• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Business

Bia Candle Co. was among the 20 recipients of the Business Assistance Funds Program.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 24, 2023
Grants awarded to minority-owned businesses in Sarasota-Manatee

The Opportunities For All initiative named 20 local companies recipients of its 2023 Business Assistance Funds Program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bill Waddill will leave his position as COO of the Bay Park Conservancy at the end of November.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 21, 2023
Bay Park Conservancy's chief operating officer to step down

Bill Waddill plans a return to development consulting after six years of leading the planning and construction of The Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie’s Deli and Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 18, 2023
Sarasota deli that shuttered two days after its debut reopens

The Original Wolfie’s & Rascal in the Rosemary District, a New York-style and Jewish deli that opened to big fanfare Nov. 2 only to temporarily close two days later, has reopened.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Tania Castroverde Moskalenko has been named CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 17, 2023
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation names new CEO

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko brings more than 20 years of experience in leading capital campaigns and programming.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Affordable housing cannot be produced for over 40% of Sarasota County households, says Gulf Coast Community Foundation Director of Community Investment Jon Thaxton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota's affordable housing crisis dissected at business summit

Most respondents to a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce survey said their ability to do business has been negatively impacted due to a lack of housing for workers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Previously known as Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Buddy's Bagels will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
Brooklyn Bagel & Deli shops in Sarasota reopen as Buddy's Bagels

The two Sarasota locations will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mayor Kyle Battie introduces Greg LeMond.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 8, 2023
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond partners with Sarasota bike shop

Wheel Street USA, which offers custom designs and complimentary coffee, recently opened in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie’s Deli and Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 4, 2023
Sarasota deli closes temporarily two days after opening, citing staffing issues

The Original Wolfie's and Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House, a New York-style and Jewish deli from executive chef Sol Shenker, opened Nov. 2 in the Rosemary District.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mike Granthon and Chris Brown own five restaurants in the heart of Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 3, 2023
Restaurant company continues to make its mark on Siesta Key

Some of Siesta Key’s most popular restaurants are owned by Chris Brown and Mike Granthon, founders of Sarasota’s Above the Bar Hospitality Group.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie's will serve classic New York deli-style sandwiches under the direction of chef Sol Shenker.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 1, 2023
The Original Wolfie's deli opens Nov. 2 in the Rosemary District

The grand opening festivities will feature live entertainment from New York's Dani Luv.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Teri Hansen, president and CEO of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation addresses the Sarasota Chamber membership at its 103rd annual meeting on Oct. 27, 2023.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 1, 2023
Sarasota Chamber packs the house for 103rd annual meeting

About 600 attended the event as the gavel was passed to Teri Hansen of the Barancik Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
AG Lafley helped lead the formation of the Bay Park Conservancy and the opening of the first phase of The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 30, 2023
Founding CEO returns to helm of Bay Park Conservancy

AG Lafley replaces Stephanie Crockatt, who stepped down after five months on the job.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The YMCA brand in Sarasota dates back to 1945.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 30, 2023
Sarasota has a YMCA again, behind nonprofit merger announcement

A no-quit group of volunteers and deep-pocketed donors, paired with some like-minded nonprofit executives, rejoice over the news Sarasota is no longer a city without a Y.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Trader Joe's held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 26, 2023
Trader Joe's opens at University Town Center

The popular grocery store chain held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • Business
REI Co-op announced earlier that year that it planned to open a store in the UTC area.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 24, 2023
Outdoor retailer REI sets mid-November opening at UTC

The Seattle-based outdoor gear and clothing brand's other store on the west coast of Florida is in Tampa.

  • East County
  • Business
Nelle Miller will start as CEO of All Faiths Food Bank in January 2024.
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • October 20, 2023
Sarasota-area food bank chooses prominent community leader as new CEO

All Faiths Food Bank CEO's appointment comes after a national search.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Shoppes at University Town Center in east Manatee county will soon be home to a Trader Joe's.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 20, 2023
Trader Joe's opens Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at UTC

California-based grocer Trader Joe’s is known for its signature food items and loyal following.

  • East County
  • Business
Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Donn Githens (second from left) with the Community Ambassador Awards Luncheon honorees (from left) Rob Kehs, Dora Talamantes, Tom Waters and Bill Isaac
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 18, 2023
Goodwill Manasota revives its Community Ambassador of the Year Awards

The awards recognizing community service were last given in 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Rise Up Cafe is located at 1534 State St.
    By
  • James Peter
  • October 13, 2023
Rebranded cafe opens downtown, rolling out 50 new ice cream recipes

Rise Up Cafe challenges New Yorkers to put the Sarasota eatery’s bagels to the taste test.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 9, 2023
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser

Michael Ayres will lead the effort to raise capital and develop partnerships for the renovation and expansion of Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Chef Sol Shenker will not reveal where the ingredients from Wolfie's mouthwatering sandwiches will come from.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 26, 2023
New York-style deli finds new home in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Sol Shenker is executive chef at The Original Wolfie's, which opens in October in the Rosemary District.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The eFoil is growing in popularity in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 14, 2023
Ready for a real-life 'magic carpet' ride? Hop on an eFoil.

Learning to fly on a surfboard isn't easy, but the "unreal feeling" is worth it, Sarasota eFoil owners say.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carol Hayes cleaning up the inside of Coastal HoBo
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • September 2, 2023
Local businesses encouraged to take damage survey

The survey asks for both physical and economic damages caused by Hurricane Idalia.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Jose Pavet of Cha Cha Coconuts on Aug. 31.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 31, 2023
Businesses on St. Armands Circle clean up after Hurricane Idalia flooding

Shops on the Circle received little water damage from the storm and plan to reopen Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Cafe L'Europe staff in the Late '70s.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 30, 2023
Cafe L'Europe builds on tradition for 50th anniversary

The St. Armands Circle restaurant has served the area for 50 years and trained many local restaurateurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Uzi Baram has been named director of archaeology at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 25, 2023
Selby Gardens names new director of archaeology

Uzi Baram has taught anthropology at New College for 25 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersh, incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 24, 2023
New Sarasota County leaders meet the community

A panel discussion and members mixer was held at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Alexandria Elman Foley has been named CEO of The Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 22, 2023
The Lighthouse names Alexandra Elman Foley as CEO

Previous CEO Lisa Howard will lead the vision-loss education nonprofit's first capital campaign in its history.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Art Uptown Gallery artist Elisabeth Trostli displays digital paintings of powerful women of varying races and ethnicities in 2018.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 18, 2023
Art Uptown Gallery to close after 43 years in Sarasota

Rising rents are forcing galleries out of downtown, but other artist spaces beckon.

  • Arts + Culture
The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Health-conscious cafe Pura Vida coming to UTC in Sarasota

The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jaiden Johnson and Sharon Preston-Folta
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2023
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative adds two new team members

Sharon Preston-Folta and Jaiden Johnson are joining the nonprofit.

  • Arts + Culture
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 6, 2023
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within

Crystal Bailey joined the organization in January as chief administrative officer and general counsel.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant has been honored for its wine program by Wine Spectator magazine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2023
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant honored by Wine Spectator magazine

The restaurant won the 2023 Award of Excellence for its wine selection and service.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jan and Tim Solmon sail onwards.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 2, 2023
Key Sailing wants to change the world one voyage at a time

The Sarasota sailing charter supports local charities while its owners offer a message of hope.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
William Cinéa conducting field work in his native Haiti.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 26, 2023
Haitian botanist named Selby Gardens research associate

The three-year appointment will mutually benefit Selby Gardens' research and Caribbean flora.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The vegan version of the Chicago Hot was ranked among the country's top 10 vegan hotdogs for Summer 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 25, 2023
Vegan hot dog at Sarasota eatery ranked in nation's top 10

The vegan version of Doggystyle's Chicago Hot was ranked by PETA among the top 10 hot dogs in the U.S. for summer 2023.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Sarasota

1
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
2
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
3
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall
4
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author
5
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.
  • December 4, 2025
SPD set to grow its city camera system

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now