• 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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

Mayor Jim Brown and Vice Mayor Jack Duncan were nominated to serve new one year mayoral and vice mayoral terms Monday night.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 31, 2014
Brown takes mayor's chair for fourth straight year

Commissioner Jack Duncan received more votes than Commissioner Pat Zunz for the vice mayor chair.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manfred Welfonder said his top priority the past seven years has been focused on rebuilding the dilapidated Colony property.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 31, 2014
Colony Association, MW Group close to agreement

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder's company is expected to be named the property's developer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 31, 2014
Harmer reorganizes county government

The move is intended to increase efficiency without compromising the county's level of service.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo: Currently, the only Artspace development in Florida is the Sailboat Bend lofts in Fort Lauderdale.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 31, 2014
Consultants to look at artists' housing

Beginning next Tuesday, Artspace Projects will conduct a study evaluating the potential for new artists' live/work housing developments within the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ringling College and SMOA plan to transform the building into a 60,000 square foot exhibition space with educational space.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 31, 2014
Sarasota Museum of Art receives $1 million challenge

The $1 million donation was offered on the condition that SMOA could secure the balance of $1.45 million by the end of its campaign, the $1 Million Challenge, Saturday May 31.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
John Haywood and Laure Baldwin
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Women's Exchange 'Mad Hatter' Luncheon

Volunteers of the Women's Exchange went mad at the 'Mad Hatter' Volunteer Luncheon Monday, March 31. The annual event,which celebrates the nonprofits volunteers was held at Michael's On East. The luncheon's theme was the Mad Hatter's tea party from Charles Lutwidge Dodgson's 1865 novel 'Alice in Wonderland.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Windward Bay is located at 4888 Gulf of Mexico Drive. (Robin Hartill)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • March 31, 2014
Windward Bay maintenance supervisor arrested for jewelry theft

Police believe longtime condo employee Michael Artman is responsible for a periodic string of burglaries, including the theft of an $85,000 ring.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dale Hooey, Cami Wyatt and Michelle Grantham
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: All Angels by the Sea Cabaret

On March 30, vocal artists Cami Wyatt and Michelle Gratham entertained the crowd with an evening of showtunes at the All Angels by the Sea Cabaret.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Friends Janet Davis and Lois Kummery learn a latin dance as part of the day’s festivities
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Selah Freedom Fundraiser

Lakewood Ranch residents gathered March 30 at Sashay to learn about Selah Freedom.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch-based group, the Village Idiots, starts the 62-mile ride.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tour de Cure

The American Diabetes Association hosted the Tour de Cure today on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
Krystal and Autumn DellaRocco
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Nokomis Beach BBQ

Families flocked to Nokomis Beach Sunday, March 30, for the fifth annual Nokomis Beach BBQ. The event included music and a lunch of burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and cold drinks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Firefly Gala was held at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 29, 2014
Firefly Gala featuring the Go-Go's

Firefly Gala featuring the Go-Go's

  • Black Tie
Marcy and Pete Abbott with Marie Bowman
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiwanis Club BBQ

Members of the Downtown Sarasota Kiwanis Club enjoyed their afternoon at the Kiwanis Club's BBQ Saturday, March 29. The barbecue was held in Pioneer Park and included a silent auction, raffle and hot food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Emily and Donna Arakel with Ace
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-a-Thon

Families and their furry loved ones walked in the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-a-Thon Saturday, March 29. Participants walked a 3k course around downtown's Payne Park to benefit the nonprofit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jeff Cook & The AGB performs.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Winterfest

Despite daylong ran that cleared by night, Winterfest, a new music festival, rocked Lakewood Ranch Saturday, March 29. The event was held at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Valerie Franks and Sam Wright of the Manatee Surgical Alliance
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Health & Wellness Expo

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosted its annual Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, March 29, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. More than 50 exhibitors in the health and wellness field shared information and services to people of all ages.

  • East County
  • News
Former CBS news anchor and Sarasota native Sharyl Attkisson with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 29, 2014
Bloomberg speaks in Sarasota, says he won't run for president

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke Friday at a lecture, moderated by former CBS anchor Sharyl Attkisson and organized by the Ringling College Library Association.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Eduardo Anaya and Lauren Davis
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 28, 2014
Iconcept 6

Iconcept 6

  • Black Tie
Stuart Bollefer and Diane Karnay
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 28, 2014
Wine Walk to Ca d'Zan

Wine Walk to Ca d'Zan

  • Black Tie
Danielle Anziano and Carol Anziano
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 28, 2014
Oz + You

Oz + You

  • Black Tie
Sharyl Attkisson and Michael Bloomberg
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Michael Bloomberg Lecture

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke at "An Evening with Michael Bloomberg" Friday, March 28. Bloomberg spoke with journalist Sharyl Attkisson at the Sarasota Opera House. The lecture was made possible by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Ringling College Library Association.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Commission is expected to review the long-discussed Fruitville Initiative plan in September.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 28, 2014
County outlines Fruitville Initiative

Sarasota County provided the public an update on its Fruitville Initiative project at a workshop Thursday night.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jessica Bringas, Chrstina Lemus and Lindsey Wanting
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Power Hour Live

Members of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce met for Power Hour Live Friday, March 28. The meeting was held at Mattison's 41 and invited attendees to network with one another.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Deputy Brian Biegel and K9 Ryker attended 80 hours of training, which included searching dozens of vehicles, thousands of parcels and conducted more than a dozen building and area searches.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 28, 2014
K9 team certified in explosives detection

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office recently added the only certified bomb detection team in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands counties, and the first at this agency since 2004.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Madeline Naylor, Bianca Guidotti and Sarah Karp dance to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Back to the '80s'

Performances of 'Back to the '80s..The Totally Awesome Musical' run at 7 p.m. tonight through March 29 at The Out-of-Door Academy.

  • East County
  • News
The fun begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 28, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: All Angels by the Sea Cabaret

Vocal artists Cami Wyatt and Michelle Gratham will dazzle the audience with an evening of showtunes at the All Angels by the Sea Cabaret. A special surprise guest will also take the stage, so be sure not to miss this musical mystery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • March 28, 2014
'Lois Lane' among first of Cat Depot's cats adopted out

After the introduction of 33 adoptable cats at Cat Depot's Caturday Night Fever Gala March 15, seized felines from Napiers Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary begin to find new homes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Fritz Wolmarans raced to make a cross-court forehand against Ilija Bozoljac April 15, at last year’s Sarasota Open qualifying round. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • March 28, 2014
Sarasota Open seeks volunteers

The tournament runs from April 12 through April 20, at the Resort at Longboat Key Club's Tennis Gardens.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town is expected to construct two groin on the severely eroded north end of the Key to hold sand in that area in summer 2015.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 28, 2014
Groin permit expected in April

A federal permit for two sand saving structures will be issued on or before April 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota city and county commissioners meet Tuesday for a workshop.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 28, 2014
City, county to discuss homeless shelter

Sarasota city and county commissioners will meet for a workshop to discuss the local homeless initiative and the recommendation to extend the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Get healthy with puppies at this Saturday morning event. (Courtesy Photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 28, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-a-thon

All proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit. There will be live music, shopping vendors, food and plenty of puppies to hug.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
General admission to Winterfest costs $25 in advance and $40 at the door — cash payments only.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 28, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Winterfest

The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch will host Winterfest, a new daylong music festival, Saturday, March 29.

  • East County
  • News
Jack Klingensmith, Marsha Panuce and David Pilston
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Save Our Seabirds Sunset Soirée

Save Our Seabirds held its annual Sunset Soiree at Mote Marine Laboratory on March 28. In its third year, the event included live entertainment, a silent auction and the opportunity for attendees to learn more about the mission of Save Our Seabirds.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bamboo was brought into Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota for the John Hardy Spring 2014 Collection Presentation.
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 27, 2014
John Hardy Personal Appearance

John Hardy Personal Appearance

  • Black Tie
Roxanne Abbot, SCTI Teacher of the Year with Kristey Richardson
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota County Teacher of the Year

Sarasota County honored its teachers at the 2014 Teacher of the Year Awards Thursday, March 27. The awards ceremony was held at Laurel Oaks Country Club and included a cocktail reception and dinner. Taylor Ranch Elementary's Lisa Figueroa was named Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. "Teachers are the heart and soul of our school system," says Superintendent Lori White. "To take the time to honor them makes tonight one of the most important nights of the school year."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Max Kummer, Bernie Clifford, Jim Entwistle and Ron Cole
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 10th annual Spanish Main Yacht Club Fish Fry

The 10th annual fish fry at Spanish Main Yacht Club packed the clubhouse and served up freshly caught Spanish mackerel on March 27. The popular event has grown from 20 friends to a crowd of over 200 people, bringing together various communities on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139 1140 1141 1142 1143 »
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
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office
2
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
3
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
4
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
5
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

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