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News

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 3, 2024
Sarasota man arrested for soliciting sex and child neglect

A man armed with a sword was arrested for child neglect and soliciting sex from a Sarasota police officer during an undercover operation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A former Easterseals client uses the VR technology.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 3, 2024
Sarasota nonprofits serving people with disabilities harness virtual reality

Rise Up Cafe and Easterseals Southwest Florida have partnered with the local tech company Virtical.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sandra Frank
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 2, 2024
All Faiths Food Bank CEO leaves behind bigger, stronger nonprofit

Sandra Frank, who helped grow the food bank, will retire after 12 years with the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
10 Longboat Key projects to watch in 2024
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 2, 2024
10 Longboat Key projects to watch in 2024

Islandwide transit, a vacant commission seat and beach erosion are just a few of the issues on tap for Longboat in 2024.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Mote Science Education Aquarium will be 110,000 square feet. Interior work will speed forward approximately in July.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 2, 2024
Construction speeds forward on Mote SEA with 2025 expected opening

Mote Science Education Aquarium construction should be complete around Thanksgiving with doors of the facility near University Town Center and Nathan Benderson Park opening in February 2025.

  • East County
  • News
Seven roundabouts will be installed on State Road 70.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2024
Major East County road projects to progress in 2024

Seven roundabouts will be installed on State Road 70, and Lena Road will be expanded to connect S.R. 70 and S.R. 64.

  • East County
  • News
Native landscape education program to begin at Celery Fields
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2023
Native landscape education program to begin at Celery Fields

Monthly classes are offered at Celery Fields by Sarasota Audubon Society and Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Elks Co-event Chairs Faith Frost and Darrin Simone show Susan Goodman of the Myakka City Methodist Church some of the 10,000 toys they collected from Walgreen's stores during the Community Gift Drive.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 30, 2023
Walgreens, Lakewood Ranch Elks collect over 10,000 toys for children

More than 10,000 toys were collected from 25 Walgreens stores in the region as part of the Mighty Southwest District's Community Gift Drive of the Florida State Elks Association.

  • East County
  • News
Rob Oglesby, the development director at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, is thrilled to see the nonprofit's expansion project nearing its end. The project is expected to be complete in April.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 28, 2023
Animal rescue expansion completes in April for increased care

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue has been able to boost its intake and services as its expansion project nears completion.

  • East County
  • News
The building located at 540 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 28, 2023
Tidewell Foundation's Longboat building no longer listed for sale

The property was listed without the executive board's knowledge and all options are still being explored, according to an official from the organization.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch library is located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 27, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Library set to open Jan. 12

The public is invited to attend the grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. Jan. 12.

  • East County
  • News
The Florida Highwaymen exhibit will be on display at Sarasota City Hall beginning Jan. 8.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 26, 2023
Florida Highwaymen exhibit debuts at Sarasota City Hall

A collection of work from Black roadside painters will be on display at Sarasota City Hall beginning Jan. 8.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota County Starter Kit is available online.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 24, 2023
Sarasota County introduces free tool to guide new residents

The online program offered by the UF/IFAS Extension offers free education tools and guides for living in Southwest Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 22, 2023
Controversial high-rise condos to be reconsidered for downtown Sarasota

A marathon meeting is expected as the 342-foot Obsidian condominium tower makes its first foray into the public process on Jan. 10.

  • Sarasota
  • News
AG Lafley helped lead the formation of the Bay Park Conservancy and the opening of the first phase of The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 21, 2023
AG Lafley talks past, present and future of The Bay

The founding CEO explains the importance of waterfront dining and highlights the range of future options, including a food truck village.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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1
Longboat Key Police Department.
  • December 26, 2025
Show off your cars, enjoy coffee at LKPD community event
2
The pool in Taylor Morrison's Esplanade at Azario development in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch community.
  • December 26, 2025
Builder to bring 1,200-home community to Lakewood Ranch
3
Riverview High baseball player-mentors pose for a photo on Dec. 9 with their kindergarten mentees at Southside Elementary School. Danielle Sobolewski, a kindergarten teacher at Southside, asked for some silly faces.
  • December 25, 2025
Riverview High baseball mentors next generation
4
Selby Gardens Master Plan Phase 2 Learning Pavilion Interior rendering.
  • December 25, 2025
Selby Gardens' renovations add to appeal while keeping mission in mind
5
The Unit 111 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail was built in 2000 and has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,186 square feet of living area.
  • December 25, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 8-12 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

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