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Your Observer | All

All the way from California is the Briscoe Family; Back: Cody, Alicia, Jeff, Jeff, Jacob, Debbie, "the original Jeff'; Front: Kinsley, Walker and Wesley
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 2, 2025
Sarasota rings in 2025 with 25th annual block party and pineapple drop

The event, held downtown New Year's Eve, attracted more than 30,000 people to celebrate.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
What's ahead for Longboat Key projects in 2025
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 1, 2025
What's ahead for Longboat Key projects in 2025

Looking at the year to come, here are a few projects or topics that will likely move along.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Man's immigration papers disappear while working out of town
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2025
Man's immigration papers disappear while working out of town

Thinking it was abandoned, a man's roommate sent his suitcase allegedly containing important documents to his mother in Texas. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Lois Barson, the President of Temple Beth Israel.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 1, 2025
TBI president recounts how her childhood influenced her position

After it was there for her in a time of need, Lois Barson hopes to revitalize the membership at the Temple and guide it through the aftermath of the hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
SCF student LaShawn'te Lee, MTC students Emma Ramirez and Krystal Camacho, Scholarship Committee Chair Peg Buck and SCF Foundation Chair Chris Romine pose for a photo during the Palm Aire Women's Club Scholarship Luncheon.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2025
East County women's club aims to make a difference

The Palm Aire Women's Club raises money for charity and scholarships.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Construction is well underway on the 44th Avenue overpass.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2025
East County road projects to watch in 2025

The 44th Avenue East extension project will be wrapping up as work on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard begins.

  • East County
  • News
Step out in 2025 with these Sarasota arts events
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 1, 2025
Step out in 2025 with these Sarasota arts events

From "Funny Girl" to "Figaro," here are eight shows that you won't want to miss in the new year.

  • Arts + Culture
McNeal Elementary third-grade teacher Stacy Freeman is one of four finalists for the 2025 School District of Manatee County Educator of the Year award.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 1, 2025
McNeal Elementary teacher named a finalist for Educator of the Year

Through her 18 years of teaching, Stacy Freeman's work goes beyond the classroom

  • East County
  • Schools
The top 10 Sarasota athletes to watch in 2025
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • January 1, 2025
The top 10 Sarasota athletes to watch in 2025

These 10 athletes are poised to have special seasons in the new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 421 Wood Duck Drive has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,052 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 1, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 9-13 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Bird Key and a home in Emerald Harbor top this week's sales at $1.9 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The Word for 2025: ‘Elon’
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 1, 2025
The Word for 2025: ‘Elon’

Elon Musk is flawed. We all are. Nonetheless, Musk is emblematic of the mood of Americans. He symbolizes the can-do, pioneering spirit that made the United States. Forget the moon; shoot for Mars.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By None
  • January 1, 2025
Make Space for Good

As you reflect on your resolutions, take a moment to go through closets, storage bins, and those forgotten corners of your home.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Attendees get busy in a Lego building zone.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 31, 2024
BrickUniverse Lego expo event postponed to November

The Lego fan expo, originally scheduled for Jan. 4-5, will now be held Nov. 22-23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Whitney Houston tribute show, "The Greatest Love of All," comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Jan. 3.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 2-8

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2025
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 31, 2024
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2025

Here are some of the top picks to mark on your calendar for the new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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