• 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
  • Elections
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • 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
  • Elections
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

LWR Life

General manager Desmond Hill brings warmth and ease to Lucky Pelican’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 18, 2026
Lucky Pelican's general manager shares how he keeps the restaurant flying high

What makes the Lucky Pelican Bistro so good? No bad days. And the lobster roll, of course.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place

An in-demand national senior living developer — it rejects more sites than it buys — is all in on building a large community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast pairs caring adults with kids who need guidance, stability and someone in their corner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights

The Lakewood Ranch Library, a major community success already, is looking to do more by looking up — to another floor.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love

Kelly Gilliland wears many hats, but giving back to those in need is the one that fits her best.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

If you drive in Lakewood Ranch, then you have driven into, and out of, a roundabout. Some like them more than others.

  • East County
  • News
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon

Whether it's contemporary art from America, folk music from the Nordics or greatest hits from the radio, there's something for everyone this season.

  • Arts + Culture
A perfectly seared cowboy ribeye — one of B&B's signature cuts — served with a loaded baked potato and bourbon-lacquered flair.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 21, 2025
The story behind a refined steakhouse experience with hometown heart

B&B Chophouse & Market in Lakewood Ranch delivers classic cuts and modern flair and lets guests take the flavor home.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota arts scene serves up holiday classics, explores the modern 9-to-5
    By
  • Su Byron
  • November 21, 2025
Sarasota arts scene serves up holiday classics, explores the modern 9-to-5

Across the region, creativity is flourishing — from bold new theater and centennial celebrations to music and dance that lift the spirit.

  • Arts + Culture
Vicky Henderson and Tory Delaney at Allswell
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 20, 2025
New Lakewood Ranch restaurants serve up fresh culinary offerings for every taste

With innovation on the menu, these five eateries bring a whole host of dining options to town.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
"Jiggs is a community asset in every sense," Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker says. "We’ve preserved a wonderful river and lake environment for 
this generation and the next."
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • November 20, 2025
Jiggs Landing preserves the best of Old Florida for the next generation

At Jiggs Landing Preserve and Outpost in Manatee County, fishing, food and live music come together on the banks of the Braden River.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bill Schmeising, John Stryhn and Al Knezevich display their radio-controlled Soling 1-Meter yachts at Nathan Benderson Park’s Green Parrot Lake.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 20, 2025
Camaraderie trumps competition for the members of this racing club

Meet the members of the Sarasota Model Yacht Club, who find purpose, rivalry and plenty of laughter steering their "toy boats" across Benderson Park's Green Parrot Lake.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The formal living room boasts a striking painting of a rhino, acquired during a recent safari in South Africa.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • November 20, 2025
Drama and luxury characterize this estate-size home in The Lake Club

This Lake Club home balances timeless design with contemporary comfort — and the distinctive artistry of its owners.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kendra Simpkins has been working in brain-based health with military veterans for nearly a decade.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 19, 2025
Ambitious nonprofit resolves to help more military veterans

With new space at the ready, Kendra Simpkins has big plans for Operation Warrior Resolution — dedicated to providing holistic mental health services for the region's veterans.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Eric Konovalov moved to the Lakewood Ranch area five years ago.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 18, 2025
This Lakewood Rancher has found success. Now he helps others do the same.

Grew up poor in a faltering communist country. Bullied in school. Served in combat zones as a U.S. Marine. Sold copiers. Eric Konovalov has done all that — and a lot more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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
Mia Eylon, right, recently took the helm at the newly renamed St. Armands Jewelers. With input from Diane DelloRusso, manager of Jewelry by Cole, and other experts, the new shop hasn't skipped a beat in serving patrons on Boulevard of the Presidents.
  • August 8, 2026
New jeweler takes the helm on St. Armands Circle
Sponsored Content
2
  • August 7, 2026
Bat Boy: The Musical
3
Country Club's Lilly Chaddha and her daughter, Simi Ranajee, find Shanti Yoga to be a place of peace, relaxation and growth.
  • August 7, 2026
Shanti Yoga sharpens the mind, body and soul
4
Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Board Member Jon Thaxton asked Sarasota County commission candidates about their views Thursday before opening up the floor for a Q&A with members.
  • August 7, 2026
Sarasota County Commission candidates campaign as clock ticks down
5
Sarasota Police Marine Patrol Officer Ron Dixon reaches a hand across the bow of a beached sailboat during a marine rescue at Big Pass between Siesta Key and Lido Key Tuesday, July 28.
  • August 7, 2026
Officers rescue boater from beached sailboat

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.


Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free