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Your Observer | All

Longboat Key town manager Howard “Tip” Tipton poses for a photo in his office at town hall Monday, Aug. 18. Tipton spoke to the Longboat Observer about the proposed 2026 fiscal year budget which adds three staff positions to the payroll.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • August 20, 2025
Three new Longboat Key staff positions budgeted in 2026, others not

The Town Commission will vote on the 2026 fiscal year budget at two meetings in September which includes a 6.5% staff pay increase and is described by Town Manager Howard Tipton as a "storm-weary budget."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Police Department recently put up digital signs reminding motorists crossing Ringling Bridge to slow down.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 20, 2025
Police crack down on speeding near Ringling Bridge

Sarasota Police Department said it has received several complaints of people going too fast across the bridge.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Elena Cassella worked in the Manatee County School District for 
17 years before taking a job in fundraising with Foundation for Dreams in 2010.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 20, 2025
Camp is a dream come true for individuals with disabilities

With some help from (lots of) friends, an east Manatee County organization aims to grow its unique camp that supports individuals with special needs and their families.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, has worked nearly every role in the house. Today, she's the heart and soul of the operation.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A gopher tortoise emerges from the grasses of Heritage Ranch Preserve. More than 350 animal species rely on abandoned burrows like this one for shelter, nesting and survival.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • August 20, 2025
These conservationists of a threatened species may just surprise you

The Heritage Ranch Gopher Tortoise Preserve offers a long-term refuge for slow movers with a big ecological role.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Commission Chair George Kruse (center) directs staff on Aug. 19 to cancel the Aug. 21 land use meeting.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 19, 2025
Manatee County wetlands vote postponed

Commission Chair George Kruse canceled the Aug. 21 commission meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 19, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre's 'Don't Dress for Dinner' serves up a frenetic farce

When the play's lying lovers start to lose, they double down with more prevarication.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Ana Salmon receives a demonstration from Elyse Falzone, an intuitive energy healer and spiritual mentor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 19, 2025
Bee Ridge Florist welcomes community inside for Feel Good Fair

The family-owned flower shop, which recently changed ownership to sisters Alex Wise-Brewer and Devyn Wise, hosted the Feel Good Fair.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The busy intersection at Bay Isles Parkway and Gulf of Mexico Drive came in at number two on the list of the five most hazardous intersections, tracking back to July 2023.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • August 19, 2025
Most Longboat Key fender benders happen at these 5 intersections

Police say the department's emphasis on being visible along Gulf of Mexico Drive helps calm traffic and keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota man arrested on child pornography charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2025
Sarasota man arrested on child pornography charges

Following months of investigation by the Sarasota Police Department, Colton Berman, 29, faces 13 counts of possession of child pornography.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joseph Evans Lembo (1963-2025)
    In Memoriam |
  • August 19, 2025
Joseph Evans Lembo

Joseph Evans Lembo, 61, passed away on August 7, 2025, following a brief illness.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7 at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 21-27

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Sara Stone has worked at the Market Street Lakewood Ranch Publix for 18 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 19, 2025
This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Three Island Monkeys owner Brigette Kubin greets visitors at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's "Networking at Noon" event on Aug. 15. The boutique co-hosted the event with the neighboring restaurant Lo' Key Island Grille.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 19, 2025
Longboat community connects at networking doubleheader

Three Island Monkeys and Lo' Key Island Grille combined their efforts to co-host the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's latest networking event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Women's suffrage still a work in progress
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • August 19, 2025
Women's suffrage still a work in progress

The path to suffrage was not universal or equal; many barriers continued to exist for the full participation of all women, an Observer reader says.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
  • April 5, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash attracts 2,000 fans on Easter weekend
2
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
3
Sarasota deejay and beatbox artist Karim Manning
  • April 5, 2026
Arts groups get 'Squeezed' for the 2026 Giving Challenge
4
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions
5
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

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