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Your Observer | All

Chris Voelker, a Downtown Improvement District board member, speaks at the Dec. 5 Fresh Friday. Voelker said she hoped downtown stakeholders would take a positive outlook toward the event series during the pilot phase.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 9, 2021
Downtown group mulls Fresh Friday changes

The first Fresh Friday event of 2022 could get an earlier start in hopes of steering more visitors into downtown shops.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mark, which opened in 2019, has nearly 50,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space — but residents are worried prospective tenants in their downtown building will prove problematic. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 9, 2021
Lemon Avenue plans spark public pushback

As the city reviews proposals for new businesses at The Mark and in Paul Thorpe Park, residents are concerned about how commercial activity might affect a central segment of downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 9, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.9.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
David W. Johnston Associates Landscape Architect Phillip Smith (left) and Jon F. Swift Construction President Jason Swift (right) present a rendering of the proposed park to a member of the public.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 8, 2021
New playground, splash pad planned for Sarasota's Bayfront Park

Construction is scheduled to start by early summer 2022 and will take about eight months to complete.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mary Elizabeth Carey offered Father Edward Pick's personal items to parishioners.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 8, 2021
Father Edward Pick honored at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church

More than 100 parishioners gathered to celebrate the church's founder.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • December 8, 2021
Herbert Bruch

HERBERT G. BRUCH (Age 88)  Born October 17, 1932, departed this life on December 5, 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The town of Longboat Key is exploring the possibility of transitioning the Longboat Library from a non-profit organization to a Sarasota County-operated service. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 8, 2021
Mayor advocates for Sarasota County-operated library in Longboat Key

Longboat Key is Sarasota County's only municipality without a public library.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Members of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center team show off their Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. It was awarded at a Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance luncheon Dec. 8 at the Grove.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 8, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center earns Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosts spotlight on nonprofits at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch as Humanitarian of the Year award goes to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

  • East County
  • News
Riverview senior midfielder Luke Spycher clears the ball down the field.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 8, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Rams boys soccer refuses to lose — or even allow a goal

Riverview has conceded just one goal this season and it came on a penalty kick

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Members of the St. Armands Business Improvement District said allowing taller buildings on the Circle would encourage new construction, which they hope would attract quality tenants and increase activity. File rendering
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 8, 2021
St. Armands zoning proposals stir controversy

Although a resident group has raised alarm about proposed building rules on the Circle, property owners say some of the concern is rooted in misunderstanding.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mrs. Clause, also known as Stacey Volpe, the development assistant for SMART, brings Magic to the barn.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 8, 2021
SMART hosts open house and riding camp in east Bradenton

Those who attend SMART's open house can walk or gallop around Lollipop Lane.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney sophomore Franklin Liriano hits a layup against ODA.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 8, 2021
New Cardinal Mooney boys basketball coach guides team to hot start

The Cougars are 5-0 after a big win against The Out-of-Door Academy on Tuesday

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Selby Gardens' Lights in Bloom runs Dec. 11 through Jan. 2.
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • December 8, 2021
This Week in A+E: Dec. 9 to Dec. 15

Catch all the holiday action and performances in Sarasota this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 8, 2021
Santa visits Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Tis the season for Santa to come to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The citizen-led campaign to create single-member districts got a charter amendment on the ballot that drew support from 59.8% of voters. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 8, 2021
County advances effort to repeal single-member districts

In March, voters will decide whether to maintain the current electoral system or return to a process in which all five commission races are countywide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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