• 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

Users can book small performances or full orchestra concerts via a smartphone app.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
APRIL FOOLS: No music hall? No problem.

The Sarasota Orchestra is ditching its plans for a new venue in favor of an on-demand model built around outdoor performances.

  • April Fools
Ken Schneier, Sherry Dominick, Penny Gold, Mike Haycock, BJ Bishop and Debra Williams make up the Longboat Key Town Commission.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 31, 2021
Town Commission to consider environmental projects, filling vacancies

April 5 marks the first regular Town Commission meeting for Penny Gold and Debra Williams.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kelli Smith will officially resign on April 30 from her position as the Longboat Key police chief. She has accepted the police chief role at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 31, 2021
Longboat Key Police Chief Kelli Smith resigns

Kelli Smith has accepted the police chief role at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Giving Back 941, Inc. founder Holley Dekmar presents a check for $4,336 to Robin Greenwood, the board president and CEO of Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary in Wimauma. (Courtesy of Holley Dekmar)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 31, 2021
Myakka nonprofit provides a hand up

Giving Back 941, Inc. was started during the COVID-19 pandemic to fundraise for local causes

  • East County
  • News
Pacific Counter co-founders Tanner Loebel, Eric Bialik and Tock Noythanongsay serve poke and sushi in a fast-casual setting.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 31, 2021
EYE ON BUSINESS: Casual sushi comes to Lakewood Ranch

Pacific Counter introduces fast-casual poke and sushi to Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Fishing event held in reel time in Lakewood Ranch

The annual Youth Fishing Tournament attracts 38 participants to Lake Uihlein in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Rob Walden, a data center engineer for the School District of Manatee County, helps Bryanna Bacon, a third grader at Ballard Elementary, sign onto Schoology at Ward Temple AME Church in April 2020. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 31, 2021
Federal money could improve internet access in Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County

Manatee County commissioners want to shore up internet service in areas such as East County

  • East County
  • News
Brett Hutchens, the principal for CASTO, stands at the Center Point project in Lakewood Ranch. In the background is one of the adult oak trees that was saved and moved on the property.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 31, 2021
Lakewood Ranch lands more fine dining at CASTO project including Olivia's

CASTO project on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch adds Owens Fish Camp, Olivia's of Tampa and a third restaurant yet to be named.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Egg hunt makes kids hoppy in Lakewood Ranch

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church members enjoy the Knights of Columbus' annual Easter Egg Hunt.

  • East County
  • News
Suzanne Aguirre, a Lakewood Ranch High senior, conducts diabetic testing on Alexis McClintock, a Braden River High senior. The seniors appreciate getting a head start on their nursing courses through MTC's dual enrollment program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Ahead of the game in Manatee County

MTC dual enrollment programs offer high school students advanced opportunities.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Alana Sherman sings during her Showstoppers performance on "American Idol." Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Competitors of note in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's Alana Sherman and Conyer Walker receive a shot to be an "American Idol."

  • East County
  • News
Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to potentially open Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy in August 2022 if the School Board of Manatee County approves the application.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
New charter school proposed in Lakewood Ranch

If approved, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy could open in August 2022.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City residents Heidi and Wayne Minihkeim stand in front of Myakka City's "triangle," located at the intersection of State Road 70 and County Road 675. They oppose commercial development at the site.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 31, 2021
Myakka 'triangle' rezone proposed again at S.R. 70 and C.R. 675

Will Myakka City triangle be developed for commercial use?

  • East County
  • News
Principal Todd Richardson volunteers to kiss a pig to help the school raise more than $30,000. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Kid at heart in Lakewood Ranch

Gullett Elementary principal hogs the attention while engaging his students and staff.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 30, 2021
Tim Reynolds headlines concert at Nathan Benderson Park

Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band fame comes to Nathan Benderson Park

  • East County
  • News
« 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 »
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

Sponsored Content
1
  • December 23, 2025
Program Four: Notes Unspoken
2
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stars perform in the inaugural Weekend of Soul Dec. 27-28 at WBTT's Donelly Theatre.
  • December 23, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 25-31
3
Yvette Brown poses for a photo on Dec. 11 next to the trophy case by Booker's gym. Through the first six games of the Tornadoes' season, she led in points, rebounds and steals.
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Yvette Brown
4
Myakka City's Diane and Rich Bartoszek display a handmade ceramic nativity scene each year.
  • December 23, 2025
Decorating for Christmas with a personal touch in Lakewood Ranch
5
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025
  • December 23, 2025
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025

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