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Sarasota

Selby Gardens: A vision comes to life; a shinier gem
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2024
Selby Gardens: A vision comes to life; a shinier gem

The opening last week of the first phase of the Gardens’ $92 million master plan was a monumental culmination.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Vaccine deaths higher than COVID deaths, entrepreneur and author say
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2024
Vaccine deaths higher than COVID deaths, entrepreneur and author say

Here are shocking statements of late, from Steve Kirsch and Bret Weinstein, both early dissenters to the COVID vaccines.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Finishing touches are being applied to the pirate ship-themed playground at Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 16, 2024
Bayfront Park playground, splash pad to reopen Feb. 1

The $3.22 million project includes a new pirate-themed playground and splash pad at the Sarasota park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Sarasota chamber CEO to run for hospital board seat
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 16, 2024
Former Sarasota chamber CEO to run for hospital board seat

A well-known advocate for businesses and nonprofits in Sarasota has filed to run for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ozzy Pirner, 2, discovers the wonders of snow in Florida.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 15, 2024
Sarasota sees snow day at First Sarasota Baptist Church

More than 20,000 pounds of fresh "snow" gave local children a chance to build snowmen and toss snowballs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Booker High School cheerleaders bring their enthusiasm to the walk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 15, 2024
Celebrations span Sarasota for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The day’s events included the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast and Community Awards, the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk and Celebration, and MLK Music Fest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Roseate spoonbills feed by wading in shallow water and sweeping their unique bill from side to side. Spoonbills are very sensitive to shifts in water depth.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • January 15, 2024
Myakka bird count shows park's avian habitat importance

A citizen science event tallied 14,386 individual birds on one day in Myakka River State Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
One option for the intersection of Shade Avenue and Novus Street is traffic separators and raised crosswalks.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2024
Resident input sought on Shade Avenue, Novus Street intersection

Sarasota city staff wants the public's thoughts on a complete street project at Shade Avenue and Novus Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Will affordable housing policy encourage 'concrete canyons'?
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 15, 2024
Will affordable housing policy encourage 'concrete canyons'?

Sarasota Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch worries that the city's proposed incentives might bring about unintended consequences.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Among the proposed changes to the city's parking program is metered spaces on Ben Franklin Drive along Lido Beach. Those spaces are currently free of charge.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 13, 2024
Free Lido Beach parking spaces under debate in city proposal

City commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Erik Arroyo defend open access to the beach amid a plan to increase fees and expand paid parking in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Passenger traffic at SRQ increased by 3 million passengers from 2018 to 2023.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 13, 2024
SRQ airport surpasses 4.3 million passengers

Passenger traffic at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is up 215% since 2018 as expansion work continues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges

Charges include probation violations for both subjects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zumba is among the activities offered at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 12, 2024
Free ways to get fit and stay healthy in Sarasota

From beach yoga to high-intensity training at The Bay, the city has something to offer fitness seekers of all stripes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A process rendering of Obsidian.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 11, 2024
Planning Board rejects downtown condo tower, but appeal likely

The Sarasota Planning Board says the 342-foot-tall condo Obsidian lacks sufficient retail frontage. Developers argue no building can be built at 1260 N. Palm Ave. under current city requirements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 11, 2024
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants

An Observer reader attempts to streamline the city's zoning language for bars and restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Liam Schreiner reviews the selection of house-made sweets available at the newly opened Chocolate Emporium on St. Armands Circle. Branching from the original location on Anna Maria Island, the second shop held a soft opening this week.
  • June 30, 2026
Local artisanal chocolate shop brings sweet treats to St. Armands
2
  • June 30, 2026
Voices of America: Who's your American hero, and why?
3
  • June 29, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American invention?
4
Tanjee Lane, Tyler Marion, Ning Tinsley, Jessica Johnston and Nickie Hartsock of SPARCC were an event finalist.
  • June 28, 2026
Sarasota Business Awards honor innovation, entrepreneurship and the American spirit
5
Jetson Grimes
  • June 28, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American tradition?

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