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Your Observer | All

Artist Erin Ernst created a sculpture of giant cigarette butts in the sand to help raise awareness. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2022
Sarasota senator sponsors cigarette butts bill

The measure would give local governments the ability to ban smoking on beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new addition will connect to Building 5, which will allow for a new courtyard to be created for students to gather. Rendering courtesy of Hepner Architects and the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 12, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High addition back on track for 2023

The School Board of Manatee County is viewing designs for the addition at Lakewood Ranch High School, with construction expected to begin in May.

  • East County
  • Schools
Janice Menker and Janice Reiser
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 12, 2022
Republican Club of Longboat Key gets started on the new year

The club heard from local leadership and the political and Gulf level.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lee Gundersheimer is bringing his talents to Sarasota as the new artistic director of The Players.
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • January 12, 2022
The Players tabs Florida native Lee Gundersheimer as new artistic director

Lee Gundersheimer is making a triumphant career journey home to his native state as he becomes the new artistic director of The Players Centre for Performing Arts.

  • Arts + Culture
Connor Heald.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 12, 2022
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Connor Heald

The Cardinal Mooney sophomore hit a go-ahead three-point shot with six seconds remaining against Riverview High Jan. 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Key’s Town Code does not currently allow permitting for propane and natural gas fire pits outside of structures.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 12, 2022
Longboat Key plans to allow permanently installed fire pits

A new proposal seeks to allow town-issued permitting for fire pits outside of structures.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 12, 2022
Park plan, golf restoration approved for Bobby Jones

18 holes would trace original route of golf course; nature park would occupy remainder of 261 acres.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A close-up of the damage to the plaque honoring the memory of Matthew Ryan Powers at the Lakewood Ranch Little League Complex. Photo provided.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 11, 2022
Plaque honoring Powers vandalized

Attempts will be made to repair the plaque at Matthew Ryan Powers Memorial Field.

  • East County
  • News
Rebecca McCullough and Zak, a Royal Lipizzan stallion, put their best foot forward as they try to keep the ranch alive in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 11, 2022
Royal Lipizzans still showing off in Myakka City

After death of family matriarch, Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions survives in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Max Taylor walking his dog, Miga, through Bird Key Park on Friday.
    By
  • Blake Fussell
  • January 11, 2022
City Commission looks to make Sarasota more dog friendly

City commissioners made a motion to analyze where dog parks can be installed in Sarasota, citing a lack of dedicated spaces.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney junior Jordyn Byrd is the 2021-2022 Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2022
Cardinal Mooney's Byrd named Florida Volleyball Player of the Year

Jordyn Byrd is the first Mooney athlete to receive the honor

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Individual tickets for the team's 13th spring season at Ed Smith Stadium will go on sale to the general public Saturday at 10 a.m. Photo courtesy Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2022
Despite lockout, Orioles spring tickets go on sale Saturday

Birdland Members can purchase tickets in advance as part of a Thursday pre-sale.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Roundabout construction at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue is set to complete by fall 2022.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 11, 2022
Return of season prompts complaints of traffic congestion

Construction will continue throughout much of 2022 at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Kehoe, Tom Sweeney, Jerry Ditty, Chris Mitchell, Deb Kehoe and Cynthia Baptiste. Photo by Liz Ramos
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 11, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Elks thanked for vets support

Home for Our Troops gives certificate of appreciation to Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kristopher Paul has made a few versions of his Sam Wilson Captain America suit.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 11, 2022
Cosplayer finds a niche portraying superheroes

Longtime cosplayer Kristopher Paul walks in the Sarasota Holiday Parade as a costumed adventurer each year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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