• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

News

Sarasota Medieval Fair President Jeremy Croteau (center) leads East Manatee Fire Marshal Alex Onishenko (left) and Public Safety Director Jacob Saur (right) on a tour of the Medieval Fair site on Oct. 29.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • November 5, 2021
Manatee County grants temporary permits for the Medieval Fair

The Sarasota Medieval Fair will kick off as planned this weekend after Manatee County granted a temporary use permit for the 47-acre site in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
See the box below for the key to the buildings at the Quay now and in the future. Rendering courtesy GreenPointe Communities
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 5, 2021
Quay development plans come into focus

The owner of the bayfront site is putting together the last pieces of what’s been pitched as a destination district. When will Sarasota residents get to see the final product?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Art and Soul Dance Company will be performing in front of thousands during the Daytona 500 weekend.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2021
Lakewood Ranch dance company super charged to perform during Daytona 500 weekend

Art and Soul Dance Company of Lakewood Ranch receives an invitation to perform during Daytona 500 weekend.

  • East County
  • News
The Meals on Wheels' Plus fundraiser — Empty Bowls — was turned into a drive-thru event today on Lakewood Main Street in Lakewood Ranch while Music on Main was cancelled for Friday night.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2021
Music on Main cancelled in Lakewood Ranch

Tonight's return of Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch washed out by rain.

  • East County
  • News
The Manatee River winds through Rye Preserve in northeastern Manatee County. Last year, Manatee County voters approved a referendum that will raise funds for the county to purchase more environmentally sensitive lands.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • November 5, 2021
Manatee Commissioners discuss how to implement environmental tax

Manatee County to implement the environmental tax referendum approved in 2020.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of the future East Manatee County Library in Lakewood Ranch. On Oct. 26 Manatee County Commissioners signed off on plans for the two-story, 50,000 square-foot facility at the north end of the Premier Sports Campus
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • November 5, 2021
East Manatee library clears final hurdle for construction in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County Commissioners approve project despite escalating cost.

  • East County
  • News
Ashton Elementary students celebrate the day with teacher Shannon Haddad.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 4, 2021
Teacher of the Year finalists surprised at the announcement

Sarasota County's winner will be named Dec. 9 in a ceremony honoring each of the district's 43 nominees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Retired Navy Capt. Leo Hyatt's photo hangs on a wall honoring veterans at Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living. Hyatt served from 1957 to 1986 and spent five years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 4, 2021
Lakewood Ranch veteran recalls imprisonment during Vietnam War

Lakewood Ranch's Leo Hyatt talks about being a Vietnam War POW as we approach Veterans Day.

  • East County
  • News
Michael Halflants said pedestrian upgrades at U.S. 41 and 14th Street has improved the connection between Whitaker Gateway Park and neighborhoods to the east. He hopes his project will enhance that connection. File rendering
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 4, 2021
Developer revives North Trail mixed-use project

At the outset of the development review process, neighboring residents questioned how the proposal would affect parking in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 4, 2021
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FEATURES

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FEATURES

  • Sarasota
  • News
Downtown Improvement District board members were critical of the city's previous efforts to paint mid-block crosswalks, suggesting the artwork was in conflict with the goal of clearly marking the crossing. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 3, 2021
Downtown group pursues mid-block crosswalks

Downtown leaders are eager to add brick crosswalks to the middle of streets in the heart of the city, but the cost of lighting could make the concept challenging to execute.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In 2021, Developer Gary Kompothecras wanted to build a seven-story hotel, above, and a five-level parking garage, below near the south bridge to Siesta Key. Kompothecras is planning on making another attempt to develop land south of the Stickney Point Bridge
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 3, 2021
Second Siesta Key hotel earns county endorsement

Plans for a seven-story, 120-room hotel near the south bridge can proceed — despite continued objections from residents on the Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The same company that runs the Siesta Key Breeze trolley was the lone vendor to respond to the city's search for a transit operator. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 3, 2021
Free trolley aims to attract downtown, island riders

Although some commissioners were concerned about the price, the city is investing millions into a three-year transportation service.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Laura Bryg and Judy Kovaleski-Swartz, who are Waterlefe residents and co-chairs of the raffle committee, say the raffle raises money to donate to the arts programs at Freedom Elementary School and Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 3, 2021
Waterlefe hosts annual art show and sale in east Bradenton

Art show and sale returns to benefit elementary and middle school art programs.

  • East County
  • News
Brista Homes founder and President Mark Ursini plans to build two single-family homes on Buttonwood Drive. Even after Tuesday's referendum approval, his proposal is still subject to further town approval. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • November 2, 2021
Longboat Key voters approve density referendum

The developer still needs further town approval before work can begin building two residential homes on Buttonwood Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
Lakewood Ranch's Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
  • December 24, 2025
After five decades, this Lakewood Ranch Santa continues to spread joy and more
2
  • December 24, 2025
All I want for Christmas for the Lakewood Ranch area …
3
Itzhak Perlman conducts the 2025 Perlman Music Program Suncoast Celebration Concert.
  • December 24, 2025
Perlman Music Program Suncoast moves to central Sarasota
4
Livia Zamperlini-Ramos (left), Anna Chop (center) and Bailey Loring (right) share some joy while singing "Last Christmas."
  • December 24, 2025
Lakewood Ranch wrestlers give back to their community through caroling
5
Howard Tipton, Irwin Pastor and Susan Goldfarb stand beside the newly installed sign for The Education Center on Bay Isles Road. The center starts its winter term of programs Jan. 5.
  • December 24, 2025
Explore French art, cinematic history and more this winter

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now