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Neighbors

An aerial view of John Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1952.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
The Ghost Hotel

John Ringling's Ritz-Carlton hotel stood vacant on the Key for more than 30 years, leading many locals to call it 'the Ghost Hotel.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A historic marker on Broadway commemorates the old town dock that was destroyed in a 1921 hurricane.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Longboat Lore: Marker project made Key history

The installation of seven historic plaques throughout the island was a longtime goal of the Historical Society.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clockwise from bottom: Marty Samowitz celebrates with granddaughter Gia Haynes, daughter and son-in-law Lani and Chad Haynes, granddaughter Kayla Haynes and his wife, Paulette.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Samowitz receives salute at 99th birthday party

Grand Bay resident Marty Samowitz celebrated his 99th birthday with family members and friends Monday, Oct. 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Horner
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • October 30, 2013
The Good News: Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horner

Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horn are volunteers at Historic Spanish Point. Read more about them and watch a video in this week's Good News.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson, took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
It's Read Everywhere

ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson, took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gabby has been a permanent resident of Save Our Seabirds for two-and-a-half years.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Gabby celebrates every day at SOS

The 14-year-old umbrella cockatoo soars in her role of greeting visitors at the bird-rescue facility.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephenson-Moe, right
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Stephenson-Moe brings peace offering to Vatican

The longtime Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel musician will conduct a piece, composed by her husband, the late Daniel Moe, in Vatican City.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stone
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Alan Stone paired swans with Harbourside golf course

The Harbour Links resident who brought original swans George and Gracie to the Key died Friday, Oct. 25. He was 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: Longboat Key

Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: East County

James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Betty Jo Haas, Tom Reese and Fred Haas
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel Oktoberfest

Following the worship service Sunday, Oct. 27, Longboat Island Chapel members gathered in the garden for the Longboat Island Chapel Oktoberfest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Liz Rodon and Mary Lou Johnson
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Centre Shops Fall Festival

Centre Shops merchants host Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Centre Shops of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Angie Reed with her son Dylan
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch YMCA Fall Festival

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA held its annual Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 26.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Meg, Mike and Ethan Traeger
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Boo Run

More than 700 people gathered on Lakewood Ranch Main Street for the 10th annual Boo Run Saturday, Oct. 26.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ryan Lochte hangs out with the Sharks and talks to them about what it takes to be a champion swimmer.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Ryan Lochte visits the Sharks

Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte visited the National Champion Sarasota Sharks swim team Thursday, Oct. 24, at Evelyn Sadlier Jones YMCA Selby Aquatics Center.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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