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News

Two SMH leaders named to statewide boards
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 25, 2024
Two SMH leaders named to statewide boards

Jennifer Sweeney and Britt Riner have been appointed to councils that will help guide health care for Florida residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Construction continues on a new residence hall and student center being built on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • January 25, 2024
USF's long-awaited Sarasota-Manatee residence hall nearly complete

Building the hall and student center on the small campus proved to be a challenge that officials say is well worth it.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
What was once the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch's administration building now sits empty.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 24, 2024
Lease termination settlement costs Manatee County $375,000

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, a child and family services nonprofit, originally requested $2.96 million in compensation after its lease was terminated.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center handles an average of 800 emergency 911 calls per day.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 24, 2024
Despite concerns, Longboat's nonemergency dispatch remains off-Key

After a discussion at the Town Commission workshop, emergency center personnel and town officials said education would be key in navigating resident concerns.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Centre Shops of Longboat Key
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • January 24, 2024
Longboat Key shopping center sells for $7.45 million

The center, which sits on 4.6 acres, is said to be one of the largest parcels on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Longboat Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff and Manatee County Sheriff responded to the double homicide Aug. 4, 2017, at Zota Beach Resort.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 24, 2024
Six-year hunt for Longboat double-homicide suspects heats up

Police recently arrested a second suspect in connection with the 2017 murders at the Zota Beach Resort, but the case still isn't closed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Deputy Town Clerk Savannah Cobb (right) swears in Sarah Karon to the District 5 commission seat.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 23, 2024
New Longboat Key commissioner sworn in

Get to know Sarah Karon, the newly appointed District 5 Longboat Key commissioner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Teen injured in second Sarasota shooting in 4 days
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 23, 2024
Teen injured in second Sarasota shooting in 4 days

A shooting occurred Monday evening at 29th Street in Sarasota. One victim has been hospitalized.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A building proposed at 1312 N. Tamiami Trail includes eight residential units on the top floor and one level of commercial space.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 23, 2024
Plans for 181 affordable residences seek city approval

The four projects that went before the Sarasota Development Review Committee would add a total of 197 residences to the city's housing stock.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Resident considers legal action over Battie's racism accusations
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 22, 2024
Resident considers legal action over Battie's racism accusations

Sarasota Commissioner Kyle Battie held up an alleged Facebook post as basis for allegations against a private citizen, whose attorney says litigation against Battie will be pursued.

  • Sarasota
  • News
First affordable housing project approved in East County
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 22, 2024
First affordable housing project approved in East County

The proposed apartment complex between Interstate 75 and Lena Road, Amara, will offer 25% of its units at an affordable rate.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Commons, on Beneva and Fruitville roads, is a shopping center anchored by Bravo Supermarkets and USPS.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2024
One dead after Friday shooting at Beneva shopping center

One victim was pronounced dead at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a midday shooting at Sarasota Commons Shopping Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plans for Banditos Tacos & Tequila include a rooftop lounge with the bar service area beneath an enclosable structure. Under the city's new definitions, it will be considered an indoor bar.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 20, 2024
In defining bars and clubs, city asks: Do restaurants need kitchens?

The city of Sarasota's proposed zoning definitions of downtown restaurants, bars and nightclubs would impact those establishments' operations, hours and outdoor seating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Co-owner Adam Myara serves up a smashburger to the wait staff in the Ed's Tavern kitchen. The new Ed's Tavern had a soft opening for its second Lakewood Ranch location on Friday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 19, 2024
Ed's Tavern opens its second Lakewood Ranch restaurant

The new building on Upper Manatee River Road hosted a soft opening on Friday before it opened to the public on Saturday.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Christian Ziegler speaks at the 17th Street Park expansion groundbreaking Nov. 4 2022.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 19, 2024
SPD concludes criminal investigation of Ziegler, turns case over to state

The investigation found that an October sexual encounter appears to have been consensual. Evidence of video voyeurism in nonconsensual recording was turned over to the State Attorney's Office.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Ed Ference is running for the District 6 at-large Manatee County commission seat.
  • March 24, 2026
Lifelong East County resident enters Manatee County Commission race
2
Byeong Hun An, who won the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic, is ranked No. 129 in the world, as of March 23. He tied for 21st place at the 2025 Masters Tournament and played in all four majors of the PGA Tour that season.
  • March 24, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic title doesn't guarantee PGA Tour success
3
From left to right: Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Senior Vice President Jon Thaxton and One Stop Housing CEO Mark Vengroff made up a panel hosted by Miracle on the Key Thursday, March 19 on the subject of affordable housing.
  • March 24, 2026
Panel discusses the thorny problem of affordable housing
4
This Lake Club home at 16336 Daysailor Trail sold for $3.1 million. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,859 square feet of living area.
  • March 24, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 9-13 in Lakewood Ranch
5
Wearing her mother's favorite color, Abby Ferreira, one of Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's children, raises a glass in memory of her mother on March 21 at Harry's Continental Kitchens with Brian Maddox. He said his late wife wanted a celebration of life that brought together loved ones and friends to smile, share fond memories and show their support for the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, a conservation program she passionately championed.
  • March 24, 2026
Longboat volunteer supports conservation through celebration of life

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