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Your Observer | All

Even without a common language, Michael Zlabinger and Anat Cogan manage to find common ground in "Handle with Care." (Courtesy Florida Studio Theatre)
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • December 15, 2019
'Handle with Care' delivers unconventional romantic comedy

Plot line considers life's unexpected detours

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Guests could pet a variety of animals, including donkeys, goats and llamas.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2019
Lakewood Ranch church recreates 'Night in Bethlehem'

Families experience scenic night with crafts, music and food.

  • East County
  • News
Max LaForge hugs his mom, Cara Covert, after being called to the stage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 14, 2019
Pine View student surprised with Make-A-Wish visit to New Orleans Saints

Pine View School sophomore Max LaForge, who has cystic fibrosis, learned at a fake assembly that he will meet players from his favorite NFL team this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Santa Claus and Everleigh Zetts, 6 months
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 14, 2019
Southside Village hosts festive night

Southside Village Business Association held its annual Southside Village Holiday Stroll on Dec. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 14, 2019
Preschoolers learn meaning of Hanukkah

Temple Emanu-el held its Tot Shabbat on Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 14, 2019
Water Club celebrates new clubhouse

Residents gathered for the holiday season in the newly redecorated center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Co-chairs Lisa Beckstein, Katherine Harris and Cindy Kaiser
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • December 13, 2019
Junior League celebrates holidays in the moonlight

The "Dancing Under The Stars" party was held Dec. 13.

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 13, 2019
Holidays Around the Ranch a jolly time for all

Lakewood Ranch's Holidays Around the Ranch a jolly time for all

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 13, 2019
Christ Church members buddy up with kids for Christmas

The Reading Buddies of Christ Church celebrated Christmas with their students.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kiyarah Martin, 5, picks out one of the toys.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 13, 2019
Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate the holidays

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota held its north Sarasota clubs holiday party on Dec. 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
After retiring as fire chief from East Manatee Fire Rescue District, Henry Sheffield began working as Manatee Technical College's Fire Science Academy coordinator. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2019
Manatee County community mourns loss of firefighter, educator Henry Sheffield

Manatee County community mourns loss of firefighter, educator Henry Sheffield

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • December 13, 2019
Mary Ellen Criste (née Waite)

Mary Ellen Criste (née Waite) was born on March 25, 1934 in Pittsburg, PA and died December 8, 2019 in Baltimore, MD.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Several residents gathered in Phillippi Estate Park to protest the county's redistricting map.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 13, 2019
Residents protest Sarasota County commission redistricting

A lawsuit was filed in federal court stating county commissioners discriminated against black voters when they approved the redistricting map.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 13, 2019
Moran chosen as Sarasota Board of County Commissioners chair

Michael Moran, who holds the District 1 seat, was selected as the chair for 2020.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 13, 2019
Physics Club gathers for annual Christmas party

The Longboat Key Physics Club enjoyed dinner and good conversation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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