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News

Midnight Pass on Oct. 17, 2024, looking from Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes Helene and Milton opened up the Pass after it was closed in 1983.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 4, 2025
Midnight Pass effects now visible in Little Sarasota Bay

After three months since Hurricane Milton reopened it, experts say signs point to the pass staying open for now.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The roundabout at Ringling Blvd. and Pine Place opened on evening of Jan. 31, 2025.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2025
Ringling Boulevard roundabout opens ahead of projected completion date

While the streets are open, some work continues on the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure could deploy a sprayer from a vessel to spray the red tide fighting chemicals on the ocean surface.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 3, 2025
Mote unveils new technology designed to combat red tide blooms

The new methods and deployment strategies required years of research and collaboration from Mote and its partners, marking a milestone in red tide mitigation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. and Embracing Our Differences President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2025
Culverhouses give $100,000 to Embracing Our Differences

The gift from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse makes up for a gap in funding as the annual exhibit lost funding from Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County commissioners and staff members celebrate the groundbreaking for the Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 1, 2025
Athletics, aquatics center breaks ground at Premier Sports Campus North

The center will feature a 50-meter pool and 24 pickleball courts.

  • East County
  • News
A first responder from the Sarasota County Fire Department calls for the evacuation of a "shooting victim" during an active shooter training exercise Jan 30.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 1, 2025
Active shooter training keeps Sarasota's first responders ready

Twice-yearly exercises smooth coordination between fire and law enforcement personnel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County issues rabies advisory after raccoon tests positive
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 31, 2025
Sarasota County issues rabies advisory after raccoon tests positive

Rabies was found in a raccoon in the Bee Ridge area just outside the Sarasota city limit. The Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County is monitoring.

  • Sarasota
  • News
When temperatures drop to the low 50s or 40s, sea turtles can become cold-stunned and need rehabilitation at a facility like Mote.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 31, 2025
Cold-stunned turtles receive specialized care at Mote Marine

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s recently reopened rehabilitation facility took in the cold-stunned juvenile turtles for care from the east coast of Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioners Tal Siddique, George Kruse and Dr. Bob McCann listen to a caller during the Jan. 28 commission meeting.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 30, 2025
Discussions continue around possible east Manatee County building moratorium

Developments east of county utilities, fluoride in the water and speeding tickets are all on track to be limited.

  • East County
  • News
A view of the courtyard area of the Colson Hotel from the adjacent property where developer JDMax plans to build an infill residential development.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 30, 2025
Colson Hotel purchase ensures preservation of Black history landmark

A coalition acquired the century-old former hotel for Black residents in the Rosemary District from a developer with plans sell it for adaptive reuse.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gulf Drive is indistinguishable from the beach on Anna Maria Island following Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 30, 2025
Manatee County to receive over $252 million for disaster recovery

Residents will have 30 days to weigh in on the project plans.

  • East County
  • News
Meals on Wheels Plus-Manatee's Maribeth Phillips and Daybreak Adult Day Center's Stefanie Guido hope the community continues to support the programs in 2025.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 29, 2025
Challenges remain imposing for Meals on Wheels Plus-Manatee

COVID, inflation and hurricanes leave more residents than ever in need of food and support.

  • East County
  • News
A freestanding emergency room is now open at 7250 University Parkway.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 29, 2025
Lakewood Ranch-area medical services expand with population

Hospital and safety officials say more facilities can mean better outcomes for the patients due to proximity.

  • East County
  • News
The town's wastewater system relies on lift stations and the control panels attached to each one.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 29, 2025
Town aims to upgrade resiliency of lift stations on island

The lift stations, which control water and wastewater flow on the island, needed to be replaced after the latest hurricanes, costing the town about $800,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Just off the Legacy Trail north of Bahia Vista Street, the entire neighborhood was flooded from rain from Hurricane Debby.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 29, 2025
Breach may be main culprit of Hurricane Debby flooding in Sarasota

A breach discovered east of Interstate 75 combined with more than a foot of rain to brought catastrophic flooding to miles along Phillippi Creek during Debby.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
2
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park
3
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs
4
Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
  • March 21, 2026
Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers
5
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

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