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Your Observer

Visioning sessions for the future of St. Armands Circle have been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
The vision for St. Armands Circle? It depends on whom you ask.

Flooding and traffic mitigation are common goals for St. Armands residents and businesses. The outlook on density, height and merchant mix in the commercial district remains divided.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Stewart Cink kneels by the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy. His name will be the 86th engraved into the silver prize of the Senior PGA Championship — the oldest major on the PGA Tour Champions.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 19, 2026
Stewart Cink wins 2026 Senior PGA Championship

The 52-year-old set the competitive course record at The Concession to claim his first senior major title.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Adriana Fil, Mya Fil and Charlotte Miller greet adoptable puppies from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center at Woofstock on Lakewood Main Street.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 19, 2026
First Woofstock event fills Lakewood Main Street with dogs

More than 30 pet-centered vendors, a Puppy Pals Live show, caricatures and more attracted dog lovers to Lakewood Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Hall of Cypress Pillar Healing Arts teaches Liam Lopez, 6.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2026
YMCA Healthy Kids Day gives families ideas for an active summer break

The Sarasota City YMCA was one of the branches to host healthy kids day, which introduces kids to some activities they can enjoy during the summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tara Poulton and Ed Ference are two of the four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in District 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 19, 2026
Manatee commission candidates face off in Lakewood Ranch

District 6 candidates spoke their minds about roundabouts, campaign contributions and more.

  • East County
  • News
Vijay Singh watches his drive on the fifth hole at The Concession Golf Club. The World Golf Hall of Famer and 34-time PGA Tour winner shot 5-under par in the third round of the Senior PGA Championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 18, 2026
Championship Sunday approaches at the Senior PGA Championship

Keith Horne leads the field, but Vijay Singh had a third round to remember.

  • East County
  • Sports
Couch LBK co-founders Noel Ladd — who happened to be celebrating his birthday — and Ken Rushing connect with community members at the entrance to the 20th annual Meet Greet Eat social. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce organized the April 14 networking event at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 18, 2026
Meet Greet Eat welcomes new businesses on Longboat Key

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted its 20th annual event to help residents and local businesses connect.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Senior Alexis Huffstutler says she enjoys helping younger students, like freshman Naya Cordero, to come out of their shells and express themselves through acting.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Braden River High School presents 'Godspell'

With a cast and crew of 22 students, theater and dance director Tabetha Walter directed her first show at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
The School District of Manatee County is working on finding the right wording for Policy 3232, which currently states staff will not be allowed to talk to display anything of a political nature.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 18, 2026
Manatee school board, candidates debate politics, social movements in schools

The School District of Manatee County school board will vote on the exact wording of a policy regarding politics at an upcoming board meeting.

  • East County
  • Schools
Stewart Cink watches his drive off the 10th-hole tee. He sits two strokes behind the leaders entering the third round of the Senior PGA Championship, in pursuit of his first senior major title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 17, 2026
Sun sets on first half of Senior PGA Championship

Scott Hend and Brian Gay are tied at the top, but Stewart Cink isn't far behind.

  • East County
  • Sports
Margarita Lenk, Ari and Stephanie Weiner pick out their slices at the Longboat Harbour annual farewell pizza party on April 16.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 17, 2026
Longboaters bid farewell to seasonal neighbors

Residents greeted the end of season with farewell events across the island, including at Longboat Harbour.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Rosedale Golf Classic for Homes for Our Troops was founded by Kathi Skelton and Deb Kehoe in 2013. Prior to this year's money raised, $1.5 million has been donated to the organization from their efforts.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 17, 2026
Rosedale Golf Classic brings veterans, community members together

Rosedale's Kathi Skelton and Deb Kehoe have been raising money for Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit that builds homes for veterans, since 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The sailboat Hula Girl is seen alongside the Longboat Pass bridge after colliding with the span on Friday, April 17.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Traffic resumes after boat collision with Longboat bridge

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene, along with police and fire-rescue personnel.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The boathouse and events center planned for Nathan Benderson Park is expected to cost between $60 million and $70 million.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2026
Contractor sought for Benderson boathouse project

The request for proposals calls for completion of the $60 million addition in time for the summer 2028 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 17, 2026
New high school in Lakewood Ranch is getting closer to being named

Now referred to as AAA High School, the School District of Manatee County has been gathering feedback on what the school should be named.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bernhard Langer reads the 10th green before attempting a putt. The 47-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions and two-time Masters Tournament champion shot six under par in his opening round.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 16, 2026
Senior PGA Championship tees off at The Concession Golf Club

Bernhard Langer is one of four golfers tied for the lead after the first round.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million

A record 751 nonprofits participated in the biennial event, which attracted 50,000-plus donors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
After 45 years, liver transplant recipient is still grateful for a second chance

Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2026
Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics

The city's police department will do its own run on April 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya at the Lido Beach Pavilion walkover, which will be replaced when 6-foot-high dunes are built in the area.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 16, 2026
Projects will leave Lido Key with a whole new beach

As beach renourishment winds down, the city of Sarasota is gearing up for a project to build 6-foot-plus dunes for much of Lido Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Jon Thaxton speaks to members of the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association as Sarasota Capital Projects Manager Alvimarie Corales and local historian Jeff LaHurd look on.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 16, 2026
Condo group panel decries outcome of Downtown Master Plan

A panel discussion arranged by the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association largely decried development enabled by the 2020 Downtown Master Plan.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Midfielder/attacker Kaitlin Carolan (right) speeds past a Saint Stephen's Episcopal player during the FHSAA Class 1A-District 10 semifinals on April 10. She's one of three sophomores who lead the Cougars in scoring this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 16, 2026
Led by sophomores, Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse hunts history

The Cougars boast their most single-season wins ever as the postseason begins.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Sarasota group stands in front of the Great Wall of China during a 2016 trip to Taiwan and China.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
Friendship Force creates connections between people around the world

The club, part of an organization established in 1977, is focused on cultural exchange through home stays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 749 Freeling Drive was built in 1997 and has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,827 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 16, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 30 to April 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Hansen home on Quail Drive tops the week’s sales at $5.3 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
New College is asking Florida taxpayers to pay more for less
  • By Nancy Parrish
  • April 16, 2026
New College is asking Florida taxpayers to pay more for less

When looking at the numbers, allowing New College to absorb the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus makes zero financial sense.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space

Element will shutter its current location downtown in late April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Schools Superintendent Terry Connor speaks during the State of the Community luncheon in April.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota schools leader outlines issues but also optimism

Superintendent Terry Connor spoke at the State of the Community event by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce on April 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2026
Pills, pistols found in Sarasota stolen car stop

A convicted felon from Louisiana and hitchhiker from Virginia were arrested on charges stemming from a stolen vehicle stop on St. Armands.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and County Commissioners Teresa Mast, Ron Cutsinger, Mark Smith, Joe Neunder and Tom Knight flank Matt Osterhoudt as he cuts the ribbon at the new development services one stop shop.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 15, 2026
New county building consolidates development services staff

The ribbon is cut to open the new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services "one stop shop" in east county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest

The event allowed participants to enjoy demonstrations from the department, with some cuddly animals and activities as well.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Manatee Belle can carry more than 90 passengers.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 15, 2026
Larger, air-conditioned ferry added to Manatee beach fleet

The 92-seat Manatee Belle becomes the third Gulf Islands Ferry vessel operating between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nishesh Basavareddy extends for a backhand return. The 20-year-old American was one of the biggest rising talents who competed at this year's Sarasota Open from April 5-12 at IMG Academy.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Open finally finds the right home

The ATP Challenger Tour event was held at IMG Academy this year after six different stops since its 2008 debut.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sue Ann Miller's story is featured in the Donate Life display at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 15, 2026
Lakewood Ranch volunteer puts her second heart to good use

After receiving a heart transplant, Sue Ann Miller has gone on to volunteer for several nonprofits, including LifeLink of Florida.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County has renegotiated its contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Management to bring back limited bulk trash pickup for one year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 15, 2026
Manatee County launches $3M pilot program for bulk garbage pickup

Regular bulk pickup was eliminated when the "Big Bin Advantage" was introduced in October.

  • East County
  • News
Wailing punk rocker on a trampoline disturbs neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2026
Wailing punk rocker on a trampoline disturbs neighbors

A backyard neighbor takes offense to loud, profane lyrics of a man jumping on his trampoline while singing a 1990s punk band's tunes. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Longboat Key Tennis Center pro Robbie Salum tosses a tennis ball up for warm-ups at a clinic on April 8. He and his fellow pros shared what they find special about the public courts and insight into the career paths that led them there.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 15, 2026
Meet Longboat Key's Tennis Center pros

With one pro finishing his first high season and another tallying 14, the trio of teachers brings interesting experiences to the role.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 »
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Latest News

1
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
5
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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