• 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

A surveillance video at Ulta Beauty on South Tamiami Trail caught Jessica Barker, 31, take boxes of Ulta products into the store’s restroom
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 1, 2014
Woman arrested for June theft

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested Jessica Barker of Lehigh for the alleged theft of more than $300 worth of merchandise from Ulta Beauty on South Tamiami.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Island Chapel’s Thanksgiving Dinner Co-Chairs Bruce and Susan Schaefer
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel 'Thanksgiving Dinner'

Longboat Island Chapel hosts a summer social 'Thanksgiving Dinner' Thursday, July 31, at Longboat Island Chapel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brooke Picazio spends time with Victory.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Rosaire Riding Academy Summer Day Camp

From June 9 through Aug. 8, children ages 6 to 15, enjoy horseback riding at Rosaire Riding Academy's Summer Day Camp.

  • East County
  • News
Joyce Cooper, featured speaker Dr. Larry Thompson, Renee Sheade and Doris Kaplan
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Designing Women Boutique Salon Series Luncheon

Ringling College of Art and Design's President Dr. Larry Thompson spoke at Designing Women Boutique's Summer Salon Series Luncheon Thursday, July 31, at Designing Women Boutique.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Albert Junior Singletary was arrested on Tuesday, the Sarasota Police Department announced.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
Man arrested for aggravated assault of SCAT passenger

A woman reported a man for brandishing a knife at her while on a SCAT bus earlier this month. The Sarasota Police Department has made an arrest in conjunction with the incident.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The meeting was held at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 31, 2014
CDD 6 moves forward with bond refinancing

The refinancing of 2004A bonds will save money for about half of Lakewood Ranch CDD 6 residents.

  • East County
  • News
Shawn Trent stepped down as Lakewood Ranch High's football coach this week after nine years. He'll remain on as the school's athletic director.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 31, 2014
Mustangs coordinator named new head coach

Former Lakewood Ranch High offensive coordinator Mick Koczersut was officially named the Mustangs new head coach July 30.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key police responded to 2,977 calls for service between January and June.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • July 31, 2014
Police calls down 3.3% in first half of 2014

Calls to Longboat Key police were down 3.3% compared to the first six months of 2013.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Traffic flow will be maintained during the entire length of the Broadway road improvement project.
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • July 31, 2014
Broadway resurfacing project begins

The town has contracted with Superior Asphalt to conduct a street resurfacing project on Broadway

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Our View

Dream bigger on bayfront

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Courtesy photo Anne McFall and Barbara LaMotte with their masterpieces.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Painting Power

Painting with a Twist-Sarasota hosted its fifth annual fundraising event for the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Foundation Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Volunteers needed

The Tiny Hands Foundation is looking for volunteers for this weekend's Backpack Brigade event Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Construction began on the John and Mable Ringling Museum Of Art’s new center for Asian art in January, but a major donor is trying to reclaim a $6 million gift due to funding questions.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
Donor sues The Ringling Museum

After donating more than 2,000 pieces of art to The Ringling Museum, Helga Wall-Apelt is fighting to reclaim her collection - and more than $6 million dedicated toward a new gallery.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by Colin Reid Andy Carlson and Chuck Rawls say the street isn’t properly maintained.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
VIDEO: North Palm businesses seek action on flooding

Merchants say that their street, prone to flooding and other issues linked to an adjacent palm grove, is neglected by the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 31, 2014
Hospital CEO blend of finances and family

David Verinder served as interim CEO at Sarasota Memorial Hospital since May. His first day as official CEO was Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
Initial city millage rate stays flat

Despite a $3.6 million general fund deficit, the Sarasota City Commission voted to keep the property tax rate level, opting to explore other avenues for balancing the budget.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
News Briefs

Nine-year-old dies after plane crash; Sarasota man caught with illegal deadly snakes; Bayfront Park playground reopens

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by Jessica Salmond One bioswale, located in front of Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, uncovered owner Jamie Purmort’s irrigation system and ruined the landscaping in front of his business.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 31, 2014
County digs up complaints with ditches

The county dug nine ditches to retain stormwater as part of the Hudson Bayou Improvement project, but it had to refill two of them after they caused problems and failed to drain properly.

  • Sarasota
  • News
File photo Attorney Dan Bailey, along with Sarasota Police Foundation founder Larry Twill, have transferred the organization to new leadership.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
Police foundation announces leadership

Mired in controversy last winter, the Sarasota Police Foundation has gotten off of the ground thanks largely to the help of Larry Twill and Dan Bailey.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by David Conway Army Corps officials explain in detail the findings of their report, which presents models that show the dredging of Big Pass would have negligible effects on Siesta Key.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 31, 2014
Siesta residents skeptical on dredging

Lido Key residents are beginning a public push for a proposed project to renourish the Lido shoreline, while Siesta Key residents want more evidence it won't harm their beaches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Letters to the Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: To send in your Letters to the Editor, email them to Jessica Luck at [email protected]. Letters pertaining to local issues receive priority. Letters may be edited for grammar and space.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Nickolaus Mack submitted this photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach, of a mutlicolored sunset.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Nickolaus Mack submitted this photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach, of a mutlicolored sunset.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
PRESSING EVENT. Matthew Press catches up on his Sarasota Observer news while attending the Young Birders Event at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, N.Y.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harriet Sokmensuer Unit 400A at 420 Golden Gate Point has two bedrooms, two baths, one-half bath and 2,650 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.75 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 31, 2014
Condo in The Grande Riviera sells for $1.75 million

A condominium in The Grande Riviera tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Courtesy Sarasota Crew rower Jacob Franks, 16, will compete in the Junior Men's Quadruple Sculls at the 2014 World Rowing Junior Championships.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 31, 2014
Dream Fulfilled

Sarasota Crew rower Jacob Franks will compete in the 2014 World Rowing Junior Championships Aug. 6 through Aug. 10, in Hamburg, Germany.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo Jay McHargue and M. Stephen Long, of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County Inc. Executive Director Deidre L. Danmeyer and Ed Lucke, of Merrill Lynch/Bank of America
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 31, 2014
Business Observer

Habitat for Humanity receives $18,000 grant ; Children's World hosts 50th anniversary bash; Katie Knight appointed to CareerEdge funders' board

  • Sarasota
  • News
When she's not blocking jammers on the rink, Allicia Gould is refereeing for the junior team. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 31, 2014
YOUR NEIGHBOR | Allicia Gould

Gould is a member of the Sarasota roller derby team the Rolling Renegades.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 31, 2014
Ice Ice Baby

Everybody loves something cold and sweet, especially on a hot summer day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The county only allows for swimming-related activities on its six miles of beaches, but Sarasota County Commission is considering allowing vendors to rent out stand-up paddleboards.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 30, 2014
County asks for input on stand-up paddleboard rental

After receiving a proposal to allow stand-up paddleboard rentals on county beaches, Sarasota County will hold two public hearings on the issue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Members of the Heritage Harbour South CDD and Stoneybrook HOA met July 29 to discuss a landscape agreement.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 30, 2014
Heritage Harbour South CDD and Stoneybrook HOA hash out agreement details

The Heritage Harbour South Community Development District and the Stoneybrook Homeowner's Association met July 29, at the Stoneybrook Golf Club, to discuss a proposed landscape agreement.

  • East County
  • News
Local health officials have warned those with liver diseases to avoid consuming raw shellfish due to recent reports of “flesh-eating” bacteria illnesses in Sarasota County.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 30, 2014
Health officials warn of 'flesh-eating bacteria'

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has issued a warning of the potential for exposure to Vibrio vulnificus in local waters after two cases were reported in the county this month - including one death.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Cafe Venice Restaurant and Wine Bar is located on Venice island and offers a menu of continental cuisine with an emphasis on homemade items.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Cafe Venice

This week we went in the kitchen with chef Scott Raiche, of Cafe Venice, while he prepares chicken scaloppine marengo. Get the recipe and watch an instructional video in this week's "In the Kitchen."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seized a monocled cobra, among seven venomous reptiles, from a Sarasota man last week.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 30, 2014
Sarasota man caught with illegal deadly snakes

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission last week charged 20-year-old Nick Mitchell with unlawful possession of venomous reptiles, including four cobras.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2014
Instructor jazzes up routine

The East County's Sue Encke, a jazzercise instructor, recently attended the annual Jazzercise Live event in Washington, D.C., along with more than 1,500 other customers and instructors from across the world.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2014
Tiny Hands supports students

The Tiny Hands Foundation, with the help of more than 200 volunteers, will fill 1,500 backpacks with school supplies for children in need from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2, at the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1077 1078 1079 1080 1081 1082 1083 1084 1085 1086 »
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
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

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