• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Gary Newcomer relaxes with his Observer overlooking Cooks Bay in Moorea, French Polynesia.
  • By Nancy Schwartz
  • April 16, 2015
Take the Observer with you on your travels!

Upload your "It's Read Everywhere" photos!

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
Cop Corner: East County 4.16.2015

Cop Corner: East County 4.16.2015

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
Cops Corner: Longboat Key 4.16.2015

Cops Corner: Longboat Key 4.16.2015

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
Cops Corner: Sarasota 4.16.2015

Cops Corner: Sarasota 4.16.2015

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Three weeks ago, Goodwill backed out of a contract to purchase the former gas station property that’s been vacant since 2007.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 16, 2015
Goodwill still searching for Key location

Goodwill Manasota Inc. is considering a Longboat Key drop-off location on Longboat Key and seeks a zoning determination by the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Students will start school eight days earlier than they did last year.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 16, 2015
School district settles on calendar

Under the tentative 2015-2016 Manatee County schools' calendar, students will start classes Aug. 10 and finish May 25.

  • East County
  • News
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to pull sand from a channel in Big Pass to aid Lido Key’s beaches. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Siesta groups voice concern with Army Corps redesign

The Corps states its plan for dredging Big Pass would have ‘no appreciable difference’ on Siesta Key, but Siesta organizations remain unconvinced.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Point of Rocks is known for its coral rock bed and snorkeling opportunities. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Siesta resident says sand loss is a point of concern

Salvatore Russo, a part-time resident who lives near beach access 13 on Siesta Key, is concerned with the rate of erosion at the southernmost spit of sand connected to the public beach.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Olmstead, Sarasota County’s ethics and compliance officer, said one of the most common question county employees ask him is about holiday gift baskets from vendors and customers. County policy says it is permitted to accept them — as long as they ar
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Q+A with Steve Olmstead

Steve Olmstead has worked for Sarasota County for 14 years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations and the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations hosted Monday’s City Commission candidate forum. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 16, 2015
Tensions rise in commission campaign

With less than a month to go before the May 12 City Commission runoff election, the races are getting heated.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents stick a green dot in categories to display their preferences for Sarasota County park uses. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Community interests rally at parks meetings

Sarasota County gathered public input for its master parks plan through three meetings last week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
All along Main Street, signs beckon visitors to businesses. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 16, 2015
City signs: mixed messages

After tightening restrictions on private signage, the city wants to make an exception for commercial signs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sunset-watchers gather on Turtle Beach.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Three projects tax beach renourishment funds

Tourist development taxes help the county pay for projects, but the funds could run short.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by David Conway
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
News briefs

Dairy Queen planned for U.S. 301; Judge slashes Culverhouse award in Benderson lawsuit

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jacob Brodman credits his self-taught tailor skills for his survival at Auschwitz. He upholstered this loveseat in his Sarasota home. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • April 16, 2015
A Survivor’s Story

Jacob Brodman, Holocaust survivor, hasn’t forgotten 70 years later.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 16, 2015
Homeless plan focuses on housing

City Manager Tom Barwin has unveiled a strategy for addressing homelessness — but does he have the backing of key players?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tahiti Park Neighborhood Association President Jennifer Ahearn-Koch is worried about the impact a new Starbucks might have on the residential streets of the neighborhood. She was happy to discover that the developer shares her concerns — and was open to w
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 16, 2015
North Trail Coffee Talks

Tahiti Park residents are concerned about a planned Starbucks along U.S. 41, but they believe their worries won’t go unacknowledged.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In 2005, Isaac Group Holdings released this rendering depicting phase two of its Pineapple Square project. It now wants to sell its land and entitlements for the area to another developer. File rendering
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
Pineapple Square Developer taking bids for sale

Move could jumpstart $200 million downtown retail and condo deal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jade Rhodes leads Auburn with 17 home runs so far this season.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2015
Power hitter

Former Sarasota High infielder Jade Rhodes has helped blast the Auburn University softball team to a No. 3 national ranking.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2015
High 5

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Stanley Pelletz and Family Promise of Sarasota Director Wendy Fitton. Photos courtesy of Family Promise of Sarasota
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • April 16, 2015
One family’s promise

The Pelletz family remains committed to helping Family Promise of Sarasota with its mission of aiding low-income families.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
OUR VIEW | The city with no vision

Blinded by rules and standards, city leaders miss the long-term value of Ringling College.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Richard and Alison Light, and their daughter, Chloe Jane, donated the Little Free Library to their community. Photos by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 16, 2015
Palm Island: the heart of Siesta Key

A neighborhood of 150 homes in the middle of the island boasts friendly neighbors and a rich history.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 7902 Sanderling Road sold for $5.5 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 8,395 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo of Michael Saunders and Co.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 16, 2015
Siesta Properties home sells for $5.5 million

A home in Siesta Properties tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2015
Letters to the editor

Snowbird bullied on the beach

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Co-Chairs Peggy Roberts and Donna Koffman
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • April 15, 2015
Blue Ties & Butterflies

Child Protection Center hosted its 3rd annual Blue Ties & Butterflies event on Wednesday, April 15, at Michael's On East.

  • Black Tie
Paul Tarantino, Lisa Morris, host Howard Rooks and Bunny Skirboll
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • April 15, 2015
Compeer Celebration

Guests attended Compeer Inc.'s Compeer Celebration on Wednesday, April 15, at a private home.

  • Black Tie
City Commission candidate Liz Alpert says the attack ad was evidence her opponent is desperate to make up the gap from March's election.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 15, 2015
Political committee attack targets City Commission candidate

A Tampa-based political action committee sent a mailer to city residents this week attacking the financial history of candidate Liz Alpert.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder with Dr. John Fogarty, dean of FSU College of Medicine and chair of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • April 15, 2015
Sarasota Memorial, FSU announce residency program

The program, if accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, is two years from launch.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Resort at Longboat Key General Manager Jeff Mayers, AAA Field Manager Don Schwartz and Resort at Longboat Key Director of Communications Sandra Rios
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2015
Business briefs

Key Club receives 32nd AAA Four Diamond Award; Bayfront home sells for $3.2 million; Pettingell lists and sells $4.55 million Bird Key home; Coldwell Banker honors top agents

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy of Doctor's Hospital of Sarasota. Michael Schandorf
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • April 15, 2015
Doctors Hospital announces Physician of the Year

Every year the employees of Doctors Hospital of Sarasota nominate a Physician of the Year. The honor for 2015 was given to Dr. Michael Schandorf-Lartey.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sturkey
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 15, 2015
Founding pastor dies after surgery

Dave Sturkey, who led Cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch for 18 years, died April 6, following a heart procedure.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nicholas Gesualdi and Nicholas Nesser go head-to-head in the one-on-one competition during last year’s Pirates Summer Basketball Camp. File photo
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2015
Sidelines

Mustangs hold off Bobcats; Cardinal Mooney wins district crown; Cougars notch district win; Pirates to hold basketball camp; BRSC to hold tournament this weekend

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2015
Pirates hold off Mustangs

The Braden River High softball team beat Lakewood Ranch 6-5 in eight innings of the Class 7A-District 10 semifinals April 14.

  • East County
  • Sports
This home at 14614 Secret Harbor Place has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a pool and 2,878 square feet of living area. It sold for $790,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 15, 2015
Grosvenor Gardens home sells for $1.06 million

A home in Grosvenor Gardens tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
This home at 1400 John Ringling Parkway sold for $2.9 million. Photo by Kristen Herhold
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 15, 2015
John Ringling Parkway home sells for $2.9 million

A home on Lido tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
« 1009 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 »
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
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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 © 2026 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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free