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Your Observer | All

    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 20, 2023
Siesta Key hoteliers bounce back from spring staff shortages

As the holidays approach, hotel owners and managers say staffing and labor are returning to normal.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A loggerhead hatchling being released.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 20, 2023
Turtle nesting strong in Sarasota, Longboat despite high disorientation

This season saw a record number of green sea turtle nests, but artificial lights on beaches remain a challenge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rams senior Jayden Dudash goes up for a jump shot against Manatee High. Dudash finished with 14 points.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2023
Don't count out Riverview boys basketball in first year under new coach

Coach Brandon Knecht said the Rams boys basketball team (4-4) is realizing the power of commitment.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Stuart Campbell of the North South Wealth Management/Ranch Hand team waves to the crowd during the opening parade of the 2023 Sarasota Polo Club season on Jan. 1, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 20, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club season opens Dec. 31 in Lakewood Ranch

Construction slowdowns will keep James and Misdee Miller from building a new clubhouse until after the season.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Florida Power & Light Company
  • December 20, 2023
Be Jolly and Bright This Holiday Season with FPL’s Energy-Saving Tips

Try implementing the energy saving tips below and read on about how you can use FPL’s Energy Manager to stay on top of your energy use.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Chloe Marino, 7, meets Santa Claus at the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade on Dec. 2, 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2023
Sarasota Santa shares what it takes to wear the red suit

Mark Welikci, who has been a fixture of the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade, explains what makes the perfect "Ho, ho, ho," his favorite cookie flavor, and the heart and soul of being Santa Claus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sailor Circus presents its annual holiday show, "Candyland," from Dec. 27-31.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 21-27

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
This Winding River home at 14111 11th Terrace N.E. sold for $2.1 million. It has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,059 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 19, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 4-8 in Lakewood Ranch

A Winding River home on 11th Terrace tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Where do Longboaters get their Christmas trees?
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 19, 2023
Where do Longboaters get their Christmas trees?

With no on-island tree lots, town residents share their approaches to the Longboat Key tree dilemma.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Mary and Tom Noon are the founders of Pure Dink.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 19, 2023
Lakewood Ranch entrepreneurs launch pickleball accessory brand

Pure Dink offers pickleball jewelry, bags, eyeglass holders and cocktail glasses.

  • East County
  • Business
Aviana Ritchey, Kayden Joseph, Nahla White, instructor Alicia Richardson, Jaylon Phelps, Kyrie Smith, Taniyah Sloan, Camila Juan Lopez and Giovanna Mosca
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2023
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies students write letters to Santa

The second and third graders told Santa what they hoped to receive and what they were thankful for.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Town of Longboat changes operating hours for season
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 19, 2023
Town of Longboat changes operating hours for season

The new pilot program begins on Jan. 2 and will change most town department operating hours to adjust for traffic during peak season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Reported burglary turns out to be a case of misplaced items
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 19, 2023
Reported burglary turns out to be a case of misplaced items

A resident unable to locate her package, purse and suitcase accidentally took them to a different unit. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Celery Fields is a mecca for birders and other nature lovers.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
Interactive tool offers virtual guides through Sarasota nature areas

The story maps developed by Sarasota County allow visits to parks, gardens and more without leaving home.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County bought 68 acres along the Manatee River as part of a preservation effort.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
County buys 68 acres of Manatee River waterfront property

Manatee County is buying a 68-acre parcel of riverfront land in Parrish in order to preserve it.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Riverview High baseball player-mentors pose for a photo on Dec. 9 with their kindergarten mentees at Southside Elementary School. Danielle Sobolewski, a kindergarten teacher at Southside, asked for some silly faces.
  • December 25, 2025
Riverview High baseball mentors next generation
2
Selby Gardens Master Plan Phase 2 Learning Pavilion Interior rendering.
  • December 25, 2025
Selby Gardens' renovations add to appeal while keeping mission in mind
3
The Unit 111 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail was built in 2000 and has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,186 square feet of living area.
  • December 25, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 8-12 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
Sponsored Content
4
  • December 25, 2025
FINANCIAL FOCUS® Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life
5
Lakewood Ranch's Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
  • December 24, 2025
After five decades, this Lakewood Ranch Santa continues to spread joy and more

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