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Your Observer | All

A photo of former Longboat firefighters in front of a long-gone truck.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 8, 2019
Longboat Key Fire Department looks to strengthen tradition

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi is trying to assemble historical displays of the department's past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • August 8, 2019
The power and limits of home rule

In recent years the Florida Legislature has gone after home rule polices restricting guns, vacation rentals, plastic bags and tree ordinances, just to name a few. When is overriding home rule merited?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Adam Bowman, Marco Vannucci and Quayshaun "Q" Oliver make up the band AWAKENNATION. Photo Courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 8, 2019
Local band premieres first song 'Sarasota'

The band AWAKENNATION featured lyrics about Sarasota Bay and the Ringling family in the city-themed song.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
VPA director Rebecca Abrahamson and VPA Theatre Chairman Scott Keys stand about where the lobby will be expanded to.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 8, 2019
Booker VPA to see $4 million renovation

School officials hope investment into the theater facility will shine a brighter light on student artists.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senior safety Matt Garcia is a steadying presence in the secondary.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2019
Riverview High football season preview

The Riverview High Rams and football coach Josh Smithers have high expectations after a historic playoff run.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Brian Battie, who played for the Sailors as a sophomore, is back for his senior season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2019
Sarasota High football season preview

The Sarasota High Sailors football team believes it is close to righting the ship under Spencer Hodges.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
R. Dan Nolan Middle School Principal Scot Boice said the changes should improve traffic flow at arrival and dismissal times.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 8, 2019
Lane changes aid arrival, dismissal at McNeal Elementary and Nolan Middle in Lakewood Ranch

McNeal Elementary, Nolan Middle have new car rider paths for parents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
Brian Battie.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2019
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Brian Battie

Returning Sarasota High running back Brian Battie talks USF and his burger preferences.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The size of a proposed 500-space, five-story parking garage with a rooftop restaurant has been central to the controversy over Selby Gardens' master plan.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 8, 2019
State scrutinizes Selby Gardens plans

FDOT officials questioned the scope and impact of a redevelopment project, but gardens officials stand behind the proposal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ken Shelin thinks it's possible to reach a simple, agreeable solution for changing building regulation on South Palm Avenue, but residents are initially sharing opposing perspectives on the best path forward.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 8, 2019
Palm Avenue residents, owners at odds over zoning

Can neighbors with opposing perspectives find room for compromise on building rules?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this weeks edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 8, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 8.8.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Emile Hirsch in "Speed Racer." Photo source: Amazon.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 7, 2019
Binge Blog: Go!

The Wachowskis' underrated 'Speed Racer' and Shane Black's 'The Nice Guys' are this week's must-stream picks for the Sarasota Observer's Binge Blog.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Lieutenant Brandon Desch shows off the Longboat Fire Department's night vision monocular. Photos by Sten Spinella.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 7, 2019
New equipment improves vision for Longboat Key Fire Department

Even in the night, firefighters can see as clear as day.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Eric Maupin lines up his Star Wars AT-ST.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 7, 2019
The Dark Side comic shop provides community space for geek culture

Have you checked out The Dark Side? It's one of Sarasota's major geek culture community spaces.

  • Arts + Culture
Gianfranco Santagati pictured in the dining room of La Norma. Photos by Sten Spinella.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 7, 2019
La Norma brings Sicilian spirit to Longboat Key

The Italian restaurant has settled into its tenure on the island after opening several months ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
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
2
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
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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