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Your Observer

Dennis Bosch said his 1964 356C was the car he wanted when he first started driving in that same year.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 17, 2024
Porsche enthusiasts gather for 20th anniversary of St. Armands show

Porsches in the Park 2024 drew a crowd of car lovers admiring the lineup of new and vintage porsche on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 17, 2024
Airport seeks independent permitting for construction projects

Lying in three jurisdictions, SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo asks the Sarasota legislative delegation to sponsor a bill to help expedite capital improvements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chief of Police George Turner said leading the department to its first accreditation in 2023 was his proudest moment with the department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 16, 2024
Longboat Chief of Police George Turner to leave department in January

Turner's departure was announced to police department personnel on Dec. 12, though specific reasons behind the change remain unclear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The "Lotus" yacht arrives with a "Joy to SRQ" theme.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Holiday spirits shines at Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The event, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, featured vessels decked with holiday lights and decor.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dennis DeWitt, Bob Keagy, Jeff Murphy and Jeff Barlow
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 16, 2024
Bird Key Yacht Club lights their docks at annual event

The Blessing of the Fleet wished members safe travels with a history that dates back to World War II.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kira Kirilina, 10, her sister Mia Kirilina, 5 and brother Robert Kirilina, 8 meet Santa Claus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Holidays at The Bay offers a party where the community is invited

The event featured fun and games, activities by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, a movie screening and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
East County first graders write letters to Santa
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 16, 2024
East County first graders write letters to Santa

With Santa soon on the way, East County children are sending off their letters to the North Pole in the hope that a wish or two is granted.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka’s wildlife respond favorably to the habitat restoration zone, which prevents human disturbances and improves their habitats.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • December 16, 2024
Habitat Restoration zone returns to Myakka

By reducing human disturbances, temporary fencing protects plants and wildlife, while offering visitors superior wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Maggie Yull scored once in regulation and in penalty kicks to help the Thunder capture the 1A District 10 title over Bradenton Christian Jan. 28. Here, she prepares to receive a corner kick against Braden River High on Dec. 5.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 16, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer takes the hard road

The Thunder has scheduled tougher opponents to help prepare for the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
The 5K begins.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Sandy Claws Beach Run brings energy to the holiday spirit

Runners dressed in festive attire for the 48th annual event held on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. contributes $250,000 to the Church of the Redeemer

The gift follows a previous donation of $500,000 earlier this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado hopes to spread passion to local kids

Richard Pierson has seen a shift in the way toys are appreciated.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70

A driver was attempting to pass slower traffic, troopers say.

  • East County
  • News
One of the new solar-powered lights at the Bayfront Park dog park.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 16, 2024
Solar-powered lighting installed at Longboat's Bayfront dog park

Longboat's dog owners can enjoy the Bayfront Park dog park with their pups after the sun sets.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hayley Nau and Kevin Golumbeck have earned promotions at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Sarasota Chamber promotes two staff members

Kevin Golumbeck and Hayley Nau have assumed new leadership roles at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hank Foster, Melinda Foster, Sandra Smith, Bob Rutland, Chad LaTour, Valerie LaTour, Jan Anderson and Bill Hadley
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 15, 2024
Longboat Key celebrates end of fall stress with community concert

The town hosted the first ever "LBK Strong" concert on Dec. 14 in the Town Center Green.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Oscar Mayer 'hotdoggers' Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and tease out some smiles.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 15, 2024
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile serves smiles to Lakewood Ranch

Nostalgia and photo opportunities were aplenty when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Exclusive dinner club hires membership director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2024
Exclusive dinner club hires membership director

Joining 1000 North Sarasota is hospitality veteran Alex Elshimy as the private club works toward late 2025 debut.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch boys varsity wrestling Head Coach Pat Ancil believes that it is critical that his wrestlers engage in activities that push them out of their comfort zones.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High wrestling goes caroling

The boys and girls wrestling teams performed for the residents of Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 14, 2024
Longboat Key town hall to close temporarily for resiliency reinforcements

The building will close over the holidays for construction to start on the hardening project that upgrades the roof, windows and generator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Karen Holbrook will be succeeded by Brett Kemker, vice provost and regional vice chancellor for academic affairs and student success at USF Sarasota-Manatee, in an interim role.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 14, 2024
USF Sarasota-Manatee honors regional chancellor as she prepares to retire

The campus attributes accomplishments to Karen Holbrook including the opening of the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2024
Ranch Nite Wednesday has residents coming back for seconds

The temperature dropped, but the food was still warm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lari Brochin and Pam Crowe
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 13, 2024
Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key celebrates the holidays

From the Grinch to Dolly Parton, the Eighteen Holers and the Key Niners dressed up for their annual holiday lunch and golf tournament.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Soleta Golf Club held a Grand Opening media day event on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to showcase the brand-new par-72 course in Myakka City.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 13, 2024
Soleta Golf Club brings destination golf to Myakka City

The Nick Price-designed golf course officially opened on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
An archway covers 3643 Lakewood Dr. in Colonial Oaks
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 13, 2024
Sarasota neighborhoods light up for the holidays

Neighborhoods in the area are decking homes with holiday displays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Junior forward David Young rises up for a layup during the Sarasota High boys varsity basketball practice on Dec. 3.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 12, 2024
Sarasota High boys varsity basketball seeks consecutive district titles

Third-year Head Coach BJ Ivey has high hopes for his team this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The saturated carpet in the Grand Foyer at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been replaced with polished concrete.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 12, 2024
Purple Ribbon Committee embarks on its last phase in January

Philosophical differences emerge as members tasked to recommend repurposing the Van Wezel begin to share thoughts about its report to the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Retired Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown has waved goodbye to municipal government, but not necessarily to local public policy influence.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 12, 2024
After stepping back, Marlon Brown is looking to keep stepping up

Like many others, Marlon Brown has already found his retirement home in Sarasota. The former city manager is now weighing how to influence public policy from the outside looking in.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 113 condominium at The Terrace, 5400 Ocean Blvd., was built in 1970 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,187 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 12, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 25-29 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Terrace tops the week's sales at $1.48 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The 50th annual Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular begins, with a solo by Walter Godfrey.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 12, 2024
Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular celebrates 50th anniversary

The event featured a nativity scene with live animals, a former Broadway performer and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Albritton Groves Ltd. sold its property off State Road 72 to Sarasota County.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • December 12, 2024
Sarasota County closes $19M deal for former fruit orchards

The county plans to use the property, previously owned by the Albritton family, for soil to cover the nearby landfill.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students from Phillippi Shores Elementary School, including Fifth graders Matthew Vinson and Kadence Butler and fourth grader Genevieve Stickley offer a performance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 11, 2024
Young performers create holiday splendor in Ringling Museum courtyard

Holiday Splendor at The Ringling showcased performances by local schools, while helping draw donations to Toys for Tots.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Winners of each age group (8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years old) received trophies for their performance at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Hoop Shoot at Carlos E. Haile Middle School on Monday, Dec. 9.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Elks Hoop Shoot puts youth basketball in the spotlight

Six Hoop Shoot winners will advance to the district tournament in Sarasota

  • East County
  • Sports
Man breaks TV then calls police on his live-in girlfriend
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 11, 2024
Man breaks TV then calls police on his live-in girlfriend

Upset his partner was cleaning while he watched football, a man shatters his TV and blames her for making him do it. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ian and Amanda Huezo, Jessica Mendez, Executive Director Lynn Rasys and Mendez's friend Erica Molinar attend Farm to Table Tampa Bay in November. The event benefited the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 11, 2024
Florida nonprofit eases the financial stress of cancer

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation covers the cost of living expenses for patients actively undergoing cancer treatment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tammy and Chris Sachs with bells up in front of Publix on Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 11, 2024
Longboat Key Kiwanis Club honors late members while bell ringing

After coming in second last year, the Kiwanis Club is working hard this year to become the fundraising club for the Salvation Army from Tampa to Venice.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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