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Your Observer | All

Jim, Drew, Brooklyn and Alissa Putnam were blessed by a Charleston, S.C., Target employee's kindness in 2011.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County residents share their holiday mishaps and memories

The Christmas holidays are filled with memories — good and quirky. Here are a few of both.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The sculpture sits on the pier at Beach Access 2, along with a Christmas tree and a new 22-foot flagpole.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 20, 2017
Flagpole and sand sculpture on Siesta honor veterans

Reopen Beach Road President Mike Cosentino said the sculpture is a thank you to veterans who help protect free speech.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Homes in the community will have a West Indies style. (Courtesy rendering).
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Toll Brothers to build in Lakewood Ranch

The luxury builder plans to construct 450 West Indies-inspired homes.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The home at 47 S. Washington Drive recently sold for $3.6 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 20, 2017
South Washington Drive home sells for $3.6 million

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 4-8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 20, 2017
At the time of Christ’s birth

It's a story that crosses religions and faiths.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County homes let their lights shine

Don't blink when it comes to looking for these holiday light displays.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Santa said he has a magic key that allows him to get through front doors if the home has no chimney.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Ho(w) much, Ho(w) many, Ho(w) long?

Students filled Santa's bag with questions. As always, St. Nick delivered.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Access the the Starbucks on State Road 70, just west of I-75, was blocked by tape and a patrol car.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Two Starbucks locations burglarized in Manatee County

Both stores suffered similar types of damages, officials said.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Lou Johnson took this photo of her daughter and her family, Andrew, Carlin, Randi, and baby Ellie Mackintosh
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboaters recall the memories and mishaps of Holidays past

Whether it's sibling pranks or misbehaving toddlers, holidays bring the happy moments and the not so happy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The new East County middle school will have "indoor circulation," meaning students will not have to go outside when switching classes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
New Manatee County school will offer temporary relief

East County parents thankful overcrowding will ease in the short run for families living in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries: Dec. 21, 2017

Warren Harding and Sue Suttie died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key lights up for holidays

From reindeer and polar bears to teddy bears and Santa Claus, plenty of holiday visitors have made a temporary home in the lawns of Longboat residences.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clarice Schetter and Alma Cockerham
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Brunching through the holidays

On Dec. 3, Longboat Island Chapel congregants gathered for the annual holiday brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Todd Mathes, Benderson Development's director of development, said Benderson hopes to construct a stand-alone building for an unnamed retailer in The Shoppes at UTC. It would go between Nordstrom Rack and the Hampton Inn & Suites.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
UTC continues expansion with more large-scale projects

Benderson Development asks Manatee County to approve changes to Cooper Creek DRI.

  • East County
  • News
Lynn and Gary Coffin Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Country Club Shores resident showcases artwork

The exhibit features 23 portraits of strangers, celebrities, Lynn Coffin's children and a neighbor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 »
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Latest News

1
Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He's No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be active at the Senior PGA Championship.
  • April 7, 2026
The PGA Tour Champions could use a jolt of charisma
2
The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community
3
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project
4
From left to right, Maya Carpentiere, Amanda Gonzalez, Christiana Allison, Grayson Buchanan, Sheila Wallis and Ryan Duga star in Florida Studio Theatre's children's production, "The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster and Other Winning Plays."
  • April 7, 2026
Three Sarasota theaters jump on the trolley
5
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

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