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Your Observer | All

Richard Frank Wokoun
    In Memoriam |
  • May 14, 2026
Richard Frank Wokoun

Richard Frank Wokoun, age 69, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on April 26, 2026.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Karie Friling makes brief comments to the Sarasota City Commission during her visit to the May 4 commission meeting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2026
New city manager calls career in public service 'most noble of professions'

Karie Friling has made several fact-finding visits to Sarasota in preparation for assuming her new role as city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Instructor Suzy Brenner leads her "Stretch and Strengthen" class for the first official activity following The Paradise Center reopening on Sept. 29 at Longboat Island Chapel.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 14, 2026
The Paradise Center expands digital classes

New livestreams of movement classes will be available online to members of the community center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Among the proposals for the Main Street complete street project includes converting dozens of angle parking spaces to parallel parking.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2026
What should Sarasota's Main Street look like in 20 years?

The public will get its first look at proposed design concepts for the Main Street complete street project at a May 21 workshop.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 507 Casey Key Road was built in 2008 and has five bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,595 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.75 million in 2019.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 14, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 27-May 1 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home on Casey Key Road tops the week's sales at $5.45 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Vance Freeman became the 10th different state champion in Sarasota boys weightlifting program history May 7. The senior hit all three of his lifts in the bench press to secure gold.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 14, 2026
Sarasota High lifter crowned at state championship

Vance Freeman won an individual state title to conclude his high school weightlifting career with the Sailors.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Dan Moriarty, community liaison and board member of the Tree Foundation, and Community Relations Co-Chair Janie Pratt stand on the campus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2026
Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A rendering of BayCare HealthHub on Moccasin Wallow Road.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 14, 2026
Health care expands in the area in a big way

Health care systems are expanding in and around Lakewood Ranch — for both the short- and long-term.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Sertoma Club of Sarasota
  • May 14, 2026
The Moments We Take for Granted—Until They’re Out of Reach

Helping children and families overcome speech, language, and hearing challenges.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Trouble begins when new girlfriend contacts his ex
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 13, 2026
Trouble begins when new girlfriend contacts his ex

Angry man wisely keeps his distance when his beach day date admits to asking his ex about a protective order against him. This and other tales from the files of the SPD in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Monopoly to make special Sarasota County edition

Monopoly: Sarasota County Edition is tipping its top hat to favorite county locations by seeking nominations of established businesses, nonprofits and landmarks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Daryl Cherry (left) and Jamar Byrd (right) battle with a medicine ball during practice. Byrd, at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, was an offensive/defensive lineman as a sophomore in 2025.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 13, 2026
Uphill climb coming for Booker football

After graduating the most talented class in program history, the Tornadoes will have to build back this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kananga and Dominic spend time in Kananga's pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has big hopes for its cohabitating crocodiles

Dominic and Kananga, the resident American crocodiles at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, have the potential to produce offspring, according to staff.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Retired Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo's name is now emblazoned on the airport loop road at SRQ.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 13, 2026
Airport roadway named for former SRQ president and CEO

Airport Circle at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has been officially renamed Rick Piccolo Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Seniors Eliana Yeboah, Suzan Ikele, Jeffrey Crabtree and Sara Johnson are among the first class of graduating seniors to complete all four years at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 13, 2026
East Manatee seniors prepare for final assignment: A graduation speech

The chosen speakers for the various Manatee County commencement ceremonies are eager to connect with their peers.

  • East County
  • Schools
« 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 »
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Latest News

1
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
Sponsored Content
2
  • June 5, 2026
33rd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
3
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
4
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford
5
Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.
  • June 4, 2026
Pineapple Kitchen owners close store, move to Amazon

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