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Sarasota

Karen Rushing is the Sarasota Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 11, 2026
Sarasota County rushes to get records storage project underway

The county, with approvals from the Sarasota City Commission secured, is embarking on a project to build a new records storage facility for the Clerk of Circuit Court's office.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Official kindergartner Avalyn Chavez, 5, hugs Ruby Chavez at the gate of Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 10. In an interview, Avalyn said she was excited to meet her teacher and wear her new sparkling shoes for the first day of school.
    By
  • Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • August 10, 2026
Families look forward to the future as kids return to school

The Observer checked in at local elementary schools as Sarasota County Schools kicked off a new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
City names new human resources director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2026
City names new human resources director

New Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling continues to build out her team by naming Dominique Anderson director of human resources.

  • Sarasota
  • News
St. Pete aerialist, fire performer and artist Mala Vavourakis prepares to light up the canvas as violinist Candice Anderson performs behind her.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 9, 2026
Art comes to life at fourth anniversary celebration for ArtLab

ArtLab: In Motion celebrated four years of the ArtLab events by Grae Productions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • August 9, 2026
'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, broker says

The restaurant property on Bee Ridge Road is a “unicorn site,” says one of the brokers involved in the sale.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Myracle Green, 13, her brother Prince Bell, 3, mother Chavon Williams and brother King Bell, 8, leave the tables with new backpacks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 8, 2026
Organizations team up to offer kids free backpacks ahead of school year

The first Badges and Backpacks event included free backpacks, lessons in bike safety, and other offerings for kids as they begin the school year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mia Eylon, right, recently took the helm at the newly renamed St. Armands Jewelers. With input from Diane DelloRusso, manager of Jewelry by Cole, and other experts, the new shop hasn't skipped a beat in serving patrons on Boulevard of the Presidents.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 8, 2026
New jeweler takes the helm on St. Armands Circle

Previously known as Jewelry by Cole, the new St. Armands Jewelers is offering a blend of classic and trending styles.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarasota Tiger Bay Club Board Member Jon Thaxton asked Sarasota County commission candidates about their views Thursday before opening up the floor for a Q&A with members.
    By
  • Leah Schwarting
  • August 7, 2026
Sarasota County Commission candidates campaign as clock ticks down

Candidates spoke to the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club with less than two weeks to go before Election Day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Police Marine Patrol Officer Ron Dixon reaches a hand across the bow of a beached sailboat during a marine rescue at Big Pass between Siesta Key and Lido Key Tuesday, July 28.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • August 7, 2026
Officers rescue boater from beached sailboat

A Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office helicopter illuminated the scene at Big Pass as the captain was rescued by a Sarasota Police marine unit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire Department Chief Jason Hackley and one of the agency's three trucks with onboard tanks that hold 400 gallons of firefighting foam.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 7, 2026
SRQ airport gets out ahead of PFAS foam mandate

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Fire Department will fully transition from firefighting foam that includes PFAS by the end of the year, 30 months ahead of Florida's mandate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lt. Clay Huber was cheered by about 100 first responders and hospital personnel on Thursday.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 6, 2026
Hospitalized Sarasota firefighter cheered upon his release from care

The first responder was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Sunday after a medical emergency at the scene of a fire.

  • Sarasota
  • News
There's something rotten in the city of Sarasota
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • August 6, 2026
There's something rotten in the city of Sarasota

An Observer reader says politics in the city of Sarasota has taken on some of the ugly aspects of much larger cities.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 6, 2026
Voter organization to hold election information sessions

The League of Woman Voters of Sarasota County is planning voter information forums in advance of the mid-term and general elections.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota runner Vinny O'Shaughnessy completed his goal of running a marathon in every state. Since then, the runner hasn't slowed down, starting on a new mission to do the same with a half marathon in every state.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 6, 2026
Marathon man accomplishes goal of racing in every state

Lifelong runner Vinny O'Shaughnessy has overcome weather, health challenges and more in his quest to run a marathon in every state, and he's not stopping.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paused 'generational' city projects subject to commission review
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 6, 2026
Paused 'generational' city projects subject to commission review

Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling recommended commitment to six projects be paused until after the November election. The City Commission wants to review them individually.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
A health advisory has been issued for water quality at North Lido Beach.
  • August 13, 2026
Health advisory issued for North Lido Beach water quality
2
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • August 13, 2026
Sarasota officer placed on administrative leave amid criminal investigation
3
Former Booker football players Kevontay Hugan (10) and Le'Darien Smith (33) are pictured during a game in 2025. The Tornadoes will not compete in any varsity football games this fall.
  • August 13, 2026
Booker High cancels 2026 football season
4
A rendering by DSDG Architects of the planned 1776 Ringling Condominium at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and South Osprey Avenue.
  • August 13, 2026
Ringling Boulevard condo developer wins final alley vacation approval
5
Second Heart Homes leads with love first as residents write welcome cards, including words of encouragement, advice and empathy for the new residents moving in.
  • August 13, 2026
Nonprofit that addresses homelessness aims for three new houses every year

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