• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • 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
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

LWR Life

Since starting her position as executive director a year ago, Adrienne Bookhamer has added new fundraising events.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2023
Homebuilders give back through nonprofit program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s Builders Give Back program raises valuable funds and awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2023
Get up close with elephants in one ranch’s conservation mission

Sanctuaries like Myakka Elephant Ranch provide a humane way to mingle with the world’s largest land animals. The experiences are filled with messaging about the plight of the smart, sensitive creatures.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nikki Pelier Simon, John Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez are carrying on the legacy of this popular boutique.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 17, 2023
Scout & Molly’s new owners share their roots in fashion

When Scout & Molly’s former owner died last year, John Simon, Nikki Pelier Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez decided to carry on the legacy of this popular boutique.

  • East County
  • Business
Avian club members are devoted to all feathered creatures
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2023
Avian club members are devoted to all feathered creatures

The Lakewood Ranch Avian Club and Cindy Gordon, its founder and president, come together over their love of birds — no matter where they find them.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Trevor Kelliher no longer feels alone in his struggle with cerebral palsy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 17, 2023
Everyone needs friends. All Friends Network helps ensure everyone has them.

Trevor Kelliher started All Friends Network to connect people with cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Schnitzel, a zebra shark, was brought to Sarasota from an aquarium in Minnesota to be featured at the Science Education Aquarium
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2023
Mote prepares for the animals it will house in its new aquarium

As the infrastructure of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new Science Education Aquarium is being completed, the aquatic creatures who will live there are being prepared to move to their new home.

  • East County
  • Business
Andy Guz leads by shining the light on staff and not on himself.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 19, 2023
As Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expands, it has a pro at the helm

Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, empowers his staff by providing what they need to do their best.

  • East County
  • Business
The home faces a tiny bay in one of the lakes that give The Lake Club its name.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 19, 2023
Graceful estate in The Lake Club embraces the natural world just beyond

The Zabels’ home is a tranquil waterfront retreat in The Lake Club. Even the ceilings of this custom home make a good impression.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Grove bartender Billy Sapadith is a pro at keeping happy hour happy.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • February 18, 2023
Get a great cocktail and a great deal at these area happy hours

Lakewood Ranch is filled with happy hours. Here are seven of the happiest.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Barb’s Korean-inspired bulgogi nachos tempt with won ton chips, bulgogi steak, chopped kimchee, jack cheese, pico de gallo, scallions and gochujang aioli served with guacamole.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 18, 2023
Remy’s on Main owners discuss food, Julia Child and their must-try dish

Their family recipe for success? Serving up all-American comfort food with a Korean flare in a thoroughly modern ambiance.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
In early 2001, Sarasota Audubon began conducting bird surveys at the Celery Fields. To date, 246 species have been recorded.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • February 17, 2023
Need a break? Here are some Lakewood Ranch spots for a quick respite

Hurrying through life is a great way to miss it. Lakewood Ranch is packed with beautiful reasons to slow down.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sandy Humenik understands that enriching experiences in early childhood are vital for a child’s healthy development.
  • By Amy Bentley
  • February 16, 2023
Only took one tour to hook Sandy Humenik on Florida Center for Early Childhood

Sandy Humenik’s life’s journey had a great beginning. She now helps Florida Center for Early Childhood offer the same opportunities to area children and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sue Ann Miller grew up in Philadelphia and recalls her mother taking her and her sister to the historic Chestnut Hill Library.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 16, 2023
Nonprofit races to meet goal to fund collections for new Lakewood Ranch library

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, with Sue Ann Miller at the helm, moves forward in its fundraising efforts to fill the shelves of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
James and Misdee Miller continually try to find upgrades for the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club owners share what makes it so special

The game of polo has evolved over 2,500 years. Thanks to James and Misdee Miller, the sport lives on at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Business
Nate’s Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby with Rory.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2023
Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue puts final touches on expansion

The $12 million project will transform a pet rescue center into a world-class haven for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Business
« 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 »
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
Investigators in 1999 linked the burned-out van found near the intersection of Myrtle Street and North Orange Avenue in Sarasota to homicide victim Esco Hunter Jr.
  • February 17, 2026
Sarasota man arrested on 1999 cold-case homicide
2
Mateau Dalmau, a senior first baseman/pitcher, has been busy on the base paths for Cardinal Mooney baseball. He's headed to Navy in the fall to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
  • February 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Mateu Dalmau
3
Fourth grader A’Nylah Johnson and third grader Dariana Mills head down the slide.
  • February 17, 2026
A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown
4
A rendering of the interior of Payne Park Auditorium with seating in the round.
  • February 17, 2026
Payne Park Auditorium renovations set to begin soon
5
Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield

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