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Your Observer | All

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 18, 2020
Support local businesses

Great advice: ‘Calm breeds calm.’ But one of the best ways we can help beat COVID-19 is to do what Americans always do — fight back. Do what you can to keep our local economy healthy.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Alyssa Otterness and Allison Rothhaar of Girl Scout Troop 524 and Lauren Otterness of Troop 504 are selling their last batch of cookies. Booth sales were canceled due to the coronavirus causing them to be creative in their sales.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 18, 2020
Fight disease's impact with Girl Scout cookies

East County Girl Scouts get creative to sell last cookies

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department deputy chief Sandi Drake walks ashore after rescuing a man and his teenage son from a rip current March 6 near Longboat Key Club. (Photo courtesy of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 18, 2020
Water rescue highlights need for rip current awareness

Longboat deputy fire chief Sandi Drake rescued a man and his teenage son from a rip current earlier this month.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Derric Gobourne Jr. (front) plays Jesus in West Coast Black Theatre Troupe's production of "Your Arms too Short to Box with God." (Photos courtesy Sorcha Augustine)
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 18, 2020
'Your Arms too Short to Box with God' at WBTT still packs a punch

Director Harry Bryce discusses the groundbreaking musical's significance

  • Arts + Culture
Alexis Fraser, aka Lipstick Lex, has created a persona and a catchy, instantly recognizable style with her lipstick portraits of celebrities, like this one of Lady Gaga. (Courtesy photos)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2020
Lipstick Lex makes her mark with makeup

Working mom, struggling artist found her signature style with lip-print portraits

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota's Brian Levasseur enjoys a drink at Linksters Tap Room before the Governor's closer of bars hit at 5 p.m. Tuesday. In the background is the hand sanitizer he brought with him.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
Coronavirus updates for Lakewood Ranch and East County

Bar closures in Florida top list of coronavirus events effecting Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
During spring break, Mike Clark, a custodian at Ida M. Stewart Elementary School, helps clean the school. Students won't return to school until April 15.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
School District of Manatee County to close until April 15

School District of Manatee County to close until April 15

  • East County
  • News
The directive to close schools came from the Florida Department of Education. Sarasota County schools are currently on spring break.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota, Manatee schools to close through April 15

The state of Florida is ordering schools to close until at least the middle of next month. Statewide K-12 testing has been canceled.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North will be closed to the public until March 31.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 17, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North to close

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and Town Hall North to close

  • East County
  • News
Bars such as Shamrock Pub had already canceled St. Patrick’s Day events, but a state order will now force their closure for the next 30 days.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2020
Governor orders closure of bars statewide

At a press conference today, Gov. Ron DeSantis also said the state is taking steps to limit crowds at restaurants and on beaches in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Libraries will be closed through April 12 as the county responds to the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 17, 2020
Sarasota County libraries to close through April 12

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the county's library system will switch to digital-based services only.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • March 17, 2020
Robert Gray

Robert Gray, 82, of Weems, Virginia, formerly of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away March 15, 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The April 6 City Commission is canceled because of concerns related to COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 16, 2020
City to close recreational facilities

The City Commission agreed to close the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Bobby Jones Golf Club and more as part of a coronavirus response effort. Action on bars and restaurants could be forthcoming.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Four confirmed coronavirus cases are undergoing treatment at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 16, 2020
Longboat resident tests positive for COVID-19, undergoing treatment at SMH

A man who lives at the Privateer condo building in Longboat Key has tested positive for coronavirus, according to an email sent to condo owners and guests.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 16, 2020
Longboat Key Town Hall showcases local artists

For many years, the town of Longboat Key has provided a space for local artists to shine.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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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.
  • December 23, 2025
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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.
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Sarasota chef celebrates local ingredients at CW Prime
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Longboaters share their treasured holiday traditions, large and small
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