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Your Observer | All

Linda R. McKee, retired chief librarian of The Ringling, and Deborah W. Walk, retired chief circus curator, have written a book about a mysterious painting known as the "Greta Garbo Vermeer."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 20, 2026
Two sleuths track the mystery of the 'Greta Garbo Vermeer'

A retired curator and a librarian at The Ringling have written a new book about the elusive painting.

  • Arts + Culture
About 50 local, state and federal candidates attended "Meet the Candidates" at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing July 16.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 20, 2026
Meet the candidates event draws hundreds to Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance was one of the sponsors of the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • News
Gunfire reported at youth football event in Sarasota
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 20, 2026
Gunfire reported at youth football event in Sarasota

No injuries were reported in the Saturday incident at Booker High, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cownose ray waves a wingtip at onlookers from the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort lagoon on Friday after caretakers introduced half a dozen pups to the enclosure. Resident rays had the babies in December, and experts released the adolescents into the Under the Sea Lagoon.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 20, 2026
Half-dozen baby rays debut at St. Regis lagoon

The aquatic care team introduced the adolescent cownose rays to the Longboat resort's outdoor enclosure and shared another surprise.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Swimming is a sport Izzy DiPasquale got into because of her older sister, Ava DiPasquale. She's now assembling a career of her own.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • July 20, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Izzy DiPasquale

The rising seventh grader and Mill Creek resident made multiple trips to the podium at the Florida Summer Age Group Championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
A conceptual rendering of Swing in the courtyard at Payne Park Tennis Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 20, 2026
Payne Park public art reveal set for July 30

The public will get its first look at "Swing" by New York artist Michael DiCarlo later this month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mike Mullen, the new principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, is ready to take on the role he applied for in 2019.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 19, 2026
Educator returns to area as principal of Lakewood Ranch High

Mike Mullen, who has served as principal at Martha B. King Middle School for the past four years, is eager to return to the school where he previously served as assistant principal.

  • East County
  • Schools
A rendering of the planned Shore restaurant, boutique, cafe and residential space as viewed from Boulevard of the Presidents on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 19, 2026
Planning staff questions new Shore restaurant design on St. Armands

Sarasota's Development Review Committee are asking for more details about plans for the Shore restaurant building's third floor and parking strategy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Police Department has four vessels in its marine fleet, including a 26-foot Boston Whaler that is out of commission awaiting repairs to its canopy.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • July 19, 2026
LBK Foundation asks for community help with police boat repair fundraiser

A $7,000 donation by a Longboat family will cover about half of the repairs, and the Longboat Key Foundation is asking for donations to bridge the remaining gap.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Toby reaches up to greet a new helping of foam.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2026
Dog Bar Sarasota celebrates one-year anniversary

The beloved dog bar celebrated its one-year anniversary after reopening with a foam party benefiting Donte's Den.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amanda Eyer, internal communications and community relations director at Boar’s Head and Amber Lee, senior director of programs at All Faiths Food Bank, stand in front of one of the new vans.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2026
Boar's Head gifts two refrigerated vans to All Faiths Food Bank

The organization raised over $100,000 for the food bank through its annual Circle of Friends fundraising campaign.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From left to right: Avery Mathis, Charlie Mathis, Michael Mathis and Jessica Mathis grin at a badge pinning ceremony where Michael Mathis was promoted to sergeant of the Longboat Key Police Department.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • July 17, 2026
Longboat police officer promoted to sergeant

Michael Mathis has been with the Longboat Key Police Department since 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 17, 2026
Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment

Local investigators arrested the 46-year-old Bradenton man after receiving an alert from the FBI.

  • East County
  • News
Addison Gutowitz, 13, and Harriet Shore, 11, learn skills on electric guitar from 17-year-old Max Froemel in the guitar breakout session.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Campers come together at School of Rock Lakewood Ranch

During the Modern Rock music camp, students learn songs to perform for family and friends.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The School District of Manatee County Bus Attendant Rolando Giz and Bus Driver Richard Dymond said community members need to be more mindful of passing buses, especially when the stop sign is out, as it puts the students at risk on busy roads.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 17, 2026
Impressive team effort gets the students to school safely each day

While drivers and bus attendants are crucial, there are many more workers behind the scenes for Manatee schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Linda R. McKee, retired chief librarian of The Ringling, and Deborah W. Walk, retired chief circus curator, have written a book about a mysterious painting known as the "Greta Garbo Vermeer."
  • July 20, 2026
Two sleuths track the mystery of the 'Greta Garbo Vermeer'
2
About 50 local, state and federal candidates attended "Meet the Candidates" at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing July 16.
  • July 20, 2026
Meet the candidates event draws hundreds to Lakewood Ranch
3
Gunfire reported at youth football event in Sarasota
  • July 20, 2026
Gunfire reported at youth football event in Sarasota
4
A cownose ray waves a wingtip at onlookers from the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort lagoon on Friday after caretakers introduced half a dozen pups to the enclosure. Resident rays had the babies in December, and experts released the adolescents into the Under the Sea Lagoon.
  • July 20, 2026
Half-dozen baby rays debut at St. Regis lagoon
5
Swimming is a sport Izzy DiPasquale got into because of her older sister, Ava DiPasquale. She's now assembling a career of her own.
  • July 20, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Izzy DiPasquale

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