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Your Observer | All

Double turn-lane trouble
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 26, 2025
Double turn-lane trouble

Construction on the much-discussed left-turn lanes for the south Gulf of Mexico Drive is finally beginning (at the wrong time). But much to the chagrin of residents, the designs were a surprise — and not a pleasant one.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Judge Charles Williams, Sarah Wertheimer, Isabella Cicala and Bryson Day
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 25, 2025
Embracing Our Differences luncheon highlights educational initiatives

The event, held Feb. 21, invited district students and a teacher to discuss the impact of the nonprofit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stephanie Claussen, owner of Steff's Stuff antique shop, celebrates 17 years of business.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 25, 2025
Steff's Stuff celebrates 17th anniversary

The antique shop with an ever-changing collection of unique home items is in the Centre Shops on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brooklyn-based Mark Morris Dance Group performs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 28 through March 3.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 27-March 5

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
This Azario Esplanade home sold for $2 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,316 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 25, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 10-14 in Lakewood Ranch

A Cypress Creek Estates home on Ninth Avenue Circle Northeast tops the week's sales at $2.15 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Delores McKenzie performs her "Belles of Broadway" show for Christ Church of Longboat Key members.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 25, 2025
'Belles of Broadway' delights Longboat audiences

Delores McKenzie belted out tunes from "Hamilton," "Wicked," "Waitress," "Les Misérables" and many more iconic Broadway shows in her newest act.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
After Hurricane Debby hit the area Aug. 5, 2024, an East Manatee Fire Rescue worker paddles toward a flooded home on Quonset Road along the Braden River to rescue the occupant.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 25, 2025
Manatee County addresses Hurricane Debby flooding

A county study finds plenty that didn't happen during Hurricane Debby, but few causes other than an enormous rainfall.

  • East County
  • News
Trespassed man claimed he's heading south for YouTube fame
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 25, 2025
Trespassed man claimed he's heading south for YouTube fame

While trespassing on a Longboat Key property, the man said he was hoping to swim with alligators and film it for YouTube. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
St. Armands experienced catastrophic flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 25, 2025
Sarasota seeking $11.5 million in storm resiliency appropriations

Local legislative representatives sponsor bills for funds to protect parks, St. Armands and Van Wezel from future storm events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Charlie Hosier and Drew Pintacuda said they've missed out on some moments in high school but ultimately changed their lives for the better by locking down commitments to play at the next level through MLS Next.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 25, 2025
Soccer players sacrifice high school experiences to chase dreams

Lakewood Ranch's Charlie Hosier and Drew Pintacuda gave up the typical high school life for MLS Next.

  • East County
  • Sports
Amy Mose joins in the large-scale effort to prepare for the highly anticipated rummage sale at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 25, 2025
New St. Mary members helm highly anticipated rummage sale

Organizers expect turnout to meet or even exceed last year's turnout of 800 people this weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Members of the town's Planning, Zoning and Building Department attended a community meeting with Gulfshore and Twin Shores residents on Feb. 20.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 25, 2025
Mobile home communities ask for easier permit process to elevate units

Owners wanted to make resilient improvements on their units but were met with a stop work order from Longboat Key's Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The green line marks the preliminary route of the Circus Trail Extension through Bobby Jones Golf Club and into the county-owned 17th Street Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2025
City to provide update on Circus Trail Extension

At the open house, the public can view an update and provide input on the Circus Trail route through Bobby Jones Golf Club to 17th Street Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jon Thaxton with Leslie and Alan Jones
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 24, 2025
Big Waters Land Trust treats guests to a feast on the ranch

Feast Upon the Fields attendees enjoyed a farm-to-table meal with Walton Ranch as the picturesque setting.

  • Black Tie
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 24, 2025
Sarasota dancer comes home with Twyla Tharp Dance

Nicole Ashley Morris takes center stage when the legendary dance troupe celebrates its 60th anniversary March 4.

  • Arts + Culture
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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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