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Your Observer | All

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
Rising junior Shawqi Itraish, here throwing a pass against Lakewood Ranch, will be Braden River's starting quarterback this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 7, 2019
Braden River High's newest quarterback has paid his dues

Shawqi Itraish has the support of past Pirates quarterbacks, too.

  • East County
  • Sports
Taylor Lawson, April Costello and Chris Lawson say Colton Lawson, front, is a typical active boy, who loves to run and play, adores superheroes and is obsessed with trucks and tractors.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 7, 2019
Myakka boy still ready to race after traumatic limb loss

Myakka boy still ready to race after traumatic limb loss.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City Fire Department Chief Danny Cacchiotti and East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst say the "numbers work" for making the merger a good idea.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 7, 2019
Possible merger heads toward referendum

East Manatee, Myakka City fire districts head toward merger.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer
2
Outside weightlifting and wrestling, Freedom McDaniel also plays defensive end/defensive tackle for Braden River football. His 43 solo tackles in 2025 were second-most on the team.
  • April 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Freedom McDaniel
3
Julia Groom, Elizabeth Moore and Jennifer Masters
  • April 12, 2026
Gymnast Emily Meinke shares message of hope at Blue Ties & Butterflies
4
Alisa Pettingell, Eileen Curd and Graci McGillicuddy
  • April 12, 2026
Moffitt's Mission Possible luncheon supports new treatments in cancer
5
Longboat Key firefighter paramedics used the Hurst Jaws of Life ram to push the dashboard of a Ford Focus away from the passenger seat.
  • April 12, 2026
Fire Department turns Ford Focus into convertible for training

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