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Your Observer | All

Manatee County staff says the LDC in its current form deters redevelopment and discourages economic development, and is complicated to navigate and implement.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • October 31, 2013
County revises land development code

The pubic can comment on the revised LDC until Dec. 23.

  • East County
  • News
A three-year contract with the police union includes a pension alternative the town originally proposed in March, at the start of the stalled negotiation process.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 31, 2013
Police union ratifies new contract

The 11 members of the Longboat Key Police Union have ratified a three-year contract offer that commissioners can now approve at their 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, regular meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy photo. Volunteers with the Rev. Fredrick A. Robinson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2013
Day of Hope

The city of Sarasota recognized Church of the Redeemer for serving the community's homeless and at-risk children at its third annual Day of Hope, held in August.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kennedy
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2013
Artistic award

Patrice Kennedy, art teacher and fine-arts specialist at Oak Park school, received the 2013 Cindy Balisteri Distinguished Arts Educator Award for Leadership in Arts Education from the Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beckett Smith, 4, "honked" at the crowd, during a Halloween-themed parade at The Goddard School.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 31, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Goddard Halloween Parade

Children at The Goddard School at Lakewood Ranch marched around the playground, during a Halloween-inspired parade Oct. 30.

  • East County
  • News
Dan Stephens, pictured with his daughter, Summer, decorated his tailgate with an ocean theme.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 31, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Little Ranchers Trunk or Treat

Children in Lakewood Ranch Baptist's Little Ranchers program enjoyed a trunk-or-treating event Oct. 30.

  • East County
  • News
Lisa Brooks' and Craig Jordan's class made sure to gather for a group photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 31, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sprouts Trunk or Treat

Sprouts Child Development Center at Harvest United Methodist Church hosted a Trunk or Treat event for students Oct. 30.

  • East County
  • Schools
Thomas Harmer, 55, was tapped to be Sarasota County’s interim county administrator for a period of six months following the firing of former County Administrator Randall Reid last week.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • October 31, 2013
Succession Plan

Thomas Harmer, Sarasota County's new interim county administrator, talks about overcoming crises and adapting to unexpected circumstances as he steps in to lead.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 31, 2013
City struggles with Sunshine Law

City Manager Tom Barwin has been criticized for Sarasota's recent history of potential Sunshine Law violations, but he promises a new mindset from the city in the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2013
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Police Chief Bernadette DiPino was named head of the Sarasota Police Department in January.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • October 31, 2013
Crime rate data under fire

The Sarasota Police Department disputes the accuracy of crime data that show the city has a higher rate of crime than neighboring municipalities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2013
News Briefs

City Commission maintains State Street garage plans; Drug turn-in event sees increased participation

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 31, 2013
City looks to neighborhood watches for help

The Sarasota Police Department's renewed focus on community-led policing has the city encouraging interest in neighborhood-watch groups.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Spencer Dunford, general manager of Hidden Harbor Marina, said the revamped facility will feature concierge services, a boating club and a future restaurant.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • October 31, 2013
Hidden Harbor Marina plans to reopen amid resurging market

After more than six years, Hidden Harbor Marina is just weeks away from reopening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • October 31, 2013
County to tighten ban on designer drugs

A committee representing area criminal justice leaders approved an ordinance that tightens loopholes in the laws banning designer drugs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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