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Your Observer | All

A red tide bloom struck the shores of Sarasota County’s barrier islands in September and didn’t subside until April.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 11, 2017
Red tide questions surface at Siesta gathering

It’s hardly a new phenomenon — in fact, it’s been around for thousands of years — but Siesta Key residents fear red tide blooms are getting worse.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A Publix could be coming to the Town and Country Plaza soon.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 11, 2017
Changes in store for Beneva shopping centers

Benderson Development is one of three property owners pursuing changes for commercial plazas near the intersection of Beneva and Fruitville roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 11, 2017
The Songbird Returns: Maria Wirries sings Cole Porter

Maria Wirries returns to Sarasota to celebrate Cole Porter in Artist Series Concerts’ season finale.

  • Arts + Culture
Enjoy this week' s edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 11, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.11.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Joseph Kelly.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 11, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 05.11.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 05.11.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Brian Speight.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 11, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 05.11.17

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 05.11.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Point of Rocks on south Siesta Key is well known for its snorkeling opportunities.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 10, 2017
Deputies investigate Siesta Key drowning

A woman drowned while snorkeling at Point of Rocks, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Voter turnout in the 2017 runoff Sarasota City Commission election topped 22%, which topped the 19% from the last at-large election.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 10, 2017
New Blood: Brody, Ahearn-Koch win City Commission seats

The City Commission is getting two new members on Friday. How much change will Hagen Brody and Jen Ahearn-Koch bring to City Hall?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • May 10, 2017
Students go full-STEAM ahead at olympics

Braden River Middle School hosts annual STEAM Olympics for some fun, competitive play.

  • East County
  • News
Hagen Brody, Jen Ahearn-Koch and Martin Hyde were all vying for two seats on the Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 10, 2017
Sarasota City Commission election — By the numbers

How did your precinct vote in Tuesday’s runoff election?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sailor Circus Seniors from left – Sophie Watkins, Michael Mitchell, Silas Bichler, Alice Hafner, Owen Leonard, Lydia Nord
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 10, 2017
Sailor Circus hands out scholarships, awards

Five of the seniors will attend four-year schools in the fall at institutions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Neighboring residents have said they are eager for the former Colony property to be redeveloped.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • May 10, 2017
Colony developer and neighboring residents agree on plan for the property

A contract between the two parties includes "membership privileges" for immediate neighbors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Shane Catts and Holly Rolls own Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • May 10, 2017
Longboat Key settles on kayak vendor at Bayfront Park

The couple that operates Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures are familiar faces on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Teen drivers will get hands-on training on how to handle emergency situations during the Mopar Road Ready program presented by BRAKES.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 10, 2017
BRAKES makes important stop in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton area

Teen drivers can take advantage of a hands-on, driver safety course.

  • East County
  • News
A mountain of food is delivered to the St. Joseph Food Bank.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 10, 2017
Special delivery food drive in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton

Postal carriers launch into 25th annual 'Stamp out Hunger' food drive.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
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
5
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

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