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Trending | Sarasota

Officials pointed to events in other communities, such as Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main block party and concert series, as evidence for the success of First Friday programs. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 22, 2021
City leaders back plans for First Friday events

As a downtown group explores options for pedestrian-only festivities in the heart of the city, commissioners expressed support for the idea at budget workshops.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Midnight Mama performs at a St. Patrick’s Day event outside Gator Club. Some residents have raised concerns about noise from special events, while downtown businesses say tougher noise rules threaten their livelihood. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 22, 2021
Divisions remain over city sound rules

As officials wade through the complexities of noise regulations, a downtown resident is gathering support for the creation of a citizen sound committee, hoping a mix of stakeholders can find common ground.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senior hospital technician Jonathan Hande, barred owl Nova and operations manager Jocelyn Shearer.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 21, 2021
Save Our Seabirds to reopen July 30

The bird hospital and research facility has been closed to the public for 16 months.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 21, 2021
Bobby Jones nature trails reopen

Work completed on demolition of buildings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sharks are congregating in waters with more oxygen for them to breathe.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 21, 2021
Sharks take refuge from red tide in Sarasota Bay, Longboat canals

On Longboat Key, residents can see a few species of sharks looking for easier breathing far from the bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ron and Shannon Ciaravella
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 21, 2021
Ciaravella remembered for generosity and community impact

The aviation-services businessman was 73.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amy Gorman, left, was named director of development and Julie Santiago has been promoted to director of student life.Â
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 21, 2021
Cardinal Mooney adds two new administrators

Amy Gorman was named the Director of Development and Julie Santiago has been promoted to Director of Student Life.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota Crew alumnus Clark Dean (right), here competing at the 2019 World Rowing Championships, will compete in the men's four at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo via USRowing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 21, 2021
A Sarasota swimmer and rower will hit Olympic waters this week

Emma Weyant and Clark Dean will compete for the U.S. in Tokyo

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Gymnast Simone Biles will look to add to her four gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. She's one of columnist Ryan Kohn's athletes to watch. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 21, 2021
Prose and Kohn: A guide to non-local Olympians

Here's what else our columnist is looking forward to watching unfold in Tokyo

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jason and Shelly Crouse
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 20, 2021
Bubble tea shop The Thirsty Snail has burst onto the Longboat Key scene

Bradenton couple Shelly and Jason Crouse own the mid-island tea and coffee shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mayor Hagen Brody helped organize a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in March. A video about the event sparked the mayor’s outburst that led to prolonged conversations about his conduct. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 20, 2021
Commission declines to conduct investigation into mayor

Although officials and residents harbor concerns about Brody’s behavior, a majority of the City Commission saw no benefit in a formal investigation following a March outburst at City Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Two new deputies would be added to patrol Siesta Key under the sheriff's plan.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 20, 2021
Sheriff's office to add 14 new deputy positions

Two of the positions will be allotted for additional patrol of Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Researchers in 2019 estimated the annual cost of untreated mental illness for residents under the age of 24 at $86 million annually.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 19, 2021
Sarasota County tax increase to support mental health district likely

Commissioners set a not-to-exceed millage rate of 3.5561, an increase of 0.0961 mills. A one-tenth mill increase will support the district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 19, 2021
Court proceedings, clerk services slowly returning to normal

After a year of limited office visits and in-person court proceedings, trials and services are resuming largely in-person.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A leading official at Sarasota Memorial Hospital said vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing serious issues related to COVID-19.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 19, 2021
Sarasota Memorial Hospital sees rise in COVID-19 patients

The hospital has 36 patients with COVID-19, including seven in intensive care. Health professionals say serious issues remain limited almost exclusively to unvaccinated individuals.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
LaRon Foye, a senior safety/wide receiver, points to his right ring finger following his game-sealing interception against Jacksonville Bolles.
  • December 17, 2025
Cardinal Mooney football has undergone all-time turnaround
2
Online romance ends in trespassing warning
  • December 17, 2025
Online romance ends in trespassing warning
3
Sixth grader Stella Schechter holds up a finished craft for David Stone.
  • December 16, 2025
Emanu-El students celebrate Hanukkah with Aviva Senior Living residents
4
Bo O'Daniel poses for a photo on Dec. 15 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. The senior had three touchdown catches for the Cougars in the Dec. 10 FHSAA Class 2A state championship.
  • December 16, 2025
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5
Kindergartener Santiago Perez checks out the crochet items.
  • December 16, 2025
Holiday House SRQ now serves a fifth school, but holiday shopping costs rise

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