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Your Observer

Out-of-Door Academy junior Kevin Gyurka is a star distance runner on both the track and field and cross country teams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 4, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Kevin Gyurka

The ODA junior runner finished fourth at the Lemon Bay Invitational on Aug. 24.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fannie Bushin with her toy poodle Miles.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 4, 2024
Pet grooming business puts safety, comfortability first for Longboat dogs

Fannie's House Call Pet Grooming owner Fannie Bushin's lifelong love for animals is married with her passion for creativity.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
CEO Lou Barreda gives Susie a drink from the hose when her bath is finished.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 4, 2024
Myakka Elephant Ranch puts guests to work, not elephants

With three elephants retired from the entertainment industry living on the compound, Myakka Elephant Ranch provides engaging experience while promoting elephant conservation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Construction is underway on Lena Road. This photo is taken at the end of the finished road heading from State Road 70.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 4, 2024
Budget approval could delay Manatee County road improvements

Over $221 million worth of road improvements have been added to a deferred project list.

  • East County
  • News
The Venue @ LEC seats up to 480 people.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 4, 2024
Harvest House's reopened events space helps support emergency shelter services

The newly reopened venue will host gatherings that include fundraising events and weddings, while also generating revenue for the nonprofit's emergency services.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jilted paramour can't let go of short-term relationship
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 4, 2024
Jilted paramour can't let go of short-term relationship

Ghosted after a one-night stand, a rejected man stalks a woman throughout an evening of downtown bar hopping. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A rendering shows the terrace, which would be a possible enhancement to the Sarasota County library.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 4, 2024
Town, LBK Foundation hopeful for library fundraising to continue this fall

Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Jim Brown with the foundation said this time of year was not optimal for raising the $3.5 million needed for an enhanced public library.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Unit PH-4 condominium at 4500 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $755,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 4, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Aug. 19-23 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A condominium on Dream Island Place tops the week's sales at $1.17 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
A more than 9,000-square-foot home with frontage on Little Sarasota Bay features Italian-inspired touches.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • September 4, 2024
$28.35M bayfront villa hits market in Sarasota County

A more than 9,000-square-foot home with frontage on Little Sarasota Bay features Italian-inspired touches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Speak now, or forever …
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 4, 2024
Speak now, or forever …

Time is running out for taxpayers to let elected officials know what they think of the way they’re spending your money.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Longboat Resident Cliff Hornsby is in Florida's Funniest Comedian Contest
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 3, 2024
Longboat Resident Cliff Hornsby is in Florida's Funniest Comedian Contest

Comedian Gerry Atric will be performing in the McCurdy's section of Florida's Funniest Comedian Contest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key's new youngest resident born this summer
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 3, 2024
Longboat Key's new youngest resident born this summer

Brynn Rosemary Slansky was born Aug. 1, and the family is looking forward to returning to LBK this fall.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Crime tape surrounds the home at 722 S. Boulevard of the Presidents on Lido Key Sept. 3. Two men were found dead at the home which was operating as an Air B&B, police said.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 3, 2024
Sarasota police investigate deaths on Lido Key

Two adult male victims were found in the 700 block of South Boulevard of the Presidents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jordan Brown hits a tee shot during the San Antonio stop of the 2024 Underrated Tour. Brown would win the event, then win the American Junior Golf Association's Atlanta Classic a week later.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 3, 2024
Lakewood Ranch golfer Jordan Brown turns heads on national tours

Jordan Brown, a junior at IMG Academy, won Underrated Tour and American Junior Golf Association events in August.

  • East County
  • Sports
Riley Aparicio-Jerro and David Stein star in "Seussical," which runs at the Sarasota Players through Sept. 22.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 3, 2024
The Sarasota Players bring the world of Dr. Seuss to life

"Seussical the Musical," running Sept. 12-22, brings together kids and adults to portray multiple creations of Dr. Seuss.

  • Arts + Culture
Al Fischbein, John Caruso, Connie DiMaggio, Susan D'Aloia and Carol Fischbein at Longboat Harbour's Labor Day party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 3, 2024
Longboat Harbour residents celebrate Labor Day

Residents enjoyed American classics while celebrating the holiday with their close friends from the condominium.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The School District of Manatee County is making progress on its new K-8 school being built in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 3, 2024
Manatee schools accepting East County K-8 school name nominations

The new K-8 school is scheduled to open in August 2025.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Shoreview at Waterside home at 7936 Sunset Pines Drive sold for $1.35 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,885 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 3, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Aug. 19-23 in Lakewood Ranch

A Riverdale home on Hawk Island Drive tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Bradenton resident Pat Simmons leaves a comment asking to include all citizens in the Comprehensive Plan.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 3, 2024
Manatee County seeks additional input on Comprehensive Plan

The county held a series of public meetings, but it's not too late for citizens to offer their opinions.

  • East County
  • News
Back: Commissioner Penny Gold, Commissioner Gary Coffin, Commissioner B.J. Bishop, Commissioner Debra Williams, Commissioner Sarah Karon. Front: Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, Mayor Ken Schneier
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 3, 2024
Here’s what to expect this fall from Longboat Key Town Commission

Fall priorities for Longboat Key commissioners include big infrastructure projects and discussing important funding methods.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Aaron Maness joined the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department in August.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 3, 2024
New firefighter joins ranks of Longboat Key Fire Rescue

Aaron Maness spent about four years as a firefighter in Tennessee before relocating to the area with his family.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Police called to investigate suspicious washing machine noise
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 3, 2024
Police called to investigate suspicious washing machine noise

A condominium employee reported hearing a washing machine turn on in a unit that was supposed to be unoccupied. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Cardinal Mooney High sophomore running back Connail Jackson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 3, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Connail Jackson

The Cardinal Mooney High running back had 131 yards and two touchdowns against the Community School of Naples.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 2, 2024
Work underway for new Van Wezel engineering report

Karins Engineering has begun its deep dive into the building as the Purple Ribbon Committee awaits its evaluation for future use.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sergeant Adam Montfort frequently patrols the waters around Longboat Key for the police department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 2, 2024
New boat lift for LBK Police will help with response time, increase patrol hours

The department now has three boat lifts on the island, which will help the officers be more efficient on the water, according to Chief of Police George Turner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr. swears in James Satcher as the new Supervisor of Elections. Satcher is joined by his wife Monica.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 1, 2024
Citizens' petition asks for removal of supervisor of elections

James Satcher fired four SOE employees following the primary and now 2,000 citizens want him fired.

  • East County
  • News
Walking has all kinds of cardiac benefits, and it can make you feel younger.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • September 1, 2024
For good health, the answer is simple: Take a walk

Getting your steps in can help keep you feeling younger and protect against multiple maladies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Ava Crotty of Manatee River Youth Sailing
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 31, 2024
Kids set sail in annual Labor Day Regatta

Sarasota Youth Sailing took the helm from Sarasota Sailing Squadron for the event's 76th year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River senior quarterback Lucas Despot (1) escapes the pocket on a scramble.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
Pirates football lacks firepower in early-season play

Braden River High has scored one offensive touchdown in its first two games of 2024.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo is overseeing the largest expansion in the airport's history.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 31, 2024
Piccolo wins statewide aviation leadership award

The president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has been honored by the Florida Airports Council.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The great blue heron flies out of the crate onto the beach.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 31, 2024
Great blue heron rescued earlier this summer released after rehabilitation

The bird spent a little over a month at Save Our Seabirds, and its rescuer Terri Driver was able to be a part of the full-circle moment.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
High school football roundup.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
High school football roundup: Aug. 30

Six area program took home wins Friday night.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota High freshman quarterback Hudson West throws a pass to junior Scotty Wells.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 31, 2024
Sarasota High football shuts down Braden River High

The Sailors won a 10-6 game in which defenses ruled the day.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota philanthropist Ernie Kretzmer, a generous supporter of the city's artistic institutions, died Aug. 24 at age 99.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 30, 2024
Remembering a scientist who nurtured Sarasota's arts

Ernie Kretzmer died on Aug. 24, four months short of his 100th birthday.

  • Arts + Culture
The previous departure SRKUS (green) with the newly implemented procedure TIDES (orange) from SRQ.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 30, 2024
SRQ flight path over Longboat Key discussed after unexpected change

The Federal Aviation Administration admitted fault in not communicating a flight path change in a recent meeting between local and FAA officials.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Natalya Demina, the co-owner of AAA Pet Resort, takes Charlotte, a 6-month-old corgi, through an agility obstacle that benefits the dog's physical and mental health.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 30, 2024
AAA Pet Resort owner uses circus experience to train dogs

Natalya Demina and her family use similar training for the Pompeyo Family and the Amazing Rescue Dogs for their clients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
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
5
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

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