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Your Observer | All

Former Sarasota High running back Brian Battie was named a Consensus All-American on Dec. 16, becoming just the second South Florida player given the honor. Photo courtesy USF Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 23, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Former Sailor Battie gets accolades for stellar season

Brian Battie, a sophomore at South Florida, was named a Consensus All-American kick returner on Dec. 16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Mooney junior guard Olivia Davis leads the team in scoring through nine games.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 23, 2021
Cougars girls basketball welcomes all challengers

After a run to the state title game in 2020, Cardinal Mooney wants everyone's best shot

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ross Johnson says enjoying Sarasota's hidden gems and meeting new friends at the local hangouts are my favorite treasures.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • December 23, 2021
Gifts from the heart: Sarasotans reflect on the meaning of giving

Residents reflect on the greatest and most meaningful gifts they’ve ever received during the holidays.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 22, 2021
Home for the holidays on Longboat Key

Churches plan for a return to some normalcy, though things are forever changed by the pandemic.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cyndi Seamon, Karey Kaine and Sam Digiammarino attended the annual Light Up Longboat event. File photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2021
Longboat residents recall the greatest gifts

During this holiday season, Longboaters offer their take on what's really important.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nikki and Kim Williams experienced their own Christmas miracle, a kidney donation from Nikki to her mom.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 22, 2021
Lakewood Ranch woman's kidney the perfect Christmas gift for her mom

A year after a Lakewood Ranch mom receives a kidney from her daughter, both are doing fine.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • December 22, 2021
A James Freeman

A James Freeman 93, passed away on December 16, 2021, from Alzheimer’s, with his wife, Angela of 51 years by his side.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 22, 2021
Cops Corner: Up on the rooftop. . .

Police reports from around Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The skinny but jolly old elf's T-shirt  wishes everyone would "Spread Joy, Not Germs''
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 22, 2021
Skeleton at medical office wishes everyone merry Christmas

Message is clear: spread joy, not germs

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A self-guided tour of Historic Spanish Gardens is included, along with access to Selby Gardens' downtown campus.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 21, 2021
Selby Gardens plans to launch boat tour in January

Full-day tour will take visitors from downtown location to Historic Spanish Point and back.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • December 21, 2021
This week in A+E: Dec. 23 to Dec. 29

Sarasota pulls out all the holiday stops this week with concerts, comedy, theater performances, a circus and much more.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Students (from l-r) Bryce Griggs and Vanya Passanita perform on the Trampoline Wall while Rylee Roulette looks on during the Sailor Circus 2021 spring show. (Photo: John Jones)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • December 21, 2021
Sailor Circus Academy returns with 'Let It Snow' holiday show

The rich Sarasota tradition of the Sailor Circus Academy returns for another holiday show headlined by student performers.

  • Arts + Culture
Longboat Key Turtle Watch President Tim Thurman spot checks a nest towards the end of turtle season. Photo courtesy of Nat Kaemmerer.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 20, 2021
Longboat Key's new sea turtle regulations take effect in 2022

The rules officially take effect on Jan. 2, 2022, but are applicable during sea turtle season from May 1 - Oct. 31.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Longboat Pass Bridge currently has a 17-foot clearance. The state plans to raise the new bridge to be between 30-40 feet.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 20, 2021
Built to last 50 years (in 1957), Longboat Pass Bridge needs replacing — eventually

The state's $2,125,000 study will evaluate options for the bridge that links Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Andre Herke serves a point. File photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 20, 2021
Observer Challenge returns on Longboat Key after year away

The tournament took a break in 2021 due to the pandemic, but will return from Jan. 7-9.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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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