• 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

Your Observer

Brian Lamb, Gris Bettle and Jason Nestlerode make new friends and contacts.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 4, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: LRBA February Networking Social

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance met for drinks and socializing at the February Networking Social, Feb. 4, at the Concession Golf Club. Photos contributed by Dan Sidler, communications and marketing manager for the alliance.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota players pose with the district final trophy after defeating Lakewood Ranch 31-20 Friday night. Photos by Jason Clary
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 4, 2015
Sarasota girls win district title

The Sarasota girls basketball team won its second-straight district title Friday after defeating Lakewood Ranch 31-20 in a tough defensive game.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
Sidelines

Signing day 2015; Baseball coach finalist for award; Sarasota Open tickets on sale; Orioles to host fundraising event

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
Give a little

Sisters Aniston Arias, 10 and Graycen Arias, 12, held a joint birthday party Jan. 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Traffic going onto and off of St. Armands Circle is often backed up for about an hour during peak hours, according to people in the area. (Jessica Salmond)
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2015
Traffic troubles

Traffic continues to frustrate city residents off of the mainland, but St. Armands leaders are working with city and state officials to find potential fixes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paula Griffin, a Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce visitors center volunteer, talks with Marie Spicer, a visitor from Rhode Island, about local accommodations. Photos by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 4, 2015
Season hits early

FY 2014 was a record year for tourism in Sarasota. So far, FY 2015 is on track to be even better.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
What's happening: Week of Feb. 5, 2015

Ringling seeks library donations to complete library funding; Sarasota's nerds get their revenge; SOSS2 prepares for legal action

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 4, 2015
Sarasota runners flock to half marathons

A total of 7,000 runners will participate in the Sarasota Music Half Marathon and the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This abandoned house in Kensington Park was reported to have an overgrowth violation, but only one weed stood taller than the surrounding vegetation. Photos by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 4, 2015
Code enforcement: the good, the bad, the ugly

Based on an increase in call volume, the county's code enforcement department will seek two additional administration positions to help handle violations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In addition to the schedule delays, the Lift Station 87 project has also morphed from an underground structure in Luke Wood Park to an above-ground building.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2015
Work on Lift Station 87 project could continue into 2020

Emails between engineers and city staff highlight more problems for a project plagued by setbacks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lido Key Residents Association President Carl Shoffstall is keeping a close watch on the ongoing post-Tropical Storm Debby shoreline renourishment project. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2015
Q+A with Carl Shoffstall

Although beach renourishment has been the major headline-generator on Lido Key over the past year, life on the island is more than just worrying about the well-being of the shoreline.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Veronica Hernandez and Kenneth Castro have kept in close touch over the past two decades, culminating in Hernandez's swearing-in as an SPD officer last month. Castro was there to pin on her badge. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2015
Perfect pairing

Nearly 20 years ago, a gifted pair of glasses helped change Veronica Hernandez's life, and paired her with a lifelong mentor.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2015
Where should your flowers go?

A downtown group wants resident feedback as it works on installing flower baskets on light poles.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lake Uplands is an natural spring-fed body of water, although it was once mistaken for a stormwater retention pond. Photos by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 4, 2015
Neighborhood Spotlight: The Uplands

Lying near the boarder of Sarasota and Manatee counties, this neighborhood is full of natural charm.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Claudia Daniels submitted this photo of two great blue herons, taken at the Venice Rookery.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2015
Weather: Sarasota

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover, to be announced in October.*

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This home at 4548 Camino Real has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,348 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 4, 2015
Field Estates home sells for $2.1 million

Joan Peterson, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4548 Camino Real to Kenneth and Anne Culotta, of Houston, for $2.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Alan and Sheree Napier could face up to 85 years in prison.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 3, 2015
Alan and Sheree Napier found guilty of animal cruelty, fraud

Feb. 4, a jury found Alan and Sheree Napier guilty of animal cruelty, scheming to defraud and unlawful solicitation charges.

  • East County
  • News
Beth Doyle and Mark Zintel
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 3, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longbeach Village Association meeting

Residents of Longbeach Village gathered for the neighborhood association's monthly meeting on Feb. 4. Guests each brought a dish to share and talked about upcoming events and issues that apply to them.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Janet and Tom Tuscher
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 3, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Christ Church Wednesday night dinner

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian Church, held its monthly Wednesday night dinner on Feb. 4. Guests ate grilled chicken and chocolate cake and were treated to a jazz performance.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lourdes Ramirez filed the civil lawsuit in December.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 3, 2015
Waechter lawsuit ends in dismissal

The Tampa division U.S. District Court of Florida filed an order today granting the motion to dismiss the case by Bob Waechter, former Sarasota GOP Chairman.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Joan Dickson and Claudia Rovens admire a piece of jewelry on sale at the fashion show.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 3, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Thomas More Fashion Show

The ladies of St. Thomas More Catholic Church spent Wednesday afternoon admiring fashion from A'Tu Jewelry & Clothing Outlet for the Women's Club Fashion Show and Luncheon at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
John McDonald, Diana Han, Elizabeth Fox and Josh Newton placed first out of 21 competitors. Courtesy photo by Gary Krueger, Disney.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 3, 2015
Ringling College team places first in Disney competition

Four Ringling College of Art and Design students designed innovative transportation infrastructure to win the 24th Walt Disney Imagineering Imaginations.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The bridge has been reduced to one lane of traffic since inspections began in late January.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 3, 2015
Osprey Bridge to close for inspections

The Osprey Avenue Bridge over Hudson Bayou will be closed on Thursday and Friday for inspections, the second such closure over the past month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Volunteer now

Need something to do now through Feb. 22?

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Inspired film

The short film 'Alike,' created by students in the Inspired Minds program, took top honors at the Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival shorts competition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Science savvy

Eight East County middle school students and one high school student have earned bids to the 60th annual State Science and Engineering Fair to be held March 31 through April 2, in Lakeland.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
All Angels men blunt on pot

Dr. Herbert Kaufman, professor of pharmacology at Louisiana State University, spoke about legalizing medical marijuana Jan. 20, at the All Angles by the Sea Episcopal Church's Sandpiper Men's Group meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Celebrating 60 with Grace

On Jan. 29, Dick and Connie Grace celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Plymouth Harbor CEO Harry Hobson stands in front of the Smith Care Center, which offers skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 3, 2015
Plymouth Harbor plans 70 new units

The Sarasota Bay community seeks a new 150,000-square-foot building by 2017.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ryan Chalmers and Travis Dodson train on the morning of Jan. 29. Photo by Kristen Herhold
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 3, 2015
Paralympian push

Ryan Chalmers and Travis Dodson hope to get on track for future Paralympic Games.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
News Briefs

Half marathon creates temporary lane closures; Meet commission candidates at Observer debate; Voter registration deadline: Feb. 9; Wanted: Code Board member

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Blackberg Ranch/Barefield Farm defeated Tito's 14-9 in the Rolls Royce & Merrill Lynch Cup Sunday, at the Sarasota Polo Club. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Blackberg/Barefield Farm defeats Tito's in Rolls Royce & Merrill Lynch Cup

Blackberg Ranch/Barefield Farm played Tito's in the Rolls Royce & Merrill Lynch Cup Sunday, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2015
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
« 995 996 997 998 999 1000 1001 1002 1003 1004 »
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 News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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