons and enjoy the beach at the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Grinch himself joins the 2021 Village Holiday Parade on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 3, 2022
The best things to do this season on Siesta, Lido, Longboat keys

The don’t-miss events from around the keys in November, December and January.

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

1
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April
2
  • March 20, 2026
Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled
3
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
  • March 20, 2026
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
4
Dolores M. Stevens (2025)
  • March 19, 2026
Dolores M. Stevens
5
Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
  • March 19, 2026
'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

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