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News

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2023
Package thief arrested on grand theft, drug charges

A Sarasota woman was caught on video taking packages valued at more than $1,800. Cocaine was also found in her possession.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 20, 2023
Siesta Key hoteliers bounce back from spring staff shortages

As the holidays approach, hotel owners and managers say staffing and labor are returning to normal.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A loggerhead hatchling being released.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 20, 2023
Turtle nesting strong in Sarasota, Longboat despite high disorientation

This season saw a record number of green sea turtle nests, but artificial lights on beaches remain a challenge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Stuart Campbell of the North South Wealth Management/Ranch Hand team waves to the crowd during the opening parade of the 2023 Sarasota Polo Club season on Jan. 1, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 20, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club season opens Dec. 31 in Lakewood Ranch

Construction slowdowns will keep James and Misdee Miller from building a new clubhouse until after the season.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch residents Mary and Tom Noon are the founders of Pure Dink.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 19, 2023
Lakewood Ranch entrepreneurs launch pickleball accessory brand

Pure Dink offers pickleball jewelry, bags, eyeglass holders and cocktail glasses.

  • East County
  • Business
Town of Longboat changes operating hours for season
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 19, 2023
Town of Longboat changes operating hours for season

The new pilot program begins on Jan. 2 and will change most town department operating hours to adjust for traffic during peak season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Celery Fields is a mecca for birders and other nature lovers.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
Interactive tool offers virtual guides through Sarasota nature areas

The story maps developed by Sarasota County allow visits to parks, gardens and more without leaving home.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County bought 68 acres along the Manatee River as part of a preservation effort.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
County buys 68 acres of Manatee River waterfront property

Manatee County is buying a 68-acre parcel of riverfront land in Parrish in order to preserve it.

  • East County
  • News
Christian Ziegler
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 18, 2023
State GOP leaders unanimously vote to censure Christian Ziegler

A vote of the full executive committee to remove Ziegler as chairman is set for Jan. 8.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Town's internet upgrade means faster performance, big savings
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 18, 2023
Town's internet upgrade means faster performance, big savings

Longboat Key’s IT department is working on switching town government to a faster, in-house network.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Fire Rescue ensures crew can handle the heat
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 17, 2023
Longboat Fire Rescue ensures crew can handle the heat

The Longboat Fire Rescue Department completed its second live fire training of the year, reviewing breathing techniques, saving victims and fighting fires.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 683 Mourning Dove Drive sold for $11.5 million.
    By
  • James Peter
  • December 16, 2023
Clothing tycoon buys record-setting Bird Key home for $12M

At $11.5 million, 683 Mourning Dove Drive surpasses the previous record set in June of this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 16, 2023
Former state prosecutor arrested on fraud charges

Sherry Lee Ellis, 65, is charged with stealing nearly $113,000 from her Alzheimer's patient boyfriend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The flag on the No. 9 green at Bobby Jones Golf Club.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 16, 2023
Bobby Jones Golf Club officially reopens

Discussed since 2015, the restored golf course opens to a wet and windy weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new trail system will include routes along former railroads, such as Parrish Spur northeast of Palmetto.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 16, 2023
140 miles of new trails planned for Manatee County

The Manatee County Commission approved the master plan for a $130 million countywide trail system project.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

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
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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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