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Your Observer

Marie Perrotti submitted this photo, taken on Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 28, 2014
Weather: Longboat Key

Marie Perrotti submitted this photo, taken on Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 28, 2014
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Sheri Potter, right, has been troop leader for Troop 254 for six years. She hopes the experience will help instill a sense of community in the girls.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • May 27, 2014
The Good News: Sheri Potter

Using the tradition of folding and retiring the flag, Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast Troop 254 create a sense of community.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jacky and Blake Shenbaum are regulars at Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain at Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 27, 2014
VIDEO: Bayfront Children's Fountain reopens

The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children's Fountain at Bayfront Park reopened Friday, after renovations due to a faulty mechanical part.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Parking Manager Mark Lyons is trying to avoid the missteps of earlier efforts to implement paid parking — including meters that generated complaints before being removed in 2012.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 27, 2014
DID continues paid parking debate

Following a presentation from the city's parking manager, Downtown Improvement District members softened their opposition to the reintroduction of paid parking.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Honorees Chris Davis, Richard Alvarez, John O’Brien and Andy Hooker
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: JFCS "Tribute to Veterans"

Community and organization leaders attended Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast's 'A Tribute to Veterans: Service to Community Awards' Tuesday at Michael's on East. Veterans Richard Alvarez, Christopher Davis, Andy Hooker and John O'Brien were honored at the luncheon for serving their community and country while inspiring patriotism.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Parade marchers prepare to walk Lakewood Ranch Main Street before the Memorial Day Parade Sunday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 27, 2014
VIDEO: Lakewood Ranch celebrates Memorial Day.

Veterans of all stripes, from bikers to bagpipers, marched on Lakewood Ranch Main Street for the 'Tribute to Heroes' Memorial Day Parade Sunday.

  • East County
  • News
The top three finalists for the principal position at Lakewood Ranch High School will introduce themselves to the community tonight, by way of a public forum.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 27, 2014
Lakewood Ranch High School to host a forum for principal candidates

The three finalists competing for the principal position at Lakewood Ranch High School will meet from 6 to 8 p.m., May 27, in the school's auditorium, to field questions from faculty members and students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The fate of a bankrupt estate that will help shape the future of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will be decided today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida, in Tampa, pictured above.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • May 27, 2014
Developers make pitches for Colony estate today

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association still has time to to argue in court today and urge a bankruptcy judge to consider their offer for a bankrupt estate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Authorities allege Curt Lee Rud was driving on a suspended license during a deadly crash Saturday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 27, 2014
Bayfront crash ends with death, arrest

Sarasota Police arrested 29-year-old Curt Lee Rud for allegedly causing an accident while driving the wrong way on Bayfront Drive early Saturday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Turtle Watch is responsible for the Manatee County side of Longboat Key, under a state research permit held by Mote.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 27, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Smile for the Sea Turtles

Volunteers of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch received the proceeds from their recent wine tasting at Harry's Continental Kitchen from Lynn and Harry Christensen on May 27. The event drew over 100 people in an effort to raise money and awareness for sea turtles during their nesting season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kay and Dave Walker with Uschi Cooper and Karen Gallagher
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Memorial Day Poolside Picnic

Members of Bird Key Yacht Club celebrated Memorial Day with a poolside picnic on May 26. The Anna Maria String Band entertained attendees as they enjoyed cocktails and conversation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Linebacker Jacari Dunbar and the Sailors defense wrap up St. Petersburg running back Jaquel Waller short of the goal line.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High Spring Football

The Sarasota High football team fell to visiting St. Petersburg High 44-0 in its spring game May 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nine-year-old Isaiah Cohen races down the field toward the goal for the Monsters U9 team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Laxapalooza Lacrosse Tournament

More than 30 boys and girls competitive travel lacrosse teams, ranging in age from U9 to high school, competed in the Laxapalooza Lacrosse Tournament May 24 and May 25, at the Premier Sports Campus. The Monsters Lacrosse Academy U9 (4-0), U11 (2-1), U13 (3-0) and U15 (5-0) boys teams all won tournament titles.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Declan Arnold, Zachery and Riley Ellis and Delaney Arnold cheer on the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Memorial Day Parade

Sarasota families celebrated Memorial Day with the annual Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26, along Main Street. Veteran organizations, ROTC units and high school marching bands made their way down Main Street in honor of our nation's heroes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Juanita and Bud Deuell show their American pride.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Tribute to Heroes' Memorial Day Parade

Red, white and blue colored the shirts of attendees of the 'Tribute to Heroes' Memorial Day Parade May 25, at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. More than 40 businesses and nonprofit organizations, in addition to students and veterans, converged to drive or walk for the thousands of bystanders who attended the annual patriotic event.

  • East County
  • News
County Commissioner Carolyn Mason with Lee Kiche. Mason proclaimed May 26 to be Memorial Day
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Sarasota National Cemetery held a Memorial Day ceremony Sunday, May 25. Veterans and their families attended the outdoor ceremony that honored those who have fallen. The event was led by Lt. Col. Lee Kichen and included color guard, drum line and performances by the Trinity Christian Fellowship Center Choir. "This is a time to remember," says key note speaker Manatee County Veterans Services Officer Lee Washington, "a time to reflect on the sacrifice."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Longboat Island Chapel choir sings along to “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel Memorial Day Service

The Longboat Island Chapel honored veterans with a Memorial Day service May 25. Members of the church and community were treated to patriotic music, the procession of the colors and a presentation of four memorial wreaths.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rebecca De Oliveira, Monica Doyle and Laura De Oliveira
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: The Resort at Longboat Key Club's Memorial Day Barbecue

The Resort at Longboat Key Club held a Memorial Day barbecue on May 24. The beach event embraced the island atmosphere with a Jimmy Buffet-style musician and margaritas.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Maribel Gomez and Lily Chapell
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Cardinal Mooney Graduation

Cardinal Mooney seniors graduated Friday, May 23, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Friends and family attended the ceremony held in the theatre.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Four candidates are vying to replace Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson this fall.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 23, 2014
Minder enters County Commission race

Local engineer John Minder has filed to run for the District 4 seat on the Sarasota County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 23, 2014
Manatee schools see improvement

FCAT scores released today show learning gains by Manatee County public school students.

  • East County
  • News
Erin French smiles as she dances to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
  • By Ashley Munroe
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Brookside Middle School Flashmob

Brookside Middle School students celebrated the U.S. Constitution by organizing a flashmob Friday, May 23, in Island Park. The students spent a week preparing for the performance and arrived at Marina Jack ready to dance. 'I had so much fun,' says Shyann Smith. 'I love dancing and I was so proud of everyone.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The budget tool is available on the town’s website.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 23, 2014
Town's fiscal transparency tool wins Public Technology Institute award

The new budget tool uses fiscal data that feeds directly from the finance department's database.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Memorial Day parades are being held in downtown Sarasota and on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 23, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Memorial Day Weekend

Remember our nation's heroes with one of the many events taking place in the Sarasota area this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Out-of-Door Academy students Monet Ramsey, Alexandra Kozel, Phineas Scanlan, William Lahners with the interactive piece they built, "Raspberry Pie"
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Art Center Sarasota new exhibits

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, opened a new cycle of exhibitions Thursday, May 23.

  • Arts + Culture
Braden River sophomore Devontae Fields gains positive yardage in the first quarter.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River vs. Cardinal Mooney Spring Football

The Braden River High football team edged past Cardinal Mooney 8-0 in its spring game May 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Several streets will be closed in downtown Sarasota during Monday's Memorial Day parade.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 23, 2014
Closures scheduled for Memorial Day

Government offices will be closed in the city and county in observance of the holiday, and street closures are planned for Monday's parade.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Scholarship recipients Hunter Carpenter, Taylor Melendy and Veronica Gammaro with Earl Young
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Reception

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a reception for its Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Thursday, May 22. The Community Foundation awarded more than $25,000 in support of Sarasota LFBT nonprofit and programs such as the ALSO Youth group.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ian Weintraub, Thomas Rocks, Alexis Threet, Cody Russell and Truett Whitehead
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: SMA Graduation

Sarasota Military Academy students graduated Thursday, May 22, at Robarts Arena. The arena was filled with families, friends and loved ones there to celebrate the seniors accomplishments. Before the ceremony, friends and family members visited the seniors as they prepared to go on stage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Children performed on a variety of instruments.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Art and Music Festival

Bashaw Elementary School students celebrated the Far East May 22, during the school's annual Art and Music Festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 22, 2014
Census: Key population grows by 1.14%

Longboat Key's population increased to 7,082 in July 2013, according to data the U.S. Census Bureau released this week.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Thomas Buchter speaks at a 2013 event celebrating the construction of the Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
Selby Gardens CEO announces retirement

Thomas Buchter, who has served as the president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens since 2009, announced that he plans to retire in October.

  • Sarasota
  • News
District 5 County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh discussed issues on Esplanade residents' minds at a forum May 21.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 22, 2014
Commissioner talks transportation, growth with residents

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh met with Esplanade residents May 21, in the community's clubhouse, to answer questions about transportation and growth in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
The town’s Investment Advisory Committee will also meet at 1 p.m. in the Commission Chambers meeting room to discuss budget issues.
  • By John Morton
  • May 22, 2014
Budget season kicks off today at Town Hall

Commissioners are expected to discuss how to address a more than $600,000 budget deficit at a budget workshop today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Historian Marg Guardi and Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site Executive Director Cynthia Shor, with Natalie Pearson. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
The Good Book

For more than four decades, The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch resident Natalie Pearson has had a piece of history in her home - American poet Walt Whitman's Bible. Pearson and her late husband, Walter Whitman Swertfager, inherited the Bible from Swertfager's mother, who was a descendent of Whitman.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
2
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
3
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
4
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library
5
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
  • December 22, 2025
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

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