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Your Observer | All

The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 2, 2024
Work underway for new Van Wezel engineering report

Karins Engineering has begun its deep dive into the building as the Purple Ribbon Committee awaits its evaluation for future use.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sergeant Adam Montfort frequently patrols the waters around Longboat Key for the police department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 2, 2024
New boat lift for LBK Police will help with response time, increase patrol hours

The department now has three boat lifts on the island, which will help the officers be more efficient on the water, according to Chief of Police George Turner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. swears in James Satcher as the new Supervisor of Elections. Satcher is joined by his wife Monica.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 1, 2024
Citizens' petition asks for removal of supervisor of elections

James Satcher fired four SOE employees following the primary and now 2,000 citizens want him fired.

  • East County
  • News
Walking has all kinds of cardiac benefits, and it can make you feel younger.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • September 1, 2024
For good health, the answer is simple: Take a walk

Getting your steps in can help keep you feeling younger and protect against multiple maladies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Ava Crotty of Manatee River Youth Sailing
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 31, 2024
Kids set sail in annual Labor Day Regatta

Sarasota Youth Sailing took the helm from Sarasota Sailing Squadron for the event's 76th year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River senior quarterback Lucas Despot (1) escapes the pocket on a scramble.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
Pirates football lacks firepower in early-season play

Braden River High has scored one offensive touchdown in its first two games of 2024.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo is overseeing the largest expansion in the airport's history.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 31, 2024
Piccolo wins statewide aviation leadership award

The president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has been honored by the Florida Airports Council.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The great blue heron flies out of the crate onto the beach.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 31, 2024
Great blue heron rescued earlier this summer released after rehabilitation

The bird spent a little over a month at Save Our Seabirds, and its rescuer Terri Driver was able to be a part of the full-circle moment.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
High school football roundup.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
High school football roundup: Aug. 30

Six area program took home wins Friday night.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota High freshman quarterback Hudson West throws a pass to junior Scotty Wells.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
Sarasota High football shuts down Braden River High

The Sailors won a 10-6 game in which defenses ruled the day.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota philanthropist Ernie Kretzmer, a generous supporter of the city's artistic institutions, died Aug. 24 at age 99.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 30, 2024
Remembering a scientist who nurtured Sarasota's arts

Ernie Kretzmer died on Aug. 24, four months short of his 100th birthday.

  • Arts + Culture
The previous departure SRKUS (green) with the newly implemented procedure TIDES (orange) from SRQ.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 30, 2024
SRQ flight path over Longboat Key discussed after unexpected change

The Federal Aviation Administration admitted fault in not communicating a flight path change in a recent meeting between local and FAA officials.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Natalya Demina, the co-owner of AAA Pet Resort, takes Charlotte, a 6-month-old corgi, through an agility obstacle that benefits the dog's physical and mental health.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 30, 2024
AAA Pet Resort owner uses circus experience to train dogs

Natalya Demina and her family use similar training for the Pompeyo Family and the Amazing Rescue Dogs for their clients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
From left, Renzo Piano Building Workshop's Kerry Joyce, Todd Sweet, RPBW's Ronan Dunphy and Jerry Sparkman during the July 16 "Meet the Architects" workshop.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 30, 2024
Architects to reveal first look at Sarasota's new performing arts center Sept. 18

Renzo Piano Building Workshop and theater design group will hold two community workshops to show an initial concept and receive public input.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jamie Engel, Carolyn Nielsen, Connie DiMaggio, Valerie Evanko and Anne Summers at the August Gather and Give.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 29, 2024
Longboat Island Chapel donates $5,000 to Turning Points

The church's charitable outreach committee hosted the new special events coordinator of the nonprofit Carolyn Nielsen at its monthly charity happy hour.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office
2
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
3
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
4
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
5
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library

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