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Your Observer | All

A group from Wilkinson Elementary gathers that includes Quinn Doan, 8, Elise Aponte, Jody Osceola, Jayden Doan, 4, Maya Perez, 12, Nikolas Perez, 8, Lucas Perez, 14, and Jennifer Perez.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 24, 2025
Nonprofit provides Christmas trees to those in need

The emerging nonprofit Thanks for Giving Trees, which honors the legacy of Joshua Morris, gave away its 1,000th tree on Dec. 6.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Irrigation systems that source from groundwater on barrier islands can lead to salinity issues during droughts as sea water seeps into the aquifer.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • December 24, 2025
Drought can salt lawns, impact irrigation on barrier islands

As the area enters a severe drought, irrigation practices can worsen the cycle of depleting freshwater in aquifers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Country Club member Bob Smith, Lifestyle Director Tonya Jansson, and General Manager Ryan Glenn show a check for $102,200 raised through Heritage Cares' Lakewood Ranch Cares — Five Days of Giving initiative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 24, 2025
Lakewood Ranch comes forward as a community of giving

A lot of good done by area nonprofits and organizations goes unnoticed.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The home at 560 Cedar St. sold for $655,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 24, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 8-12 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Sleepy Lagoon Park on Lyons Lane tops the week’s sales at $1.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stars perform in the inaugural Weekend of Soul Dec. 27-28 at WBTT's Donelly Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 23, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 25-31

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Yvette Brown poses for a photo on Dec. 11 next to the trophy case by Booker's gym. Through the first six games of the Tornadoes' season, she led in points, rebounds and steals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Yvette Brown

The senior guard has put her stamp on a winning start for Booker girls basketball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Myakka City's Diane and Rich Bartoszek display a handmade ceramic nativity scene each year.
    By
  • Jack Nelson, Lesley Dwyer, Madison Bierl
  • December 23, 2025
Decorating for Christmas with a personal touch in Lakewood Ranch

East County residents share their personal stamps on the holiday season.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • December 23, 2025
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025

The Observer sports columnist reflects on the area's champions, record-breakers and competitors who stood above all others.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chef Drew Adams recently took the helm as the new head chef at CW Prime, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort's signature steakhouse. He brings his experience working on the Sarasota food scene.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota chef celebrates local ingredients at CW Prime

Drew Adams, the former chef of acclaimed Sarasota restaurant Adeline, is bringing his vision to the St. Regis Longboat Key steakhouse.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboaters share their treasured holiday traditions, large and small
    By
  • Dana Kampa, S.T. Cardinal
  • December 23, 2025
Longboaters share their treasured holiday traditions, large and small

From faux sleigh bells to tacos for Christmas dinner, residents serve up a heaping of their memories and rituals.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Todd Mathes of Benderson Development explains the company's plans for reimagining of the former Sarasota County Administration Center site during a December 2025 community meeting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 23, 2025
Laurel Park residents question plans for Sarasota County's former base

A community meeting brought many questions about Benderson Development's upcoming request to rezone 1 acre of the Ringling Boulevard property downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 1151 Blue Shell Loop sold for $4,225,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,652 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 23, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 8-12 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop topped the week's sales at $4.23 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office

Nearly 3,000 toys and gift cards were delivered to agencies for distribution.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back

Volunteers with the group credit organizer Ann Quackenbush with knowing how to get the job done.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo

The senior midfielder/forward is the leading scorer for The Out-of-Door Academy boys soccer through nine games.

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest News

1
Cynthia Keough is one of several Manatee County residents to step up to the podium June 4 and ask commissioners for more time to review the updated comprehensive plan.
  • June 6, 2026
Residents have 60 more days to review Manatee County comp plan
2
Steven High is retiring as executive director of The Ringling, a position he has held since 2011.
  • June 5, 2026
Steven High to retire as executive director of The Ringling
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3
  • June 5, 2026
33rd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
4
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief
5
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford

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