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Your Observer | All

Once again, what's the best bridge?
  • By Susan M. Phillips
  • April 7, 2026
Once again, what's the best bridge?

Discussions over a new Longboat Pass Bridge trigger memories over the contentious debates over what is now iconic, the fixed-span Ringling Bridge.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
From left to right, Maya Carpentiere, Amanda Gonzalez, Christiana Allison, Grayson Buchanan, Sheila Wallis and Ryan Duga star in Florida Studio Theatre's children's production, "The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster and Other Winning Plays."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 7, 2026
Three Sarasota theaters jump on the trolley

Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre and the Van Wezel will offer a free family tour.

  • Arts + Culture
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Broadway revival of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall April 10-11.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 7, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 9-15

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The cast of Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof" poses with instruments.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 7, 2026
Asolo Rep's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' plays a timeless tune

Director Peter Rothstein brings the music onstage with actors who not only sing but also play instruments.

  • Arts + Culture
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

Tara Poulton's resume includes working for DeSoto County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
Frustrated driver brandishes bat in Longboat Key
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Frustrated driver brandishes bat in Longboat Key

A construction crew caused a backup in Longboat and a frustrated driver got out of the car with a baseball bat. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Pysanky expert Roksolana Tymiak-Lonchyna shows some examples of the traditional egg decoration patterns.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 7, 2026
This Longboat artist keeps tradition alive with Ukrainian egg decorating

Pysanky expert Roksolana Tymiak-Lonchyna shared her love for the craft and its history at a recent hands-on workshop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The subaqueous wastewater pipeline was damaged by corrosion from resting against a log or tree stump, spilling about 11 million gallons of sewage before being repaired, according to a Longboat Key permit support document.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Wastewater pipeline to remain after replacement installed

Longboat Key’s subaqueous wastewater pipeline project is set to begin this summer, and the old pipe may have a future use.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Lake Club home at 17014 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.9 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,160 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 7, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.9 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sarasota Art Museum Senior Curator Rangsook Yoon poses in front of an unnamed piece in Judy Pfaff's exhibition, "Picking Up the Pieces."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2026
Sarasota Art Museum senior curator heading to Seattle

Rangsook Yoon will be senior director of curatorial affairs at the Frye Art Museum.

  • Arts + Culture
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center

With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Citizen Tax Oversight Committee meets once a year to review expenditures of revenue brought in from the infrastructure surtax. The 2026 meeting lasted about 15 minutes on Thursday, April 2.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 6, 2026
Longboat infrastructure tax spending plan comes up $6 million short

A 1% tax in Sarasota County and .5% tax in Manatee brings in about $1.3 million per year for Longboat Key infrastructure spending.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bella Toscano is one of two Mustangs, as of April 3, hitting over .450, but also boasts the lowest ERA among her teammates.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 6, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Toscano

The sophomore pitcher/first baseman leads Lakewood Ranch High softball on both sides of the ball.

  • East County
  • Sports
DragonBoot Quartet performs the world premiere of Roger Zare’s “Gamma” for string quartet for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota on April 12.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 6, 2026
Pine View grad solves for 'Gamma' in his latest music composition

DragoonBoot Quartet premieres Roger Zare's piece at an Artist Series Concert event on April 12.

  • Arts + Culture
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1
Cynthia Keough is one of several Manatee County residents to step up to the podium June 4 and ask commissioners for more time to review the updated comprehensive plan.
  • June 6, 2026
Residents have 60 more days to review Manatee County comp plan
2
Steven High is retiring as executive director of The Ringling, a position he has held since 2011.
  • June 5, 2026
Steven High to retire as executive director of The Ringling
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  • June 5, 2026
33rd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
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The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief
5
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford

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