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Your Observer | All

Authorities speak to guests outside the Zota Beach Resort on Aug. 4, 2017, after a double homicide took place at the resort.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 18, 2025
One more suspect charged in 2017 Longboat Key homicide case

Damien Garvin is charged with first degree murder of Zota Beach hotel clerk and security guard eight years ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Interim superintendent Kevin Chapman's contract was finalized in a special board meeting May 29. He will be interim until January 5, 2026 or whenever the school board hires someone in his place.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 18, 2025
Exciting school year ahead for Manatee schools

Interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman says new schools, student achievement strides spark enthusiasm in the new school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota softball dog-piled in the pitcher's circle after securing the final out against Riverview Sumner on May 15.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • July 18, 2025
Female athletes at the prep level have more opportunities than ever

Sarasota and Manatee county schools continue to work on evening the playing field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Richard Tatem
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 18, 2025
Hiring superintendent tops District 5 school board member's goals

Richard Tatem says increasing vocational opportunities, increasing on-time bus routes important goals in 2025-26.

  • East County
  • Schools
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter at the East County Observer.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 18, 2025
Letter from your education reporter: There's a lot to look forward to in the 2025-26 school year

Manatee County schools provides a much larger district to cover than she grew up with in Iowa.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jessica Bank and Laura Murphy stand in front of the library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2025
The Out-of-Door Academy holds on to a historic legacy as it moves forward

While a former dormitory building will have to be demolished due to last year’s hurricanes, the campus works out new plans for the space.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Colton Dempsey, now a Sarasota Sailor, scored 13 of Lakewood Ranch's 29 offensive touchdowns last season.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • July 18, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Colton Dempsey

Dempsey, now at Sarasota High, rushed for 1,000 yards at Lakewood Ranch in 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Linda Berman, board member at Stillpoint Mission, fills her car with donated toilet paper from members of Longboat Island Chapel on July 15.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 18, 2025
Toilet paper drive at Longboat fills two cars

Longboat Island Chapel supported Stillpoint Mission's mission to serve those in need with a fundraiser focused on hygiene products.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Michael and Gina Bohn try out a mattress at City Furniture's grand opening July 17 at the new UTC east district store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 17, 2025
City Furniture makes grand entrance into Sarasota market

The chain furniture store holds grand opening ceremonies at its new store in UTC's east district.

  • East County
  • Business
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2025
Airport fire department upgrades emergency medical services

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Fire Department now offers enhanced medical emergency treatment

  • Sarasota
  • News
Saliva skirmish ends the night out at a downtown club
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2025
Saliva skirmish ends the night out at a downtown club

A woman claiming to be a victim turns out to be the spitter in an after-midnight skirmish of sputum. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Angelica Collado, Fernanda Collado, Brigette Kubin and Patricia Collado showcase some of the knitted and crocheted pieces the three sisters hand crafted for Three Island Monkeys.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 17, 2025
Longboat boutique features crafts by sister trio

From sweaters to doll clothes, the Collado sisters are sharing their love of knitted works through Three Island Monkeys.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Zaylie Ellis of Sailor Circus, walks the tightrope.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen, Ian Swaby
  • July 17, 2025
Unusual educational opportunities abound in Sarasota

From circus skills to hands-on marine biology experience, here are some of the unusual experiences that can enhance education in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Valeria Torres, Brian Guzman-Orozco, Yesica Mojena and Angelinna Lopez Ferrales practice letter sounds with Deb Petti.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 17, 2025
Classrooms are the highest priority as school district prepares 2025-26 budget

At a time when the Sarasota school district is facing financial difficulties, its CFO said the focus will be on the learning experience.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Grace Community Church is expanding its Lakewood Ranch campus to include a student center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch megachurch still growing

Grace Community Church bought a new building for its staff and is constructing an overflow parking lot and student center.

  • East County
  • News
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1
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
2
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
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  • December 18, 2025
Oar & Iron: Where Every Guest Will Find Something They Love
4
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • December 18, 2025
Police foil developing bank scam as it unfolds
5
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays

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