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Your Observer | All

Chris and Angie Wellman
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • February 8, 2026
SCF Foundation hosts Bourbon, Brews & BBQ to support students

The State College of Florida Foundation held the event as part of its Avenues to the Future initiative, which raises money to help students in higher education.

  • Black Tie
Charlie aand Chrystal Bailey, Morgan and Liz Bentley and Renee James Gilmore
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 8, 2026
Orchid Ball dazzles with 'Nature of Abstraction' theme

The theme of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' annual gala was in line with its new exhibit, 'Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement.'

  • Black Tie
Frank Martucci, joined by Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding and his wife, Katherine Martucci, explains what compelled him to give back his 50/50 raffle winnings from the Lawn Party to support the Children's Guardian Fund.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 8, 2026
Kiwanians present record-breaking check from Lawn Party

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key contributed a total of $123,900 to the Children's Guardian Fund, boosted by Frank and Katherine Martucci's raffle contribution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sue Hobbs holds the iridescent shell of the green turban sea snail to the light.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells

Held at Robarts Arena this year, the event featured a larger space, with more room for artists and collectors to showcase their work.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harlan Coben and Emily Walsh
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 7, 2026
Harlan Coben leads with laughter at Love Our Libraries Luncheon

The best-selling author best known for his thrillers showed off his humorous side at the Library Foundation for Sarasota County's annual event, which boasted a sellout crowd of more than 600.

  • Black Tie
Lakehouse Cove's 16-month-old Hunter Colon shows his excitement to be inside a fire truck at the Celebrate Our First Responders event Feb. 7 at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch CERT hosts the Celebrate Our First Responders event

Greenbrook Adventure Park is filled with emergency vehicles, first responders and CERT volunteers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Second graders Jordan Davis, Dominic Michalo and Sloan Middleton wave flags of Puerto Rico, which was the country they were assigned for the Tara Elementary School Olympics.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Tara Elementary hosts its own Winter Olympics

Each class was assigned a country to research before participating in an "olympics-style" competition.

  • East County
  • Schools
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return

The Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park is making preparations for the upcoming rummage sale.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety

Two sites receive B grades on Suncoast Waterkeeper's summary of 2025 testing.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Candace Copeland, Julie Rania and America Jones
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • February 6, 2026
Taste of Thunder rolls into Lakewood Ranch

The tasting event gathered Thunder by the Bay supporters together a week before the music and motors festival begins in Sarasota.

  • Black Tie
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

Three local comedians will perform stand-up comedy to raise funds for Harbor58, Foster the Family and Bring on the Ministry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause

Ben Shroyer has turned a parent's nightmare — childhood cancer — into a cause for good, helping families in the same boat as his was a few years ago. The waters off Siesta help fund the work the organization does.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon

Whether it's contemporary art from America, folk music from the Nordics or greatest hits from the radio, there's something for everyone this season.

  • Arts + Culture
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub Executive Chef Justin Kurtz shares how he reinvents the classics at the iconic Longboat Key restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Longboat Key Police Department Customer Service Specialist Ivan Zunz shakes hands with Police Chief Russ Mager at a Town Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 2. Zunz was recognized for 10 years with LKPD at the meeting.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 5, 2026
Ivan Zunz recognized for a decade with LKPD

The Zunz family have been involved in the Longboat Key community for decades. Ivan, a 10-year employee with the police department, wears many hats and is appreciated by town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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1
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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3
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.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
5
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
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

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