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Your Observer | All

Some students like Southside Elementary's Matthew Morris, Gabi DeLeo, Anandi Fuller and Wyatt Woods went to school on the day of the eclipse. But thousands others left early or didn't go at all.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • August 23, 2017
Sarasota Schools see spike in absence and early dismissals on eclipse day

More than 6,000 students were out of school that day or left early, which is more than is typical.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Engines will be on display when the Cruzin' to the Hop Car Show returns to Lakewood Main Street on Sept. 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 23, 2017
New sponsors spark Lakewood Ranch car show on Main

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities now in charge

  • East County
  • News
Ken Newmark, The Paradise Center executive director, Suzy Brenner, Alan Sprintz Carol Peschel, Dick Pelton and Barbara Koestier
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • August 23, 2017
Aging in Paradise rolls out new name

In addition to a new name, the center is also merging with the Longboat Key Center for Healthy Living and searching for a new home.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • August 23, 2017
Zota victims' families remember loved ones

Kevin Carter and Timothy Hurley are remembered for their devotion to their families.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Johnson and “Spirit of St. Paul De Vence,” her award-winning photo. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • August 23, 2017
Mary Lou Johnson captures photography award

Johnson won second place Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 37th annual Juried Photography Exhibition.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David and Susan Gorin Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • August 23, 2017
Longboater makes RV history

David Gorin was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame on Aug. 7.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
President Donald Trump
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 23, 2017
American family

President's finest words should be heeded

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Emily Massengale practices her butterfly stroke.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 23, 2017
New Lakewood Ranch swimmer medaled at 2017 Deaflympics

She also now holds the American deaf record in the 50 and 100-meter backstroke.

  • East County
  • Sports
Klumpy (Fermin Llosa) warms up the crowd.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 23, 2017
A night in the life of Lakewood Ranch mascot Klumpy

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Contractor Johnson Bros. Corp. will have the bridge ready for an Aug. 26 across it, but the bridge won't open to vehicular traffic until Sept. 23, after it finishes grooving the road, striping it and installing other safety measur
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 23, 2017
New span generates excitement

Fort Hamer Bridge nears its opening day.

  • East County
  • News
Worker Jerry Lawson assists excavator driver John Hesse determine where to dig to uncover a blowoff, a valve that allows workers to manually flush out the irrigation line. Inter-District Authority's John Stewart watches.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 23, 2017
Deteriorating irrigation lines cause concern in Lakewood Ranch

Hollow asks CDD1 to flush out solutions.

  • East County
  • News
Bryan Gagg.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 23, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 08.23.17

East County High 5 Moments: 08.23.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Responsibilities of a coastal engineer include project design, working the the Department of Environmental Protection, permitting, construction oversight and multi-year monitoring.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • August 23, 2017
Longboat selects new coastal engineers

Town manager OKs recommendation for the town to negotiate with four engineering firms to oversee coastal issues.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bill Dillard (left) is a longtime Bahi Hut customer and tiki enthusiast. Scott Spear hopes to preserve the history of the Bahi Hut, one of just two authentic tiki bars that remain in Florida.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • August 23, 2017
Tiki tradition lives on at Sarasota's Bahi Hut

In the dark corners of a North Trail dive, a uniquely American art movement lives on.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • August 23, 2017
This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Aug. 24

A look at our favorite events taking place this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest News

1
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
  • April 5, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash attracts 2,000 fans on Easter weekend
2
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
3
Sarasota deejay and beatbox artist Karim Manning
  • April 5, 2026
Arts groups get 'Squeezed' for the 2026 Giving Challenge
4
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions
5
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

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