• 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Weizhen Jiang Wolf and Yuhong Wan of Zen Rhythm Dance Group perform a Mongolian Dance at the Lunar New Year Celebration.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 20, 2026
Sister Cities of Sarasota hosts Lunar New Year celebration

With an estimated 400 attendees, the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota hopes to expand the celebration even more next year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County extends its burn ban until further notice to protect residents and animals from wildfires. This photo was taken by the East Manatee Fire Rescue in June 2024 when over 100 acres burned at Lake Manatee State Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 20, 2026
Manatee County extends burn ban as drought worsens

East Manatee Fire Rescue is urging residents to abide by the burn ban to protect their neighbors.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Tina Ciaccio | Michael Saunders & Company
  • February 20, 2026
For Sale: 16111 Daysailor Trail Lakewood Ranch FL

Perfectly proportioned to enjoy the pinnacle of luxury living inside the exclusive gated community of The Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
The bar formerly known as Cock & Bull, Big Top Live and The Parrot Live will retain its "Old Florida charm," new owner Frank Giuffre says.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 20, 2026
Noted Sarasota bar property sells to investor pledging revitalization

The new owner of 975 Cattlemen Road plans to revive the Cock & Bull brand.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joyce Hecklau, who played essential roles in planning Longboat Harbour's change of watch and holiday festivities, earned the title of Woman of the Year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 19, 2026
Longboat Harbour names event planner extraordinaire Woman of the Year

The Longboat Harbour Owners Association, Inc., honored Joyce Hecklau at the annual Men's Club-hosted brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students

The revamped Sarasota County school aims to bring innovative fields of study to students, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Coach Felix Osuna-Cotto oversees a Feb. 17 practice for Cardinal Mooney wrestling. He helped found the program last year, and in Year 2, the Cougars are poised to have multiple state qualifiers.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 19, 2026
Onward and upward for Cardinal Mooney wrestling

With individuals underway, the Cougars will soon conclude their second season of competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Centennial celebrations at Sarasota Opera House is part of Visit Sarasota County's promotional efforts to attract visitors to the county in 2026.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2026
Visitors bureau promotes centennial legacy of Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County will pitch global travel media and encourage locals to take part in centennial celebrations across the city and county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dave Bullock arrived as Sarasota interim city manager in May 2025 with a folder file filled with pressing challenges.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 19, 2026
'The most dangerous man in Sarasota'

Nearing the end of his tenure as interim city manager, Dave Bullock looks back at his achievements, and forward to the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of things that makes Lakewood Ranch unique? The family behind it.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch: How it all began

Although it may seem relatively new, Lakewood Ranch's beginning is rooted in a founding family that came to the area more than 100 years ago.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jessie King, Jadis Hebdon in the chair and Carlos Fuentes
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 19, 2026
MTC barbershop students learn the skills needed to showcase the style

At Manatee Technical College, the next generation of barbers finds skill, confidence and a career with staying power.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Gardner Park offers a mile of trails, sports courts, frisbee golf, pavilions, a kids’ gravity rail and dog parks, all set against peaceful wetland preserves.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • February 19, 2026
A few of our favorite (Lakewood Ranch) things

Here is a short list of cool pleasures, delightful encounters and only-in-the-Ranch moments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rustic yet sophisticated, a Myakka farm provides an enviable lifestyle for a prominent Sarasota couple.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 19, 2026
An organic farm highlights the pleasures of life in the country

Long rooted in the region, Lee and Caroline Wetherington have created their custom, clean-leaving oasis on a 30-acre farm full of animals, organic gardens and wide-open spaces.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home at 216 Tenacity Lane was built in 1980 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,570 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 19, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Sarasota Beach home on Tenacity Lane tops the week's sales at $5.25 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • February 19, 2026
Worried Sick About Your Retirement? You’re Not Alone.

Nearly 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than death.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer defeated East Lake in sudden-death penalty kicks Feb. 17 to win the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer advances to state semifinals

The Mustangs survived two overtime periods and two series of penalty kicks to claim the regional crown.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Lakewood Ranch High School hockey team huddles together at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in December. The team could call Lakewood Ranch home if an ice rink is built at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
First step taken for ice rink to glide into Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus

Manatee County has entered into a public-private development contract with Icemann Development Manatee LLC.

  • East County
  • News
Ability to Include's Grace Murby and Chris Collins are thrilled with a $10,000 grant that was presented to them by Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Executive Director Kate Mulligan to help build a universal soccer pitch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2026
Nonprofit makes its pitch for a new soccer field in Lakewood Ranch

Ability to Include raises funds for a TopSoccer universal soccer field.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of a renovated and expanded former Perkins restaurant into Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy for the homebuilding industry.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 18, 2026
Homebuilder groups team up for apprenticeship school

A collaborative effort is launched to convert a former restaurant space into the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy to address shortage in trades professionals.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The estate at 6610 Gulf of Mexico Drive provides access to Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 18, 2026
Longboat Key estate, designed by prominent architect, listed for $22M

Designed by architect Carl Abbott, the Manatee County property spans nearly 5 acres.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Property owner accuses contractor of stealing equipment
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 18, 2026
Property owner accuses contractor of stealing equipment

The owner of a commercial property says HVAC employees stole equipment while the contractor calls it a repossession. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

The project began in June 2023 and has included increased security, technology and flexibility of space.

  • East County
  • Schools
Artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann recently created the non-profit Flower Tree Foundation to facilitate bringing art installations to public spaces. She stands next to a larger-than-life statue that is part of her daisy series of statues, the first public installation she brought to the New College of Florida.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 18, 2026
Sculptor explores the power of the flower for community unity

Artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann brings her towering flower statues to New College of Florida, Hawaii, Paris and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River girls weightlifting brought home the FHSAA Class 2A state championship in Olympic style Feb. 12 at Lakeland's RP Funding Center. It marks the first in program history.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 18, 2026
Braden River High raises the bar at girls weightlifting state championships

The Pirates captured their first team title behind Payton Mangay-Ayam's twin individual titles.

  • East County
  • Sports
General manager Desmond Hill brings warmth and ease to Lucky Pelican’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 18, 2026
Lucky Pelican's general manager shares how he keeps the restaurant flying high

What makes the Lucky Pelican Bistro so good? No bad days. And the lobster roll, of course.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The home at 144 Harrison Drive sold for $2.15 million. Built in 1933, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,743 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 18, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Tencon Beach condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week’s sales at $3.6 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 18, 2026
The ins and outs of Longboat's proposed canal maintenance program

Longboat Key's canals have not been dredged since 2003. Town leaders say it's past time and have a new proposal for how to pay for the program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
New College was founded in 1960.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 18, 2026
Potential New College takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus looms

A local group is fighting back against the move, with a former USF Sarasota-Manatee top official saying this would sacrifice one public school for another's dreams.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Campers get hands-on training at S&B Metal Products in Bradenton.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit aids students and women in manufacturing careers

The CCAI Finishing Education Foundation offers camp and scholarship opportunities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Police Officer Dallas Troyer will soon perform marine patrols on a Sea-Doo GTX 170, the newest piece of LKPD equipment secured through West Coast Inland Navigation District grant funds.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 18, 2026
Police department utilizes grants to expand equipment and capabilities

West Coast Inland Navigation District grant funds have been acquired and spent by the police department, adding a personal watercraft and emergency response trailer to the department's equipment portfolio.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ashlan Guengerich will return for Sarasota softball this season after helping the Sailors to the FHSAA Class 7A state semifinals as a junior.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 18, 2026
What to know about local prep softball as season begins

The Sarasota area's five teams are back in action this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners wants to reduce the millage again in 2027, but is facing the uncertainty of whether or not the state will eliminate property taxes for homeowners.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 18, 2026
Manatee County seeks public input on 2027 budget

Commissioners want to cut the millage, and the state wants to cut property taxes. So what can residents live without?

  • East County
  • News
Declan Waters (left) of the Sarasota Paradise celebrates a goal against New York City FC II on Feb. 13 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2026
Will local soccer fans embrace Paradise in Lakewood Ranch?

The local team tests the professional level in 2026 at Premier Sports Campus.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Nancy Prendergast walks away from the annual Longboat Library book sale happy with her find of a book by Jenny Lawson.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 17, 2026
Longboat Library books find loving homes

The Longboat Library annual book sale took place Valentine's Day and saw a solid turnout, organizers said.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Investigators in 1999 linked the burned-out van found near the intersection of Myrtle Street and North Orange Avenue in Sarasota to homicide victim Esco Hunter Jr.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 17, 2026
Sarasota man arrested on 1999 cold-case homicide

A burning van was found to belong to a man found dead a day later.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mateau Dalmau, a senior first baseman/pitcher, has been busy on the base paths for Cardinal Mooney baseball. He's headed to Navy in the fall to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Mateu Dalmau

Amid Cardinal Mooney baseball's fiery start, the senior has produced at the plate.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
« 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 »
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

Sponsored Content
1
  • April 2, 2026
Images of Dance
2
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
Sponsored Content
3
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton
Sponsored Content
4
  • April 2, 2026
P7 - Foundations of Royalty
5
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

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.

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