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Your Observer | All

Chad Sobotka, a Riverview High graduate, last played for the Atlanta Braves in 2020. He spent parts of three seasons in the MLB as a right-hander.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 25, 2026
A reflection on recent major-leaguers from Sarasota

MLB spring training games began Feb. 20, and in years past, local talents have been active.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Elizabeth Henderson, the founder and president of the Little Free Library Club in Lakewood Ranch, began the group in 2023.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 25, 2026
Little Free Library Club works to keep reading accessible in Lakewood Ranch

Since 2023, the club has built five libraries in local parks. In order to expand, volunteers and books are needed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Florian Blummel shows off his artistic bicycle moves that you should not try at home in your driveway.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 25, 2026
Circus Sarasota is still the one

This year's edition features stars with awards, TV appearances and Guinness World Records.

  • Arts + Culture
The Longboat Pass drawbridge opens anywhere from 100 to 300 times per month, according to an FDOT engineering study.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 25, 2026
FDOT prefers fixed-span design for Longboat Pass Bridge replacement

The 78-foot clearance design sparked controversy when it was first introduced as one of three options two years ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Junior guard Anthony Bailey (center) was one of several players who couldn't find their offensive groove in Braden River's season-ending loss Feb. 20 to St. Petersburg.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 25, 2026
Season ends for Braden River boys basketball in regional semifinals

With 23 victories, the Pirates had their winningest season since 2011-12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Day is celebrated in Tallahassee Feb. 5.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 25, 2026
Local legislators and businesses come together on Manatee County Day

The inaugural event welcomed over 80 attendees and 24 businesses and nonprofits.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 5919 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $9.5 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,596 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.29 million in 2002.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 25, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 9-13 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Longboat Key home on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week's sales at $9.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Conceptual rendering by Renzo Piano Building Workshop of the north elevation of a new performing arts center as viewed across the 10th Street boat basin.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 25, 2026
Performing Arts Center 'Concept 2.0' set for public debut

The Sarasota City Commission will receive the reimagined vision for a new performing arts center at its March 2 meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Man climbs to the roof of a bar in search of his friend
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2026
Man climbs to the roof of a bar in search of his friend

A patron of a downtown bar, who was trespassed after being spotted on the roof, said that's the last place he saw his friend. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier holds Harriett (left) and Lizzie while posing for a picture in his Sabal Cove home Thursday, Feb. 19. After six years as mayor and eight on the Town Commission, Schneier has reached his term limit and will step down from the dais in March.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 25, 2026
Longboat's mayor reflects on big decisions, gives advice to commission

With term limits changing just before he began on the Longboat Key Town Commission, Ken Schneier leaves as the longest-serving mayor in the town’s history.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Lee Whitehurst says future chief Paul Wren has proven his leadership through his years of service with the department.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2026
East Manatee Board of Fire Commissioners approves new chief

Commissioners select in-house, choosing Deputy Chief Paul Wren to replace Lee Whitehurst in January 2027.

  • East County
  • News
The $21 million, 2-acre park
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 25, 2026
The $21 million, 2-acre park

Sarasota County is paying twice as much for property than the seller paid two years ago. It's another sign of a concerning spending trend.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Myakka City's Carol Felts gets emotional as she's sworn in as the District 1 commissioner on Nov. 19.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies at 68

The commissioner was found at her Myakka City home Tuesday afternoon by her aide.

  • East County
  • News
SPD Chief Rex Troche (left) and Deputy Chief Scott Mayforth (right) with (from left) Lt. Andrew Combs, Officer Nate Lynn, Officer Nick Bruno, Officer Ridge Collins, Officer Brenton Bieker, Det. Laura Bobitz and Officer Tim Dederick. They and others were involved in stopping a suicide threat on the Ringling Bridge.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 24, 2026
Sarasota police officers receive Life Saver Awards

Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche has honored several officers for their actions in two lifesaving incidents that occurred in 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Martha Graham Dance Company comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Feb. 27 through March 2.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 26-March 4

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest News

1
Mitchell Meissner lines up his putt on the third green of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. He carded six under par in the second round, pulling into a 10-way tie for 10th place.
  • April 3, 2026
Front runner emerges on second day of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
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2
  • April 3, 2026
Lighting the Path Health Care Luncheon
3
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
4
Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
5
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

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