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Your Observer | All

The orchestra said the venue, depicted in this conceptual rendering, could complement the park and enhance the east side of downtown. Park users have pushed back against the proposal.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 9, 2019
Orchestra continues pursuit of Payne Park site

As the city prepares to meet with orchestra officials, a group has formed to oppose the concept of building a new venue on public parkland.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cynthia Saunders was under investigation by the Florida Department of Education. File photo.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 8, 2019
School District of Manatee County superintendent settles with State Department of Education

School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders puts accusations about inflating graduation rates in the past.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County 12 Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas consults with attorneys before ruling to hear more arguments at a later time.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 8, 2019
Recreation district bonds delayed

Pending lawsuit delays judge's decision whether to approve issuance of bonds for purchase of University Park's recreational facilities.

  • East County
  • News
Shane Swezey surrounded by students and staff at Oak Park School along with school district administrators and Florida Department of Education leadership. Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Education.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • May 8, 2019
Oak Park School music teacher named Teacher of the Year finalist

Swezey is one of five statewide finalists for 2020.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • May 8, 2019
This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, May 9

A look at our favorite arts and entertainment events taking place this week in Sarasota, Venice and Anna Maria Island.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
A preliminary conceptual rendering shown at a December workshop displayed the vision for a redesigned Lemon Avenue.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 8, 2019
Lemon Avenue project to begin next week

The city is undertaking a seven-month effort to redesign a downtown street and park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of two leatherback turtle nests is on Siesta Key. Mote scientist Melissa Bernhard said she wouldn't be surprised if both nests are from the same turtle. Photo courtesy of Mote.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 8, 2019
Rare leatherback turtle nest spotted on Siesta Key

Two leatherback turtle nests have been documented by Mote in Venice and Siesta Key. The last time a nest like this was in the area was 2001.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
In the past, commissioners have considered using the Fairgrounds or Robarts Arena as a convention center.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • May 8, 2019
Commission backs away from convention center consideration

Commissioners noted that the idea was not sustainable "this year" in specific.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Stephen Ma and Teddy. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 8, 2019
Paw-fully helpful

LECOM hosts BioScentDX beagles in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mario Mendoza said he and his family pride themselves on being nerds. This shirt, featuring a right angle — making him always "right" — was perfect when he wore it the day before the Math Florida Standard Assessments on May 6.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 8, 2019
New Bashaw principal looks for potential in East County

"He’s fabulous and I’m sad to see him go."

  • East County
  • Schools
Renee Di Pilano. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • May 8, 2019
County names new head of Libraries and Historical Resources

Di Pilato succeeds Sarabeth Kalajian, the current director, who retires in the fall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 8, 2019
'Ruff' night on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Music on Main benefits the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kate Barlaug with Chris King . Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 8, 2019
Educator shout-outs

Buchanan recognizes Haile Middle School employee.

  • East County
  • News
Off the Handle opened this month on Clark Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 8, 2019
Business briefs

A Sarasota cycling studio opens, a computer business celebrates 30 years and hotel occupancy climbs in March

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Students of all grades came together to investigate what they thought to be a caterpillar but what may have been a worm.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 8, 2019
Bashaw kids dig it

Students dig it.

  • East County
  • Schools
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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
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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.
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Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
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Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
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