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Your Observer | All

Among the proposed changes to the city's parking program is metered spaces on Ben Franklin Drive along Lido Beach. Those spaces are currently free of charge.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 13, 2024
Free Lido Beach parking spaces under debate in city proposal

City commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Erik Arroyo defend open access to the beach amid a plan to increase fees and expand paid parking in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Passenger traffic at SRQ increased by 3 million passengers from 2018 to 2023.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 13, 2024
SRQ airport surpasses 4.3 million passengers

Passenger traffic at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is up 215% since 2018 as expansion work continues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jennifer Kovatch (left) and Keith Pandeloglou (right) of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Lakewood Ranch's Monaca Onstad.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 12, 2024
LWR Community Activities honors Volunteer of the Year

Former SMR Community Relations Director Monaca Onstad won the coveted award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The bounce houses shut down due to high winds, but Bradenton resident Brody Pawelkoski, 3, got a quick bounce in beforehand.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Bounce houses take over Nathan Benderson Park

The Big Bounce America is billed as the "biggest touring inflatable event in the world."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Some of the estimated 500 people who attended the grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library on Jan. 12 gather to listen to the ceremony.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Hundreds attend Lakewood Ranch Library grand opening

The Lakewood Ranch Library opened Jan. 12 with a huge celebration.

  • East County
  • News
Robert Gaglio addresses the audience at Bird Key Yacht Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Local author brings taste of Italy to Bird Key Yacht Club

Chef Robert Gaglio's new book documents his tours of Italy and journey of self-discovery following the 2008 financial crisis.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges

Charges include probation violations for both subjects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zumba is among the activities offered at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 12, 2024
Free ways to get fit and stay healthy in Sarasota

From beach yoga to high-intensity training at The Bay, the city has something to offer fitness seekers of all stripes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A process rendering of Obsidian.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 11, 2024
Planning Board rejects downtown condo tower, but appeal likely

The Sarasota Planning Board says the 342-foot-tall condo Obsidian lacks sufficient retail frontage. Developers argue no building can be built at 1260 N. Palm Ave. under current city requirements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 11, 2024
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants

An Observer reader attempts to streamline the city's zoning language for bars and restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Performance appraisals for City Commission
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 11, 2024
Performance appraisals for City Commission

A former city commissioner encourages residents to make sure the commission is serving the public good.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Melvin Pettis, a Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living resident, recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 and again in 1965.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to fighting for the rights of others continue to inspire 94-year-old Melvin Pettis.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Blue Oyster Cult's Eric Bloom sings at Premier Sports Campus in January, 2017. Lakewood Ranch still has no amphitheater or events center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 11, 2024
Manatee County does well on roads, flunks wetland protections

Our columnist responds to Manatee County's online survey.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Benderson Development is proposing a comprehensive plan amendment that would clear the way to build an 85-foot-tall hotel on this site in Siesta Village.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 11, 2024
Residents air concerns about 85-foot hotel in Siesta Village

The 210-room hotel would sit on less than 1 acre. Representatives of the Benderson proposal hear from dozens about traffic, public safety and a potential slippery slope.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Joey Leto (black jersey) gets air while racing on day one of the 2024 USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals at Sarasota BMX.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2024
Sarasota BMX rider makes his push for Paris Olympics

Joey Leto reflects on Sunshine Nationals and Sarasota BMX's 50th anniversary.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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Latest News

1
Diane DelloRusso, who has worked in the jewelry business for 36 years and been a longtime manager at Jewelry by Cole, said she believes customers will appreciate the new St. Armands Jewelry store with its blend of classic and contemporary styles. She came out of retirement to assist with the transition and can't wait for longtime patrons to see the boutique's new look.
  • June 16, 2026
Two new shops coming to St. Armands Circle
2
Jolanta Bremer received the award of the 2026 Queen Helen.
  • June 16, 2026
Attendees get into costume as Mrs. Roper at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
3
JP Soars and the Red Hots will perform a free Father's Day concert at The Bay on Sunday, June 21.
  • June 16, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 18-24
4
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations
5
Elliott Mathes grew up watching his older brother, Will Mathes, compete for Sarasota Crew at the USRowing Youth National Championships. From June 11-14, he himself rowed with a junior national title on the line.
  • June 16, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Elliott Mathes

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