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Your Observer

Runners approach Gulfstream Avenue from the John Ringling Bridge during the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 17, 2015
Music Half Marathon hits sour note for some

The inaugural event was a hit with runners, but some city leaders and businesses feel it was off-track.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 17, 2015
Challengers make waves for dredging project

The town faces objections to its plans to dredge Longboat Pass and New Pass from two familiar opponents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sean Thompson and other Longboat Key kids got to ride a Longboat Key Police Department all-terrain vehicle in 1998, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center's summer camp. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Rotary Club seeks kids for new monthly club

If you're a Longboater between the ages of 6 and 12, you're invited to get to know your fellow Longboat Key kids.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Meals on Wheels PLUS CEO Maribeth Phillips hopes the new center will raise awareness about the organization. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
Adult day center opens in East County

Meals on Wheels PLUS hopes the new location also will raise awareness about the nonprofit and its other programs.

  • East County
  • News
The restaurant makes a variety of seasonal soups fresh daily.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 17, 2015
Say 'grilled cheese!'

Tom + Chee, a Cincinnati-based chain, plans to introduce East County to its comfort food.

  • East County
  • News
Fanny, formerly known as Fendi, was the last animal from the Napier raid to find a forever home. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Honor finds home for Napier pets

Fanny, a Siamese cat, was the last Napier's raid animal to find a forever home Jan. 23.

  • East County
  • News
Mike and Makayla Harrison love the history and horsemanship involved in riding the Florida Cracker Trail. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
On the trail

Riders embarked Feb. 14 on a 110-mile cross-state ride on the Florida Cracker Trail.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Winterfest returns for second year encore

Whether you're a Woolf Pack member or WAR fan, this Ranch festival will appeal to your tastes.

  • East County
  • News
Chris Eaton catches a Frisbee. Photos by Jason Clary
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
A league of their own

Abby Toole-Plummer organizes Ultimate Frisbee games that appeal to both seasoned athletes and newcomers.

  • East County
  • Sports
James P. Uihlein's horse, LIttle Goose, receives the Best Playing Pony Award. Courtesy photos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Tito's defeats Southside 17-7 at JDRF Polo Cup

Tito’s defeated Southside 17-7 Sunday in a Presidents Day-themed Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Cup.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Your candidate: Gene Jaleski

Gene Jaleski campaign materials won't be seen this election, but his voice will be heard.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Younger
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Your candidate: Phill Younger

Phill Younger seeks a final term because he believes there's more work to do on the Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Letters to the Editor

We cannot turn the other cheek; Event showcased community spirit; Dispatch is a matter of life and death

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch’s LaDazhia Williams drives to the basket.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 17, 2015
Just the beginning

Lakewood Ranch misses opportunity in final seconds.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
ALBANIAN ENCORE. Marlene and Jim Kitchell pose with their Observer at the Skanderbeg Museum, which overlooks Kruja, Albania. The couple enjoyed the stop as part of a cruise from Monte Carlo, Monaco, to Venice, Italy.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation, then submit it and you could win travel tickets, courtesy of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Marvin Kocian, aka His Royal Highness, presides over a ball Friday night before leading the Historic Krewe of Mid-City during Sunday night's Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Q+A with Marvin Kocian

Marvin Kocian led the Historic Krewe of Mid-City in New Orleans in the Sunday night Mardi Gras parade through the Big Easy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
"I don't think we have a right to rule on anything that happened over 25 years ago." — Board member Jean White
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 17, 2015
ZBA won't review Mar Vista complaints

The board heard from Village resident Gene Jaleski at its Feb. 12 meeting, but it won't hold hearings on his complaints.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Briefs

Whole Foods plans University location; County seeks animal advocates; County resurfaces Ranch roadways

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Letters to the editor: 'Never again' cont'd

We asked two weeks ago on this page: 'Never again?' It was referring to the Holocaust and implied that Islamic terrorists' atrocities resembled those of the Nazis. We said it was time for the U.S. to act forcefully. Our readers responded - forcefully.

  • East County
  • Opinion
East County resident Mary Forristall, president of Forristall Enterprises, says her love of working with people and building relationships will serve her well as the new chairwoman of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
Q+A with Mary Forristall

When the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange recognized members during its 63rd annual installation dinner and awards banquet Feb. 5, it also welcomed East County resident Mary Forristall, of Forristall Enterprises, as the organization's first chairwoman.

  • East County
  • News
TSA members Jimmy Ansley, Michael Kisida, Griffin Hudson, Jason Berger, Devon Summerville and Jordan Brown built playhouses for Foundation for Dreams. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Haile students build playhouses, character

The project isn't just about winning a competition - it's about filling a need for the disabled and raising money for a cause.

  • East County
  • News
Three local farms offer u-pick strawberries while they are in season, now through April. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
The season of sweetness

Strawberry season is ripe in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
WCI Communities’ Key Largo model is in The Links at Rosedale. It boasts 2,389 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a halfbath.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
Builders group parades area homes

It's that time of year again, when hobbyist interior decorators and prospective homebuyers grab their maps and car keys and head out for a drive around town.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Barbara Knowles submitted this sunset photo, taken on Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Weather: Longboat Key

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.*

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This home at 6915 Winners Circle has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,697 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 17, 2015
Country Club Village home sells for $780,000

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Stacy White submitted this misty sunrise photo, taken in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Weather: East County

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.*

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This is a cutline!
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 17, 2015
Planning Commission vacancy draws five candidates

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  • Sarasota
  • News
Tavia and Bill Ames
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Goodwill Manasota Mardi Gras Gala

Goodwill Manasota Mardi Gras Gala

  • Black Tie
Antonia Angora, Mary Kenealy-Barbetta and Francesco Serafino
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness

Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness

  • Black Tie
Cardinal Mooney senior Ryan McMahon looks to pass during the fourth quarter against Calvary Christian.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 16, 2015
Cardinal Mooney survives, moves on to regional final

Ryan McMahon hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining to help propel the Cougars to a 64-61 victory.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Athletes from 35 countries show off their countries' flags.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 16, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Cup No.1 Opening Ceremony

The 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Cup No. 1 launched with a parade of 250 athletes from 35 countries who marched with the flags of their countries hoisted high. A crowd of more than 300 attended the Opening Ceremony held Feb. 17, at the Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Philadelphia Union player Danny Cruz signs an autograph for Tyler Einsmann, 18.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 16, 2015
Major League Soccer visits Lakewood Ranch

Several MLS teams brought players and staff to Lakewood Ranch to meet with fans before kicking off preseason play at IMG Academy.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota County Planning Commission will play a key role in advising the County Commission as staff moves to update the comprehensive plan.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 16, 2015
Planning Commission vacancy draws five candidates

Two former Sarasota County Commission candidates are among the applicants for the advisory board, which will hold an important role as the county aims to revamp its comprehensive plan and the economy rebounds.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The center will cost an estimated $10 million to operate per year for the first five years after it opens. Pending state approval, the center could being operating in May.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 16, 2015
Sarasota Memorial board approves trauma center

The new center must get state approval; Sarasota Memorial Hospital will submit the application in April.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
2
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
3
Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
  • April 4, 2026
Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
4
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
5
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

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