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Your Observer | All

Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida

Although it's the only sport allowed to have two separate seasons, coaches say it is an important developmental tool.

  • East County
  • Sports
Frank Biondello, Jr. has been overseeing the transformation of The Dock on the Bay's hurricane-damaged marina as the marina manager for the past year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 25, 2026
Dock on the Bay makes progress on 'long road to recovery'

The small condominium facility has operated on Longboat Key for 46 years, and this year is one of significant transformation at its marina and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on

Manatee upgrades are part of a statewide initiative to build a tougher grid to hold up against hurricane season.

  • East County
  • News
Emerson Lepper greets Principal Ben Hopper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 23, 2026
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School celebrates graduates' new horizons

The private school hosted its graduation ceremony at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on May 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton

A wealth of sports fields and amenities are being added to the former Moore Dairy Farm property.

  • East County
  • News
Grant's Gardens has a two-bay garage at 525 Gulf Bay Road, and is proposing to build an office building on the lot across the street at 524 Gulf Bay Road.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 23, 2026
Landscaping company seeks expansion in Longboat Key

An office building proposed on Gulf Bay Road came before the Planning and Zoning Board for review Tuesday, prompting pushback from a neighbor and former employee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 23, 2026
New town clerk hired for Longboat Key

Outgoing Town Clerk Trish Shinkle will retire on June 19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most

Seventy-nine graduates from the Out-of-Door Academy walked the stage at Grace Community Church to receive their diplomas May 22.

  • East County
  • Schools
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

The Pirates, who won district and regional titles this season, dropped a 2-1 decision to Niceville.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Bruce Stamm says residents in District 1 are being denied due process because of a lack of representation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 22, 2026
Felts' Manatee County Commission seat remains empty

The district has lacked representation since Commissioner Carol Ann Felts died in February.

  • East County
  • News
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year

Noah Moise was recognized for his work as safety patrol captain, believed to be the first student in the district to receive the honor.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Riders set out on the ride.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short

Sarasota Housing Authority is pledged $3 million from the county to close a funding gap for McCown Towers. Another $8 million from the city still requires a commission vote.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zach Zeller co-owns three restaurants in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 22, 2026
A high-flying spirit has led Lakewood Rancher to adventure, in business and life

Lakewood Ranch restaurant owner Zach Zeller, be it on the ground or in the sky, emphasizes hard work — and helping others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
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1
Steven High is retiring as executive director of The Ringling, a position he has held since 2011.
  • June 5, 2026
Steven High to retire as executive director of The Ringling
Sponsored Content
2
  • June 5, 2026
33rd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
3
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief
4
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford
5
Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.
  • June 4, 2026
Pineapple Kitchen owners close store, move to Amazon

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