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Your Observer | All

Golfers competing in "Pittsburgh vs. The World" may be rivals out on the green, but at the celebration afterward, they have nothing but smiles for one another. Jan Van Iten and Carol Westwood are the original captains in the friendly tournament, which marked 25 years on Feb. 16.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 20, 2026
Longboat golfers celebrate 25 years of friendly competition

Dubbed "Pittsburgh vs. The World," this annual golf competition started as a friendly feud and has become a beloved tradition.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Terry Creighton lines up a shot at a Feb. 15 tennis session at The Sanctuary.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 20, 2026
The Sanctuary kicks off season's activity with tennis pro

Claudiu Retean, a Sports Professionals Association-certified tennis pro, offered technique tips and motivation at the Feb. 15 session.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Weizhen Jiang Wolf and Yuhong Wan of Zen Rhythm Dance Group perform a Mongolian Dance at the Lunar New Year Celebration.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 20, 2026
Sister Cities of Sarasota hosts Lunar New Year celebration

With an estimated 400 attendees, the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota hopes to expand the celebration even more next year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County extends its burn ban until further notice to protect residents and animals from wildfires. This photo was taken by the East Manatee Fire Rescue in June 2024 when over 100 acres burned at Lake Manatee State Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 20, 2026
Manatee County extends burn ban as drought worsens

East Manatee Fire Rescue is urging residents to abide by the burn ban to protect their neighbors.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Tina Ciaccio | Michael Saunders & Company
  • February 20, 2026
For Sale: 16111 Daysailor Trail Lakewood Ranch FL

Perfectly proportioned to enjoy the pinnacle of luxury living inside the exclusive gated community of The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
The bar formerly known as Cock & Bull, Big Top Live and The Parrot Live will retain its "Old Florida charm," new owner Frank Giuffre says.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 20, 2026
Noted Sarasota bar property sells to investor pledging revitalization

The new owner of 975 Cattlemen Road plans to revive the Cock & Bull brand.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joyce Hecklau, who played essential roles in planning Longboat Harbour's change of watch and holiday festivities, earned the title of Woman of the Year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 19, 2026
Longboat Harbour names event planner extraordinaire Woman of the Year

The Longboat Harbour Owners Association, Inc., honored Joyce Hecklau at the annual Men's Club-hosted brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students

The revamped Sarasota County school aims to bring innovative fields of study to students, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Coach Felix Osuna-Cotto oversees a Feb. 17 practice for Cardinal Mooney wrestling. He helped found the program last year, and in Year 2, the Cougars are poised to have multiple state qualifiers.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 19, 2026
Onward and upward for Cardinal Mooney wrestling

With individuals underway, the Cougars will soon conclude their second season of competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Centennial celebrations at Sarasota Opera House is part of Visit Sarasota County's promotional efforts to attract visitors to the county in 2026.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2026
Visitors bureau promotes centennial legacy of Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County will pitch global travel media and encourage locals to take part in centennial celebrations across the city and county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dave Bullock arrived as Sarasota interim city manager in May 2025 with a folder file filled with pressing challenges.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 19, 2026
'The most dangerous man in Sarasota'

Nearing the end of his tenure as interim city manager, Dave Bullock looks back at his achievements, and forward to the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of things that makes Lakewood Ranch unique? The family behind it.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch: How it all began

Although it may seem relatively new, Lakewood Ranch's beginning is rooted in a founding family that came to the area more than 100 years ago.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jessie King, Jadis Hebdon in the chair and Carlos Fuentes
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 19, 2026
MTC barbershop students learn the skills needed to showcase the style

At Manatee Technical College, the next generation of barbers finds skill, confidence and a career with staying power.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Gardner Park offers a mile of trails, sports courts, frisbee golf, pavilions, a kids’ gravity rail and dog parks, all set against peaceful wetland preserves.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • February 19, 2026
A few of our favorite (Lakewood Ranch) things

Here is a short list of cool pleasures, delightful encounters and only-in-the-Ranch moments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rustic yet sophisticated, a Myakka farm provides an enviable lifestyle for a prominent Sarasota couple.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 19, 2026
An organic farm highlights the pleasures of life in the country

Long rooted in the region, Lee and Caroline Wetherington have created their custom, clean-leaving oasis on a 30-acre farm full of animals, organic gardens and wide-open spaces.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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
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Deputies shoot and wound armed man
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Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
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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
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Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

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