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Your Observer | All

Asst. Chief Martin Szalbirak and Asst. Chief Jentzen Barton.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 20, 2023
Firefighters share 20-year fire service journey leading to Longboat

Longboat Key Fire Rescue assistant chiefs Jentzen Barton and Martin Szalbirak served in multiple fire departments together and now find themselves taking a new step on the Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 1-4 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 20, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 1-4 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Mourning Dove Drive tops the week's sales at $11.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Early morning munchie run becomes a food fight
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2023
Early morning munchie run becomes a food fight

A couple's pre-dawn convenience store trip takes an ugly turn when a woman throws food from the car. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Luke Safford, Nancy Rozance and Shae Safford at Light Up Longboat on Nov. 25, 2023.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 20, 2023
From Santa to Wonder Woman, Longboater spreads cheer in costume

Rotarian Nancy Rozance is a costumed crusader who brightens smiles across the Key as Wonder Woman, Josh the Otter, the Easter Bunny and Santa.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney High girls basketball junior Kali Barrett.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2023
Athlete of the Week: Kali Barrett

The Cardinal Mooney junior is averaging 12.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

  • East County
  • Sports
    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
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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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