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Sarasota

Joel Benham built the Giant Furby Chair.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 26, 2026
Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects

After a career in construction, Joel Benham, known as "GWAK," decided to make a living full-time with his detailed, large-scale re-creations of familiar products.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Noah Kumar spent the 2025 season on the PGA Tour Americas, but is poised to make his Korn Ferry Tour debut April 2 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 26, 2026
Guided by a golf legend, young pro returns home

Noah Kumar, a Cardinal Mooney graduate, has channeled Arnold Palmer en route to the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Unit 201 condominium at 111 Golden Gate Point was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,346 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 26, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 9-13 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Buccaneer Bay home on Captain Kidd Avenue tops the week's sales at $4.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Gary and Keely Siebein of Siebein Acoustic present their sound study proposal to the Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 26, 2026
Firm hired to study the 'soundscape of Sarasota'

Siebein Acoustic of Gainesville has been contracted by the City Commission to map out Sarasota's audible characteristics as they apply to the recently approved noise ordinance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The St. Armands Circle garage didn't collect fees for several months after the 2024 hurricanes.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 26, 2026
City extends paid parking hours and hikes citation fines to cover deficit

The Sarasota City Commission approves extending paid parking to 24/7 and increasing citation fines to make the city's Parking Division solvent and fund future capital needs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • March 26, 2026
Many High Earners Risk Overpaying Taxes Every Year - Are You One of Them?

It’s not just what you earn. It’s what you keep.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • March 26, 2026
Change the Story of Your Smile with Dr. Jill Morris of World Class Dentistry

For many people, an aging smile tells an unwelcome story of worn-down teeth, mismatched crowns from years of piecemeal dentistry, yellowing enamel, and bites that no longer align properly.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
A conceptual rendering of the planned expansion of Plymouth Harbor. The new residential tower is at the right.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 25, 2026
Rezoning clears the way for Plymouth Harbor expansion

Rezoning will permit Plymouth Harbor continuing care retirement community will build 153 new independent living apartments at its campus on Coon Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nick Dazio disposes of a television.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 25, 2026
Shred Stock recycling event collects 5 tons of paper, 3,364 pounds of electronics

This year, the drive-thru shredding event added electronics recycling while continuing to raise awareness of identity theft and fraud.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The view of the field at LECOM Park from the Section 16 grandstand. Opened in 1923, it's the oldest ballpark in the Grapefruit League and second-oldest in the minor leagues.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 25, 2026
MLB spring training under my microscope

Comparing the parking, concessions and more at three local ballparks.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Saks' parent company, Saks Global, filed for bankruptcy in January.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • March 25, 2026
Saks changes its mind: UTC store will remain open

The parent company, going through bankruptcy, says it has renegotiated its lease terms at The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Karie Friling (left) was the City Commission's choice for the next city manager following a two-day interview process with five candidates that included a community roundtable session.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 25, 2026
Employment contract approved for the next Sarasota city manager

The Sarasota City Commission agrees to terms with Karie Friling as the city's next, and first female, city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One martini, one daiquiri and three beers
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2026
One martini, one daiquiri and three beers

A man told an officer he suspected he was drugged after an evening of drinking left him disoriented and blacked out. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location

The original Lakewood Ranch location of the Italian and Seafood restaurant will remain open.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarasota Memorial Hospital is among the 75 best maternity hospitals in America, according to a ranking by Money magazine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 24, 2026
SMH ranks among the best maternity-care hospitals in America

Money magazine has listed Sarasota Memorial Hospital among the top 75 hospitals in America for maternity care.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza owner Kenny Palin takes a pie out of the oven at the Longboat Key branch of Costello’s.
  • May 12, 2026
Owner rebrands Longboat, Gulf Gate pizza joints to Costello's Neighborhood Pizza
2
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill (left) receives the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award from Noel Martinez of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
  • May 12, 2026
Chamber executive wins top statewide professional award
3
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75
  • May 11, 2026
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75
4
Spring break helped bring an year-over-year increase in tourism to Sarasota County in March.
  • May 11, 2026
Tourism sees increase of visitors in March
5
William Gensmer and Zaeta, of The Tilt, perform on stage.
  • May 10, 2026
Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest held at Selby Five Points Park

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