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Your Observer | All

Drew Smith (left) and Chase Smith (right) are a sophomore and senior, respectively, at The Out-of-Door Academy. They lost their father, Scott Smith, to esophageal cancer in October of 2023.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 9, 2026
Brothers fundraise in their father's memory

Chase and Drew Smith held their third annual track and field fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
“I felt genuinely cared for during all phases of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.” Aubrey Robertson, Maternity Patient
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • April 9, 2026
Women’s Center “Felt Like Home” for Maternity Patient

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center became a second home during one woman's pregnancy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Students in Kirsten Hazelton's 2nd-grade class at Southside Elementary School used their magnifying glasses to watch their freshly released ladybugs get to work patrolling their vegetable garden at the school.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 8, 2026
Support your passion project through Giving Challenge 2026

Local organizations are preparing for the fundraising event presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Angelina Goesch and her mom, Ana Goesch, founder of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, pose with Ana's 4-year-old Golden retriever, Maple.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 8, 2026
The Dogs of Lakewood Ranch club allows canine lovers to network

The group's Facebook group members have found important information, such as available dog sitters and referrals for dog-related issues.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This year the Sarasota Opera House is turning 100. To celebrate, the Sarasota Opera is holding a special concert and dinner on April 11.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 8, 2026
Sarasota Opera fetes Opera House on its centennial

The Opera plans an epic celebration for the Med-Rev masterpiece's 100th anniversary.

  • Arts + Culture
The original Owen's Fish Camp in Burns Court defines the quintessential "cottage."
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • April 8, 2026
Local cottage-core cafes offer a cozy escape

Step away from the noise and enjoy the vintage charm of the Sarasota area's culinary cottages.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Manatee County's District 1 commission seat was left vacant after Carol Felts died suddenly Feb. 24.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee County District 1 commission seat open for applications

Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option to appoint someone to fill the remaining seven months left before the general election.

  • East County
  • News
Amy Bott, executive director of Bernie's Book Bank's Florida Suncoast branch, connects with J. McLaughlin manager Melanie Dale at the boutique's recent Sip and Shop event supporting the incoming nonprofit.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat boutique boosts new literacy nonprofit branch

Longboat's J. McLaughlin store recently supported a new Sarasota branch of Bernie's Book Bank with a Sip and Shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Construction has advanced quickly from Feb. 8 when this aerial photo was taken. The vantage point shows how close the school is from one of the runways at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Five more hotels are in the works for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Five new hotels slated for Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch currently has just four hotels within its boundaries.

  • East County
  • News
Traffic is often bumper to bumper on Gulf Drive South. During spring break, even rainy days didn’t stop tourists from flocking to Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat has a Bradenton Beach traffic problem

For Longboat Key residents and employees trying to get to the mainland from the north end, beach traffic is a headache and getting worse each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Unit 12-F condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $2.1 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,651 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 8, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

An Islands West condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Readers responded to Jay Heater's column, asking if they enjoy the April Fools' edition. Were you fooled by the story about speed bumps on White Eagle Boulevard?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2026
East County Observer readers have last word on April Fools

Most of the readers who responded love the April Fools tradition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Kayleigh Bergstrom is one of three sophomores alongside Gabby Ulrich and Kaitlin Carolan to lead the Cougars in scoring this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 8, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kayleigh Bergstrom

The sophomore midfielder is approaching 100 goals with Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sports betting online became legal in Florida via Hard Rock Bet in 2023.
  • By Guy Bentley, Adrian Moore
  • April 8, 2026
Don’t panic about sports betting in Florida

Although some are concerned that increased access to sports betting may increase gambling addiction, the data show the number of those with a problem has remained stable over the last 35 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
The Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County has issued a rabies warning.
  • July 22, 2026
Rabies case prompts public health warning in Sarasota County
2
Kyle McCreight participates in the Eastern Regional Qualifiers in 2026.
  • July 22, 2026
4-time 'American Ninja Warrior' contestant isn't done trying to reach national finals
3
The Lakewood Ranch Library will open an hour later starting Aug. 1 due to a hiring freeze that was implemented in February. Commissioner George Kruse says hours could be further reduced if the property tax referendum passes in November.
  • July 22, 2026
Property tax cuts will cause 'new normal' in Manatee County
4
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
  • July 22, 2026
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
5
Defender Declan Watters (left) is one of several Sarasota Paradise players learning from lead assistant Trevor Sinclair (right). The Paradise are 5-10-3 in USL League One and 6-13-3 overall, as of July 16.
  • July 22, 2026
Assistant coach brings wealth of experience to Sarasota Paradise

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