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Sarasota

Drum circle newbie Julia Clark (center) bangs her worries away among the usual cadre of characters.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 2, 2023
The beat goes on at Siesta Key drum circle

Now in its 26th year, the Siesta Key drum circle is as steady and evocative as the tide. And much like the beach’s famous sand, its rhythm is just as healing.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Declare fentanyl a WMD
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 2, 2023
Declare fentanyl a WMD

President Joe Biden’s ineptness at stopping fentanyl from China and Mexico has fueled Florida’s fentanyl death toll — second highest in the U.S. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody makes a case for decisive action.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Eric Garwood started as managing editor of the Longboat Observer and Sarasota Observer in 2017.
  • By Observer staff
  • February 2, 2023
Observer managing editor leaves legacy of laughter, mentoring

After six years at the helm of the Longboat and Sarasota Observers, Garwood is moving on.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Failure to secure the air rights over Quay Commons led to One Park developer Quay 1 and 9 to decline to close on the property resulting in mutual lawsuits with the master developer, Quay Venture.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 2, 2023
Contention remains in the air over One Park plan

As it awaits its scheduled court date, the City Commission lays out the plan for consideration of One Park in The Quay. Final approval rests on either amending or revising the original development agreement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Chateau Sarasota officially opens Feb. 4 in the former Roy's space.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2023
French cuisine to open at former Roy’s in Sarasota

After more than a year of delays, The Chateau Sarasota on Siesta Drive will open Feb. 4.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
B.J. Ivey was presented by Sarasota High with a commemorative basketball and shirt in recognition of his 300th varsity win.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 1, 2023
Sarasota High coach reaches 300-win mark at varsity level

B.J. Ivey has taken his time on the basketball sidelines to heart.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
For years, Blasé Café has been the go-to spot for locals escaping the tourist hustle.
  • By Su Byron
  • February 1, 2023
Where to find the hidden nightlife in Sarasota, Longboat

Night owls rejoice. If the day’s winding down but you’re still going strong, you don’t have to go to bed. Nighttime is still the right time for some of us.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Police called after disturbance over bad haircut
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 1, 2023
Police called after disturbance over bad haircut

A mother causes a disturbance at a barber shop over an alleged bad child's haircut. This and other reports from the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Traffic on and off Longboat Key remains a top concern for residents who filled out the survey.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 31, 2023
FDOT resets schedule for roundabout work, lane closures

Work on U.S. 41 and on Gulfstream Avenue exiting the barrier islands will require overnight and daytime lane closures Sunday through Thursday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city of Sarasota is exploring future uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall once a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center is built.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 31, 2023
Engineering, preservation expertise sought for Van Wezel repurposing

City commissioners held an initial discussion about qualifications for a committee to study the renovation and repurposing of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Koenig revealed his superman shirt under his button-down as he asks Southside Elementary students what their favorite superhero is.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • January 30, 2023
Southside Elementary invites Holocaust survivors to speak

The Sarasota elementary school hosted two guest speakers to share their stories of the Holocaust on Jan. 27.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tzeva features a Mediterranean menu with Israeli influence.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • January 30, 2023
New restaurant concept to open in downtown Sarasota

The new Mediterranean dining spot is set to begin service Feb. 8.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
SPD investigates two Friday night hit-and-run fatalities
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 30, 2023
SPD investigates two Friday night hit-and-run fatalities

Two pedestrians were struck and killed within 20 minutes on Fruitville Road. SPD investigators do not suspect the two incidents are related.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amy Watson serves seafood at the 7th Annual Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • January 30, 2023
Seafood and Music Festival brings flavor to Sarasota

The seventh annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival was held at JD Hamel Park over the weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
St. Armands Circle Association Marketing and Events Director Rachel Burns said she doesn't fault promoters of the Winter Spectacular for trying something different.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 30, 2023
St. Armands Circle Association leader seeks seat on BID

The merchants' organization at St. Armands Circle could be on the hunt for its third executive director in two years if Rachel Burns is appointed to the Business Improvement District.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects
2
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
3
Sue Hobbs holds the iridescent shell of the green turban sea snail to the light.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells
4
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
5
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

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