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Your Observer | All

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer James Fiorica speaks at a March 3 press conference after the first patient tested positive for COVID-19 at a Sarasota hospital. Since then, 21 SMH patients have tested positive.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 26, 2020
Sarasota Memorial Hospital discusses COVID-19 response

The hospital is working with its partner foundation and accepting public donations to ensure it continues to have the equipment it needs to address coronavirus cases.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Solorzano Bros. pizza on Webber St. has closed the interior of the store and switched to a pickup window for orders, but business isn't slowing down at the restaurant. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 26, 2020
Businesses get creative in response to coronavirus challenges

From virtual piano lessons to prepackaged pizza quarantine kits, Sarasota business owners are trying to stay afloat and keep the community engaged.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 26, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 3.26.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Lakewood Ranch's Pilar Henson and her son, Nicolas Henson, still wonder whether they have been battling COVID-19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2020
Lakewood Ranch mother and son frustrated in their attempt to have a COVID-19 test

Coronavirus symptoms aren't enough to land a test for Lakewood Ranch mother and son.

  • East County
  • News
Our Y leaders purchased both branches for $4.4 million.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 25, 2020
Save Our Y purchases facilities with $4.4 million transaction

After eight months of grassroots effort, Save Our Y — now called Our Y — owns the Frank G. Berlin and Evalyn Sadlier Jones branches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Annie Leibovitz will round out the RCLA Town Hall series on Nov. 23 where she will give a talk on her career in journalism and the arts.Â
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 25, 2020
Final RCLA lectures moved to November

The final two Ringling College Library Association, which feature Lisa Genova and Annie Leibovitz, have been moved to Nov. 9 and 23.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Little Free Library at Bayfront Park on March 12.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 25, 2020
Little Longboat libraries allow readers to take a book, leave a book

Little Free Library "libraries" were installed at Bayfront and Bicentennial parks about two years ago. But one seems to get used more often.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A beach access point at 2825 Gulf of Mexico Drive is blocked and posted in Longboat Key.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 25, 2020
Longboat officials focus on education as beaches remain closed

Sarasota and Manatee County officials closed all public beaches to stop the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Alex Colbath, a second grader, has a method to building his tower: use longer blocks to help support smaller blocks as the tower grows.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
Together in spirit at Tara Elementary School

Tara Elementary PTO hosts virtual spirit week

  • East County
  • News
Columbia Restaurant's outdoor dining area sits empty after the restaurant announced it would close indefinitely.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 25, 2020
From takeout to layoffs to closures, Longboat restaurants adjust to pandemic

Florida's decision to close restaurants' dine-in areas indefinitely means uncertainty going forward.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cynthia Saunders, superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, is confident the district will be able to launch e-learning for its more than 50,000 students March 30.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
E-learning access concerns East County families

Lakewood Ranch-area parents have concerns over e-learning

  • East County
  • News
A sign indicates that the Longboat Key Tennis Center's courts are closed. The facility closed Sunday amid concerns about COVID-19.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 25, 2020
Longboat sports buffs seek new outlets

Some are playing their usual sports with new restrictions, while others are finding new forms of exercise.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jo-Ann Yermak (center) is worried about providing childcare for her two children, Mikenna and Hayden, who are students at Braden River Elementary School, while she works full time and they start e-learning.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
E-learning poses child-care difficulties in Lakewood Ranch area

Challenges in childcare concern Lakewood Ranch parents during e-learning

  • East County
  • News
Earth Fare began liquidating assets at its 50 locations nationwide in early February. The Lakewood Ranch store closed Feb. 24.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 25, 2020
Wish list for Earth Fare space in Lakewood Ranch

East County shoppers hope for another specialty grocer at The Green.

  • East County
  • News
Beth Peace has been working at Peach's Restaurant for 16 years. As a result of the restaurant closing due to the coronavirus, Peace has lost her job.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 25, 2020
Lakewood Ranch-area employees out of service

'It's day-by-day' for employees affected by business closures in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
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Nearly every member of the Sarasota Ballet will be on stage for “Checkmate” May 1-2 at the Sarasota Opera House.
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Sarasota Ballet stages a dramatic death dance in 'Checkmate'
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Lakewood Ranch's Mateo Orlandini and East Bradenton's Alex Molina both have a passion for soccer and love to play with new people at the Lakewood Ranch Residents Soccer Club.
  • April 22, 2026
Soccer club provides free space to grow and socialize
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Terri Driver is a long-time volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, seen here caring for a nest in 2016.
  • April 22, 2026
Turtle patrol walks begin on Longboat Key

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