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Sarasota

The Sarasota group stands in front of the Great Wall of China during a 2016 trip to Taiwan and China.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
Friendship Force creates connections between people around the world

The club, part of an organization established in 1977, is focused on cultural exchange through home stays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 749 Freeling Drive was built in 1997 and has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,827 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 16, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 30 to April 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Hansen home on Quail Drive tops the week’s sales at $5.3 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
New College is asking Florida taxpayers to pay more for less
  • By Nancy Parrish
  • April 16, 2026
New College is asking Florida taxpayers to pay more for less

When looking at the numbers, allowing New College to absorb the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus makes zero financial sense.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space

Element will shutter its current location downtown in late April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Schools Superintendent Terry Connor speaks during the State of the Community luncheon in April.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota schools leader outlines issues but also optimism

Superintendent Terry Connor spoke at the State of the Community event by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce on April 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2026
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop

A convicted felon from Louisiana and hitchhiker from Virginia were arrested on charges stemming from a stolen vehicle stop on St. Armands.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and County Commissioners Teresa Mast, Ron Cutsinger, Mark Smith, Joe Neunder and Tom Knight flank Matt Osterhoudt as he cuts the ribbon at the new development services one stop shop.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
New county building consolidates development services staff

The ribbon is cut to open the new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services "one stop shop" in east county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest

The event allowed participants to enjoy demonstrations from the department, with some cuddly animals and activities as well.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nishesh Basavareddy extends for a backhand return. The 20-year-old American was one of the biggest rising talents who competed at this year's Sarasota Open from April 5-12 at IMG Academy.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Open finally finds the right home

The ATP Challenger Tour event was held at IMG Academy this year after six different stops since its 2008 debut.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Wailing punk rocker on a trampoline disturbs neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2026
Wailing punk rocker on a trampoline disturbs neighbors

A backyard neighbor takes offense to loud, profane lyrics of a man jumping on his trampoline while singing a 1990s punk band's tunes. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
There are many pieces to the healthy brain puzzle, including proper diet, exercise and sleep.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • April 15, 2026
Yes, sleeping, eating right and working out can improve and preserve your memory

Healthy habits, including exercise, a good diet and getting enough sleep, can pay big dividends on improving memory function and preventing memory diseases.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Facilitator David Brain presents findings of the first St. Armands visioning session to the audience.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
St. Armands visioning wraps up, but more work remains

Following two public workshop sessions, Sarasota city staff now has its list of priorities as planning and projects for a more resilient St. Armands Circle continue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Top rankings among the U.S. and the world's best beaches is not new to Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 14, 2026
Siesta Beach ranked No. 1 beach in the US

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings rates Siesta Beach as best in the country ahead of notable destinations in Hawaii, California and Florida.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Chris Schrum was one of seven different Sailors to place first in their respective weight classes for either Traditional or Olympic style at the district meet.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 14, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Chris Schrum

The senior helped Sarasota boys weightlifting to both FHSAA Class 3A-District 12 team titles.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The team aboard the "Triple Threat," captained by John Novak, rounds the first marker of the Bird Key Yacht Club's annual Sarasota Bay Cup regatta on April 11.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 13, 2026
Seasoned sailors take advantage of smooth seas at Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta

Teams raced under sunny skies and light winds as they vied for the top spot in Bird Key Yacht Club's 2026 sailing competition.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Florida Highway Patrol says it clocked this Ford Mustang GT at 142 mph on Interstate 75 late Friday.
  • June 27, 2026
Sarasota driver charged with hitting 142 mph on Interstate 75
2
The lunch and dinner buffet at Der Dutchman is available from 11:45 a.m. to close. The breakfast buffet is offered from 7 to 11:15 a.m.
  • June 27, 2026
Sarasota Amish eatery ranks as No. 2 buffet restaurant in US
3
Steve Kramer plays the cello.
  • June 26, 2026
Music Salon of Sarasota seeks to make music a community experience
4
MJ Price
  • June 26, 2026
Voices of America: How do you reflect your patriotism?
5
1000 Boulevard of the Arts will replace a portion of the former Hyatt Regency hotel and parking structure, which have been demolished.
  • June 25, 2026
A glimpse inside the new planned Hyatt Centric hotel

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