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Your Observer | All

Erica Cristea, Monica Palmer, Patricia Cullen and Morgana Robson
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 26, 2026
Good times uncorked at annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting

The event, which concludes the weeklong culinary festival, featured unique bites, stellar sips and a picture-perfect day in The Ringling courtyard.

  • Black Tie
Gavin Moore has allowed just nine goals, as of Jan. 22, for Lakewood Ranch boys soccer in 2025-26 en route to the Mustangs' first undefeated regular season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 26, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Gavin Moore

The senior has been a standout in net for Lakewood Ranch boys soccer.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ben Turoff helps bring big-name acts to the performing arts center at the Glenridge On Palmer Ranch retirement community.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 26, 2026
A son of the theater helps a venue come into its own

Ben Turoff has put the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on the map.

  • Arts + Culture
Xavier Koffman and Margot Andrich
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • January 26, 2026
Inspiring Hope Dinner shines a light on mental wellness

The annual fundraiser benefits the work of Sunshine from Darkness, which champions mental health in the community with programming, education and advocacy.

  • Black Tie
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya (left) and Public Works Director Nikesh Patel presented the federal offshore oil and gas leasing opposition resolution to the City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 26, 2026
Sarasota joins Florida communities to oppose renewed offshore oil drilling

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a resolution against a new federal offshore oil and gas leasing program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Randy Clair
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 26, 2026
Former Town Commissioner Randy Clair loved the water, Longboat and family

An avid sailor, loving father and husband and two-time town commissioner, Randy Clair made an impact on Longboat Key in his 29 years living on the island. He died Jan. 17 at age 86.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rotarians Gene Luca, left, and President Terri Driver, right, thank Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services' Margie Genter and Randy Wright for offering insights into how it benefits community members. Representatives joined the Rotary Club of Longboat Key on Jan. 20 at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 26, 2026
Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services helps those who served get back to work

From coffee socials to job placement services, staff assist those who served in a variety of ways, as they detailed to Rotarians.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bella Grace, a 3-year-old Weimaraner, is a German hunting dog who works for Manatee County Search & Rescue. Kevin Vreeland, her owner and K-9 handler, described her as a "scent monster."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 25, 2026
Search and rescue dogs attract a crowd at free Lakewood Ranch presentation

K-9 team members show what they can do during an event presented by Lakewood Ranch CERT.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Navigator Gary Yeager balances the cart as driver Kami Landy goes into a turn during the Combined Driving at TerraNova marathon event Jan. 24.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 25, 2026
World champ among competitors at TerraNova's Combined Driving event

A field of 111 competitors came to Myakka in an event expected to grow in prestige.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Reed Medical Group and Longboat Key Fitness both celebrated their grand reopenings on Jan. 22 at the Shoppes of Bay Isles complex, introducing visitors to their expanded facilities. Dr. James Reed, owner of the concierge medical service, wields the big scissors.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 25, 2026
Longboat Publix plaza celebrates grand openings

Reed Medical Group and Longboat Key Fitness held their grand reopening festivities on Jan. 22 at The Shoppes of Bay Isles complex.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
While construction abounds around The Marketplace at Heritage Harbour, Portillo's is not among the businesses preparing to move into the shopping center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 25, 2026
Chicago hot dog eatery reverses course on Manatee County location

Portillo's is no longer planning to open a restaurant in The Marketplace at Heritage Harbour.

  • East County
  • News
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 25, 2026
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy

The new policy specifies a three-day window for Sarasota County parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence, while outlining clearly what counts as an excused absence.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Douglas Grierson said he is amazed by how talented the artists, including painter Thomas Legault, are at the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Artists showcase their talent during Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival

Those strolling Lakewood Main Street appreciate the event for several reasons.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe singer Michael Mejia-Mendez belts the opening note of Harry Belafonte's iconic "Day-O" during a tribute performance on Jan. 21 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 24, 2026
'King of Calypso' tribute singer gets Christ Church grooving

Singer Michael Mejia-Mendez brought to life the tunes and tales of Harry Belafonte for a special performance.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The School District of Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin, School Board Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, and School Board Members Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy were among the group of people to break ground on AAA High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Manatee School District breaks ground for new Lakewood Ranch high school

AAA High School, located at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and 10th graders in August 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
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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
Front runner emerges on second day of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
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  • April 3, 2026
Lighting the Path Health Care Luncheon
3
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
4
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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