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Your Observer | All

Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This truck was driven by 67-year-old Edward O'Neil when he was arrested on charges of attempting to lure two minor girls into the vehicle.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2026
Sarasota man charged with luring minor girls

Police say Edward O'Neil, 67, attempted multiple times to lure a 12- and 13-year-old into his truck.

  • Sarasota
  • News
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote

Sarasota leaders agree to pay 2% commission on school tax while legal action plays out between school district and tax collector.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail

The city of Sarasota has entered into a local agency program agreement with FDOT to repave 1.24 miles of U.S. 41 north of Myrtle Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

Florence & the Spice Boys Chef Collin Blakeman explains why Middle Eastern cuisine is the spice of life.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
Andrii Padkovskyi plays the titular role in Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 20, 2026
A Ukrainian fiddler finds his roof in Sarasota

After a musical family escaped war in Ukraine, two brothers land at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

The aging building donated by Murf Klauber and moved to Bayfront Park may be replaced with a private-public fundraising effort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 865 Longboat Club Road sold for $17.5 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 9,328 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 20, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Regent Court on Longboat Club Road tops the week’s sales at $17.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season

The Longboat Key Club held one of its final farewell events of the season with a music-centered lawn party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gia DePastino was one of five seniors on the Sailors' 13-person roster in 2026. She'll play for Warner University at the NAIA level this fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 20, 2026
Despite regional final defeat, Sarasota High softball succeeded

The Sailors posted their most wins in over a decade and were district champions this season under a new coach.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hundreds of former seniors walk the stage to accept their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
The annual Memorial Day parade kicks off on Main Street in Sarasota at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Rebecca Souders, 10, Jessica Wilhelm and Beth Duranceau watch the parade in 2023.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 21-27

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

  • Arts + Culture
The home at 309 Ringling Point Drive was built in 1999 and has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,918 square feet of living area. It sold for $5,325,000.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home in Bay Island on Norsota Way tops the week’s sales at $7.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein

At a lively party with nearly as many guests as his age, the longtime Longboat Key resident celebrated his centennial birthday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
The Lakewood Ranch Library will open an hour later starting Aug. 1 due to a hiring freeze that was implemented in February. Commissioner George Kruse says hours could be further reduced if the property tax referendum passes in November.
  • July 22, 2026
Property tax cuts will cause 'new normal' in Manatee County
2
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
  • July 22, 2026
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
3
Defender Declan Watters (left) is one of several Sarasota Paradise players learning from lead assistant Trevor Sinclair (right). The Paradise are 5-10-3 in USL League One and 6-13-3 overall, as of July 16.
  • July 22, 2026
Assistant coach brings wealth of experience to Sarasota Paradise
4
"Reflection-Venice, 1894," a photogravure print taken by Alfred Stieglitz, and Clarence Hudson White's photogravure print, "Edge of Woods-Evening, (1900)," were gifts of Warren J. and Margot Coville to The Ringling.
  • July 22, 2026
The Ringling goes back to black-and-white photography
5
A Flock camera takes pictures of vehicles that drive on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.
  • July 22, 2026
Flock cameras photograph every car that enters Longboat Key

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