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News

Ryan Gandy has lived in Sarasota for 21 years, but started with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program in 2024. This November, he will take over as the new executive director of the program.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 6, 2025
Sarasota native picked to lead Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

Ryan Gandy describes Sarasota Bay as a unique habitat that's a "well-respected jewel" more accurately described as a coastal lagoon, not a bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of Adagio as viewed from the northeast.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 6, 2025
Adagio condo project remains on hold with review committee

The 172-unit mixed-use development needs to come back to Sarasota's to Development Review Committee for a fourth submission and is advised to hold a voluntary community meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city of Sarasota's Neighborhood Canopy Program provides 10- to 14-foot trees installed in front yards for $100 each.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2025
Urban tree canopy program finishes for 2025

The Sarasota Neighborhood Canopy Program that provides installed trees for $100 each has concluded for 2025 with plans to return next summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tingley Library on Bradenton Beach may be used as a short-term solution for the lack of community meeting space on the north end of Longboat Key, according to county commissioner Tal Siddique.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 5, 2025
North-end Longboat community center remains in the works

As property deals have fallen through, Manatee County has begun to look at short-term solutions off the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2025
900 traffic stops conducted in grant-funded roadway safety effort

A Sarasota Police Department traffic safety operation funded by a state grant resulted in nearly 900 traffic stops covering 1,100 violations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of Seventh & Central Condominiums fronting Seventh Street at the corner of Cohen Way.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 4, 2025
Seven-story, 24-unit condo proposed for Rosemary District

Plans for a seven-story, 24-unit residential building at Seventh Street and Cohen Way include replacing an existing multifamily building with a public park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As members of VFW Post 12055, Post Commander Dave Daily and retired U.S. Army Col. Gill Ruderman meet once a month with post members at Wolveshead Pizza and Wings.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 3, 2025
Is veterans park a sugar pill being fed to taxpayers?

Manatee County wants the planned Palmetto veterans memorial park and connections hub to serve the region, but local VFW members say it's too far out of the way.

  • East County
  • News
Visit Sarasota County reports a continuing downward trend in 2025 tourism data.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 3, 2025
Tourism continues downward trend in Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County reports lodging prices were up but overall visitors and spending were down in July compared to 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Osprey man arrested in drugs investigation
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 2, 2025
Osprey man arrested in drugs investigation

Sarasota Sheriff's Office employed multiple units in serving search warrant.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dickey Betts, who died in 2024, was named by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 best rock guitarists of all time.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 2, 2025
Rock pioneer Dickey Betts could be memorialized on Sarasota highway

The longtime Sarasota County resident would join a wide and varied list of luminaries honored in Sarasota County by Florida since 1932.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Some blocks along Main Street, such as the 1800 block, already include a mix of angle and parallel parking.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 2, 2025
Main Street vision pits walkability against parking

The Sarasota City Commission advances the Main Street Complete Street project to the design phase with an eye toward debate over pedestrian enhancement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Signs on Longboat Key's public beaches caution swimmers about the dangers of rip tides.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 1, 2025
How to spot and escape Gulf rip currents

On beaches with no lifeguards, like Longboat Key, knowing what to look for and how to escape a rip current might just save a life.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman speaks at the Sept. 23 Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce State of the Community luncheon.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 1, 2025
Sheriff: Law enforcement is expensive but worth the price

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman tells the Chamber of Commerce its $221 million budget is reducing crime and among the lowest cost per capita in the region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, asks commissioners to extend the contract through December, but commissioners opt to let it expire Sept. 30.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 1, 2025
Manatee cuts funds to EDC, Longboat impacts likely limited

The Bradenton Area EDC is jointly funded by public investments and private donors, according to its annual report, which shows $1.1 million in revenue in 2024.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A driver was measured at 88 mph over the Ringling Bridge, which has a 35 mph, leading to their arrest, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 30, 2025
'Super speeder' arrested for driving 88 mph on Ringling Bridge

Sarasota Police stopped a driver who was clocked going 53 mph over the speed limit Tuesday morning on Ringling Bridge.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
With a sparkle in his eye and a wave of the hand, jolly old St. Nick illuminated the lights on St. Armands Circle's 60-foot Christmas tree at a lighting festival on Dec. 5.
  • December 7, 2025
St. Armands celebrates magical Christmas tree lighting
2
Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala
3
St. Petersburg's Ella Brown and Sarasota's Mike Chambers take full advantage of the live music to show off their best dance moves at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival on Dec. 6.
  • December 7, 2025
Lakewood Ranch music fans aren't crying the blues after festival
4
Students from Sarasota High School's marching band walk in the parade.
  • December 7, 2025
Sarasota's spirit goes on display in the holiday parade
5
Debi and Mike O'Leary take a look at the tree.
  • December 6, 2025
Sarasota annual tree lighting takes place at Selby Five Points

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