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Your Observer | All

Divers cheerily waved their steins in greeting to attendees at Saturday's Sharktoberfest.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 21, 2025
Sold-out Sharktoberfest packed to the gills

Despite hurricane-related setbacks, the third annual Sharktoberfest saw robust support from community members looking to support marine research while enjoying craft brews.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Drop anchor and head over to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to hear Yacht Rock Revue on Thursday, Jan. 23.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 23-29

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Winn-Dixie in the Southeast Plaza, at the corner of Bee Ridge Road and McIntosh Road, is being converted to an Aldi, the company said.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • January 21, 2025
Sarasota Winn-Dixie to close, reemerge as Aldi

The conversion could take several months, the company said.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The home at 8458 Pavia Way has three bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,754 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 21, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 6-10 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The Planning and Zoning Board approved an ordinance to allow Verizon to increase the height of its existing wireless cell service poles to allow for better service quality.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 21, 2025
Verizon cell service improvements on the way for Longboat Key

The ordinance for taller poles to improve wireless coverage will now go before the Longboat Key Town Commission in February for public hearings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jennifer Walker
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2025
Sarasota resident discusses appearance on 'Wheel of Fortune'

Resident Jenn Walker, a lifelong viewer of "Wheel of Fortune," appeared on a Dec. 5 episode.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Citizen reports suspicious smoker relaxing on the sidewalk
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 21, 2025
Citizen reports suspicious smoker relaxing on the sidewalk

Officers investigated the report of a man lying on the side of the road and smoking a cigarette. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Calusa Country Club is hosting a grand opening event on Jan. 23. It will open to the public shortly after.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 21, 2025
Calusa Country Club to open in Lakewood Ranch in February

Lakewood Ranch's newest golf course will feature 30 holes and a socialized concept.

  • East County
  • Business
Manatee County's Library Advisory Board will reconvene by April.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 21, 2025
Manatee library advisory board set to reconvene

The board hasn't met in over a year but will hold its first meeting by April.

  • East County
  • News
Katherine Ceaser became the new executive director of Art Center Sarasota in December.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 21, 2025
Art Center Sarasota welcomes a new leader on eve of 100th birthday

Katherine Ceasar was promoted from education director to executive director in December.

  • Arts + Culture
Former polo pro Bob Brosious gives some quick instruction to Raymond Dweck, and Lisa and Mark Friedman during Polo with the Pros at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 21, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund kicks off 2025 with polo event

Polo with the Pros packed the pavilion despite a storm that canceled the actual polo match.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 21, 2025
Country Club Shores turn lane construction to start in February

The construction timeline will last through the upcoming peak season, but a traffic plan will prevent major traffic delays, Longboat Key town officials say.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This year's honorees were Eula T. Bacon, program director of Bridges to Educational Excellence Learning Center; Dr. Vida Farhangi, medical director of Sarasota Memorial Internal Medicine in Newtown; Dannie Frazier Brown, retired educator and co-founder of the Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee; Mary Butler, president of the Amaryllis Park neighborhood association; and Thomas Fairley, executive director of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 20, 2025
Sarasota's community walks together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The community celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an awards ceremony, a unity march, and a music and food festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kay Thayer receives recognition for her 25 years of service organizing the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 20, 2025
Observer Challenge coordinator credited for invaluable 25 years

Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer has coordinated the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament annually since it began 25 years ago, and she recently received her flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch High boys varsity golf team finished the season with a cumulative team GPA of 3.254. Seniors (from left to right) Luke Wilson, Henry Burbee and Parker Severs all took pride in their academics in a season that saw the Mustangs finish second in the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament in November.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • January 20, 2025
East County student-athletes prove that brains go hand in hand with brawn

Sports teams at Lakewood Ranch and Parrish Community high schools finish at the top of the state rankings for team academics.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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