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Your Observer | All

Longboat Key hitchhiker gets visit from police
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 24, 2026
Longboat Key hitchhiker gets visit from police

A man trying to catch a ride back to downtown Sarasota prompted a call to police. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 508 Blue Shell Loop sold for $2.4 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,028 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 24, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 9-13 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sanddy Marchena owns Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch with his wife Melodie Marchena (not pictured). Michelle Frease is the academy's director.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place gains a Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy of Sarasota opens its child care and preschool business March 2.

  • East County
  • Business
Senior forward/defender Rheanne Fleming looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 championship Feb. 17 between Lakewood Ranch and East Lake. It proved to be the Mustangs' final win of 2025-26.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer falls short of state final

Facing the nation's No. 5-ranked team, the Mustangs were shut out for the first time all season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Firefighters break a hole in the roof of a building minutes after first responders extinguished the flames that engulfed a three-story residence devastated by what is reported as a potential electrical fire Monday, Feb. 23.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 23, 2026
3-alarm fire guts north-end Longboat residence

Units from Longboat Key and neighboring jurisdictions fought the fire after it was reported Monday morning. The blaze was extinguished by noon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Amy and Matt Brame
    By
  • Lori Sax
  • February 23, 2026
The Haven goes to Studio 54 for All Abilities on the Floor

It's the nonprofit's fourth annual fundraiser to benefit its mission of providing programs and services for adults and children with disabilities.

  • Black Tie
Carla Noack, Ashley Raymond, Sally Wingert and Zach Harris star in Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "The Unfriend."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 23, 2026
A British comedy of manners pops up at Asolo Repertory Theatre

Peter Rothstein shares his take on directing Asolo Rep's production of Steven Moffat's "The Unfriend."

  • Arts + Culture
After allowing four goals in regulation, Avary Shirley held her own in penalty kicks, helping the Mustangs become back-to-back regional champions.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avary Shirley

The junior goalkeeper made the save that sent Lakewood Ranch girls soccer to the state semifinals.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rabbi Howard Simon, master of ceremonies at Temple Beth Israel's 47th annual gala, welcomes attendees to the event on Feb. 22 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 23, 2026
47th Temple Beth Israel gala centers on community

The annual gala celebrated the contributions of Suzan and Barry Friedman and family over the years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Artist Kathleen Murphy Willer, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said she has fun incorporating elements evocative of childhood in her acrylic paintings. She was one of the artists to brave the sun and rain at last weekend's fine art festival on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 23, 2026
Specialized artists turn out for fifth Longboat Fine Art Fest

From glass molding to close-up photography, artists showcased works in a variety of media at the weekend festival.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lobbyists for the town of Longboat Key video called in to update Longboat Key Town Commission on state and federal legislation at a workshop meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 23, 2026
Longboat leaders receive updates on property tax reform

Lobbyists updated the Longboat Key Town Commission on potential property tax reform in Tallahassee and appropriations in Washington.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Event co-chair Kim Becker, Lynn Racus and Rose Huro
  • By None
  • February 22, 2026
Guests of Florida Cancer Specialists enjoy a night of art and music

The FCS Foundation celebrated artists who have survived cancer by highlighting their work at its annual gala.

  • Black Tie
Two dead in Lakewood Ranch shooting
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2026
Two dead in Lakewood Ranch shooting

A second person has died in what the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office described as a domestic incident.

  • East County
  • News
A body-worn camera image shows a Sarasota police officer carrying a female victim from the burning home on North Osprey Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2026
Police officers rescue two from burning home

Sarasota Police Department officers braved flames and a sparking transformer to remove two from a North Osprey Avenue house fire.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The winners of an essay contest had the chance to read out their essays during the event, and they included fourth grader Lorelei Martin, second grader Olivia Batista, kindergartener Logan Hernandez, third grader Petronius Boles, first grader Jade Rivers and fifth grader Amara Berry, pictured here with Assistant Principal Jennifer Kahler.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2026
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus celebrates centennial anniversary

The school, founded in 1926, hosted a celebration on with speeches and performances honoring its history.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
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Latest News

1
The Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County has issued a rabies warning.
  • July 22, 2026
Rabies case prompts public health warning in Sarasota County
2
Kyle McCreight participates in the Eastern Regional Qualifiers in 2026.
  • July 22, 2026
4-time 'American Ninja Warrior' contestant isn't done trying to reach national finals
3
The Lakewood Ranch Library will open an hour later starting Aug. 1 due to a hiring freeze that was implemented in February. Commissioner George Kruse says hours could be further reduced if the property tax referendum passes in November.
  • July 22, 2026
Property tax cuts will cause 'new normal' in Manatee County
4
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
  • July 22, 2026
Front porch rug drying sparks a boarding house fight
5
Defender Declan Watters (left) is one of several Sarasota Paradise players learning from lead assistant Trevor Sinclair (right). The Paradise are 5-10-3 in USL League One and 6-13-3 overall, as of July 16.
  • July 22, 2026
Assistant coach brings wealth of experience to Sarasota Paradise

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