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Sarasota

Among the topics of discussion by the Purple Ribbon Committee is converting the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall into convention and event space.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 25, 2024
Repurposing questions remain as Van Wezel panel takes summer break

When the committee reconvenes, it will have additional data to determine the viability of using the building as convention/events space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Members of Sarasota County's award-winning Fleet Services team at the NAFA 100 Best Fleets in the Americas awards.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 24, 2024
Sarasota fleet services team ranked among the Americas' best

National Association of Fleet Administrators rates Sarasota County's maintenance team 13th among its top 100 Best Public Fleets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 708 condo in the Bayso Sarasota (left) recently sold for $1,435,000. Built in 2023, the condo has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,589 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 23, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for May 6-10 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Oyster Bay Estates home on Camino Real tops the week's sales at $9.3 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Zoning keeps greedy developers in check
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 23, 2024
Zoning keeps greedy developers in check

A reader writes that zoning laws ensure equal property rights for all.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Changes in the Sarasota city noise ordinance will prohibit audible amplified sound from inside motor vehicles from traveling more than 25 feet.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2024
Sarasota tightens restrictions on car music volume

Vehicles' speakers audible from more than 25 feet away would be subject to enforcement under revised ordinance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota's Kristi Dorman, 55, was drafted by the Indy Drivers of the National Pickleball League.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 23, 2024
Sarasota pickleball player drafted by National Pickleball League

Kristi Dorman, 55, plays on professional tour for the Indianapolis Drivers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A conceptional drawing of The Bay shows a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center located on the southwest corner of the what is now the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2024
Sarasota inks arts center design pact with architect Renzo Piano

The design agreement tops out at $36.9 million with "off-ramps" along the way. A design concept is due Nov. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brigade Inspector Dan Kennedy and Brigade Commander Rebecca Morgan
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 23, 2024
Sarasota residents gather descendants of Washington's Army

Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army helps people trace their lineage to the patriots who camped at Valley Forge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's single-family home market has stayed strong despite pressure from increasing mortgage rates.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2024
Economist calls Sarasota County recession resistant

Any near-term economic downtown should have little effect on tax revenues as the County Commission embarks on budget planning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Arrest made in shooting death of former Sarasota High football player
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2024
Arrest made in shooting death of former Sarasota High football player

Darryl Bernard Brookins, 28, was arrested May 22 in connection with the May 18 fatal shooting of Tommie L. Battie IV.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota School Board advances revised public comment policy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2024
Sarasota School Board advances revised public comment policy

The policy, which the board plans to discuss at a future meeting, would move general comments to the end of board meetings.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Kids and some parents take off from the start line of the 1-mile run on June 5, 2018, at Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2024
Kids' summer runs return to Siesta Key, North Brohard beaches

One-mile runs will be held at Siesta and North Brohard beaches.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Suspects questioned after climbing Quay construction fence
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2024
Suspects questioned after climbing Quay construction fence

Two men claimed they got lost after being kicked out of a nearby luxury hotel. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A conceptual rendering of a portion of The Bay with a new performing arts center near the roundabout of 10th Street at U.S. 41. An actual design for the building has not been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 22, 2024
Study: New arts center projected to bring $300M economic impact

The report also forecasts that a Van Wezel replacement would bring $313 million in new local tax revenues over 30 years and $1.7 billion in new construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The price for our liberty
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 22, 2024
The price for our liberty

At 3 p.m. Monday, pay your respects: At least observe a moment of silence or listen to ‘Taps.’

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety
2
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause
3
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
4
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
5
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

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