Sarasota

Carter Weinhofer
January 13, 2025

An old clown and his clever dog steal the show on St. Armands Circle

The afternoon of Dec. 14 was busy on the circle, but a random street performer with a Ringling Bros. history stood out the most.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
January 13, 2025

GCCF accepts annual scholarship program applications

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded more than $11.5 million in scholarships to local students since 1997.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
January 13, 2025

Sarasota County expects $210M in federal storm recovery funding

A new round of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funds will be allocated in accordance Sarasota County's Resilient SRQ program model.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
January 12, 2025

Sarasota Bay Seafood & Music Festival fills ears and stomachs

The event was held in its new location of the Sarasota Fairgrounds for the first time.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 12, 2025

Fresh Fridays block party helps kicks off the new year

“New Year on the Block” ushered in the year 2025 while offering the signature sights and sounds of Fresh Fridays.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
January 12, 2025

Siesta Key road resurfacing project resumes Monday

Suspended in the aftermath of a busy hurricane season, the project to resurface much of the roadway on Siesta Key will resume on Jan. 13.

Siesta Key
News

Andrew Warfield
January 11, 2025

2 luxury condo towers to replace Pier 550 on Golden Gate Point

The Sarasota Planning Board has approved Amara, a two-tower, 54-unit luxury condominium project.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
January 11, 2025

Sarasota County Schools broke record graduation rate in 2023-24

The district had a graduation rate of 92.5% for the 2023-2024 school year, the highest in its recorded history.

Sarasota
Schools

Andrew Warfield
January 10, 2025

Poly sculpture installed at 14th Street roundabout

The long-awaited $208,000 sculpture was placed Wednesday night as part of Sarasota's Art in the Roundabouts program.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
January 10, 2025

Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch doctor charged with soliciting porn from minor

Investigators say the chat took place on the social media platform Reddit.

East County
News

Ian Swaby
January 9, 2025

Scooter of the Beach reflects on over 30 years as a lifeguard

Scot Ruberg, also known as Scooter of the Beach, has become Siesta Key's most celebrated lifeguard.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
January 9, 2025

Barbara Ford-Coates recalls a career of fun in Sarasota tax office

Losing her husband and her first election over a span of two months, long-time Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates looks toward "the next celebration around the corner."