• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Summer Fun Guide
  • 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
  • Summer Fun Guide
  • 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

News

En Pointe is a proposed four-unit building on the interior of Golden Gate Point with four stories above ground-level parking.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
Golden Gate condo plan sparks parking debate

Residents in the downtown-adjacent neighborhood are worried a four-unit residential building will exacerbate existing parking issues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The construction of a sand-retaining groin near Ted Sperling Park is the final step in the city's Lido Key shoreline renourishment project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
Lido Beach projects near completion

The reopening of the Lido Pavilion concession stand and the construction of sand-retaining groins mark some of the final steps in a pair of renovation projects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents on Lido Key and St. Armands Key are worried large vacation rental properties will continue to proliferate in residential areas if the city does not take regulatory action.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
Island residents push for adoption of vacation rental rules

Next week, the city will consider implementing additional regulations for rental homes on Lido and St. Armands keys.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Since November, the City Commission has moved forward with at least three projects that date back to 2017 or 2018, including the redevelopment of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 1, 2021
New commission strikes distinct tone

Although some officials are proud of what the board has accomplished in less than half a year, the commission’s approach has caused some concern, too.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
« 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 »
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
Together, John and Shannon Barton make the "Roaring '20s" at the Great Gatsby-themed annual dinner for members of the Friars Club. Attendees shared their favorite memories from the season and gave out awards at the March 24 celebration at the Harbourside Ballroom.
  • March 27, 2026
Friars golfers throw back to Roaring '20s
2
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
3
Drayton Saunders acceps a Champion For Children award for MSC Foundation and President and CEO of Safe Children Coalition Brena Slater
  • March 27, 2026
Safe Children Coalition names 2026 Champions for Children
4
Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
  • March 27, 2026
Longboat families connect with first responders
5
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition

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 © 2026 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