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News

Retired Air Force Major Lee Waters once used to "babysit" nuclear missiles.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 21, 2019
Bradenton retired Air Force pilot brings military stories to life

Bradenton retired Air Force pilot brings military stories to life

  • East County
  • News
Performers with the Circus Arts Conservatory perform aerial Lyra. File Photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 20, 2019
Sarasota High and Circus Arts Conservatory partner for magnet program

The program allows up to 50 students from around Sarasota County to take classes in the circus arts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
K-9 department dog Ron, and his handler, Jerod Wolfe , prepare to get onto the helicopter for transport during a training exercise Aug. 20.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 20, 2019
Manatee County Sheriff's Office conducts K-9, aviation training in Bradenton

Manatee County Sheriff conducts K-9, aviation training in Bradenton

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 20, 2019
Sarasota law enforcement hands out more than 100 school zone tickets

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Sarasota Police Department gave out a total of 149 citations in the first week back to school.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City staff identified nearly $300 million in utility infrastructure improvements during a recent master planning process.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 19, 2019
Sarasota leaders approve utility rate increases

The Sarasota City Commission authorized a decade of higher water and sewer fees. The board also approved new Rosemary District zoning and the closure of a portion of School Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paul Fern poses for a photo with his K-9, Eros, and Sheriff Tom Knight on his last day of duty in 2018. Photo Courtesy Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 19, 2019
Retired deputy files for Sarasota County Sheriff candidacy

Paul Fern retired from the Sarasota County Sheriff's office in 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Among the facets of local police work on the agenda for the Sarasota PD's Citizens Academy: the marine unit.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2019
Sarasota PD looks for Citizens Academy applicants

Behind the scenes look at police work kicks off in September.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 10 Sarasota County libraries will resume normal business hours on Aug. 24.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • August 19, 2019
Sarasota County libraries will close for training on Friday

The 10 library staffs will undergo a full-day training session.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • August 19, 2019
Longboat Key's Serenissima back on the market after temporary absence

At its current listing price, the mansion would be the largest such sale in the history of Sarasota.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County will make sandbags available at its public works office. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 16, 2019
Heavy rain prompts flood warning in Manatee County

Manatee County officials say drivers should be wary while flooding conditions exist.

  • East County
  • News
The Van Wezel canceled the second-to-last Friday Fest of the year because of the rain.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 16, 2019
Rainy weather causes closures, cancellations in Sarasota

Friday Fest at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is canceled, and Bobby Jones Golf Club is closed for the day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rosemary District residents have pushed for more thoughtful planning after the city authorized the construction of more than 1,500 residential units in the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 15, 2019
Commission to discuss Rosemary District zoning

City staff is optimistic an overlay district can improve the quality of growth in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida Highway Patrol deputies responded to the accident at 6:22 a.m.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 15, 2019
Child struck by driver in eastern Manatee County

Child struck by driver in eastern Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
People evacuated from the building said an alarm went off after a loud lightning strike.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2019
Main Street building evacuated after lightning strike

Lightning struck the Sarasota City Center at 1819 Main St. during an afternoon storm.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The complex will feature a new synthetic turf and regulation track. Photo courtsey
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 15, 2019
Cardinal Mooney undergoes $3 million renovation

The renovation includes a new athletic complex and updated classrooms.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
City of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short shares an update on the Anna Maria Pier to Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams (left) and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton (right) at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting May 6.
  • May 18, 2026
Barrier island mayors meet to discuss pier, parking and phone pings
2
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase
3
Author Susan Hanafee speaks to the evolution of the character Leslie Elliott, who goes on a truth-seeking adventure set in Sarasota in the murder mystery "Scavenger Tides." Bird Key Women's Association members read the book before hearing from the author at their May 13 meeting.
  • May 18, 2026
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group
4
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program
5
Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.
  • May 17, 2026
It's time for tea on Longboat Key

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