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Your Observer | All

Lakewood Ranch's Joan Novak, Sarasota's Tina Backhus, Lakewood Ranch's Judy Balmer and Salwa Youssef, the manager of the Walmart off State Road 70 near Interstate 75, are excited to support Stillpoint Mission's Backpack Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2023
Lakewood Ranch woman seeks donations for backpack program

Judy Balmer hopes to donate 800 backpacks through Stillpoint Mission to distribute to low-income families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School's Cesar Valera and Erika Vargas are excited for graduation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2023
Braden River High graduates look to the future

Braden River High School celebrates the graduation of 385 students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The town of Longboat Key is hosting its annual disaster preparedness seminar on June 1.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 20, 2023
Longboat gears up for hurricane season with tips from local meteorologist

Town Manager Howard Tipton spoke with ABC7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan about preparing for the upcoming season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Police Department 2022 Officer of the Year Timothy Bales with Police Chief Rex Troche.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2023
From saving lives to hurricane IT support, SPD honors accomplishments

Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche hands out sworn and civilian personnel awards during the department's annual awards ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Country Club residents Maria and Marty Fullam are members of Strings Con Brio. They joined the orchestra a few months after moving to Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2023
Strings Con Brio featured in Waterside Place's Sights and Sounds series

The all-volunteer string orchestra includes Lakewood Ranch residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mini Mustangs' Amir Phillips, Lakewood Ranch High School seniors Britlee Yant and Grace Kelly and Mini Mustangs' Savannah Cato celebrate as both the Mini Mustangs and the seniors are graduating on the same day.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2023
Mini Mustangs graduation a big moment for Lakewood Ranch High seniors

The pre-K graduation was held on the same day the seniors, who helped teach the Mini Mustangs, received their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Chef Sellner’s culinary journey includes a stint as chef de cuisine and executive sous chef at the Mar-a-Lago Club.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 19, 2023
Pascone’s chef loves taking diners on a culinary journey

From fried spaghetti to French cuisine inspiration, Pascone's Ristorante Executive Chef William Sellner’s culinary journey is anything but boring.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Out-of-Door Academy's Rhegan Duncombe smiles as she accepts her diploma from Deb Otey, the head of school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2023
Out-of-Door Academy graduates say goodbye to their 'home'

The 2023 graduates are ready to turn their tassels and take on next adventure.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bet you can’t just eat one of Craft Growlers To Go’s bacon and guacamole grilled cheese sandwiches.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • May 19, 2023
Great dishes for less than $20 in Lakewood Ranch

Hungry for a tasty meal in east Manatee County that gives you a big bang for your buck? Coming right up!

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The all-white kitchen is enlivened with a colorful painting to add a cheerful note. A desk adds a secondary workspace.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 19, 2023
Country Club East home provides a perfect live/work balance

At Jeff and Katie Goldstein’s home in Country Club East, working from home has never looked — or felt — this good.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Andrea Saputo Cox steps into her role at Gold Coast during a challenging time in the industry.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 19, 2023
Saputo family reaches its fourth generation of beer wholesalers

Andrea Saputo Cox confidently steps into a leadership role at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Business
    In Memoriam |
  • May 19, 2023
William I. Weiss, MD

Dr. William I. Weiss died on May 10, 2023, having just turned 101 years old.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lee County’s Terry Johnson participates in a preliminary round of the Special Olympics Stand-up Paddleboard Championship.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2023
What to do this summer in Lakewood Ranch

Check out the best things to do in June, July and August 2023 in and around Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
A conceptual drawing shows the location of the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center at The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 19, 2023
Four firms remain in the running to design new arts center

The task force formed to select the architect for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will bring four finalists to town for in-person presentations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The SPD Marine Patrol Unit is teaming up with Coast Guard Flotilla 84 to offer free boat inspections from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 20.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 18, 2023
Free boat safety inspections held Saturday at Centennial Park

The Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol and Coast Guard Flotilla 84 urge safe boating by offering inspections at Centennial Park as summer approaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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