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Your Observer | All

Tara Bergstrom Merino with her children Michael and Natalie at The Market, where LWR SAVVY, in partnership with LWR and Little Geniuses, helps facilitate a free tent with activities.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 22, 2019
Local woman brings STEM education to Lakewood Ranch youth

Tara Bergstrom Merino saw a deficiency in STEM education. She opted to fix it herself by starting a nonprofit program called LWR SAVVY to help fill the gap.

  • LWR Life
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 22, 2019
Longboaters trade briefcases for putters

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its Business After Hours event at The Fish Hole.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tamlyn Leatt pet Benny enthusiastically while her peers watched.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 22, 2019
Thunder strikes for mounted patrol

Nolan Middle School students name the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol Unit logo.

  • East County
  • Schools
Doug Wagner talked with Stokely Browne about her dreams and career goal of becoming a neurosurgeon or neuroscientist.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 22, 2019
Manatee County students explore horizons through Project TEACH

"How do you spell neurosurgeon?"

  • East County
  • Schools
The Lakewood Ranch softball team is headed to the final four for the second year in a row.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 22, 2019
Lakewood Ranch softball heads to second-straight final four

Lakewood Ranch softball heads to its second-straight final four in Vero Beach.

  • East County
  • Sports
Former Lakewood Ranch High outfielder Logan Newton is hitting .427 on the season, 16th in the country, for James Madison. Photo courtesy JMU Athletics Communications.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 22, 2019
Local star now softball royalty with Dukes

Lakewood Ranch star Logan Newton now softball royalty with James Madison Dukes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Joby Smith, the Bay County Emergency Management division chief, will be the keynote speaker and will discuss Hurricane Michael.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 22, 2019
Town, Chamber to host disaster preparedness seminar

The seminar will run from 3:15 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 in the Harbourside Ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
LaRose didn't intend to become a translator. She anticipated having a career in marketing or public relations.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 22, 2019
Irina LaRose translates languages, helps bring people together

Since 1993, LaRose has worked as a Russian language translator. Her work has brought to Russia and around the U.S. to help clients.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Addison and Sophia Riesen share a common goal of protecting the environment and marine animals.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 22, 2019
Longboat sisters work in their own ways to protect the environment

Sophia and Addison Riesen protect the environment in different ways but share the same goal – protect marine animals and the environment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Calvin Hedgepeth.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 22, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Calvin Hedgepeth

The Braden River pitcher talks dog piles and his out pitch.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jozef Batko grew up in communist Czechoslovakia being told he couldn't paint anything outside the guidelines. Now he does. Photo by Niki Kottmann
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • May 22, 2019
Painter Jozef Batko goes with the flow

Contemporary artist Jozef Batko lets his surroundings evolve his vision.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • May 22, 2019
This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, May 23

A look at our favorite arts and entertainment events taking place this week in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The margherita pizza at the newly opened Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria in downtown Sarasota is the most popular item so far. Photo by Niki Kottmann
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • May 22, 2019
Scene & Heard: 05.23.19

Here's a look at the A&E news of the week in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Bonita Jackson plays Zoe in "The Niceties." Photo by Jack Cooper
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 22, 2019
Urbanite Theatre's 'The Niceties' ponders the battlegrounds of history

Eleanor Burgess’ play offers a thought-provoking history lesson at Urbanite Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
"The American Woman" stars Sienna Miller. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Pam Nadon
  • May 22, 2019
Critic's summer film picks

Escape the heat and check out these must-see summer movies.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
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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
2
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
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Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
  • April 11, 2026
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