• 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

The property at 5005 Gulf of Mexico Drive is located between Positano and Club Longboat. (Robin Hartill)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 28, 2014
Developer plans nine-home Longboat community

Holmes Beach developer Shawn Kaleta plans to build the new subdivision Bonaire on the vacant 3.48-acre parcel at 5005 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Princeton Review has recognized New College as a "Best Value" for each of the past six years.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2014
Princeton Review calls New College a best value

The group ranked New College of Florida as the second-best value for a public university in the country for 2014.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The SMA rifle team is a co-ed team made up of Sporter and Precision shooting.(Courtesy Photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 28, 2014
SMA Rifle Team to compete in nationals

The co-ed team of SMA students will compete in the Army ROTC Service Championship and the Army Marksmanship Unit in February.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lagoon jellyfish are just one of the many remarkable species featured.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 28, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: New Exhibit at Mote Aquarium

Encounter beautiful, strange and even deadly creatures in Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations, a new limited-time exhibit at the Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory. From Feb. 1 through Sept. 14, see colorful jellyfish, exotic frogs and many other animals with extraordinary survival characteristics.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Architect Mark Smith with Aledia Tush, CB’s Salt Water Outfitters
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: SKCC Annual Luncheon

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 28. The luncheon included an award ceremony for local businesses. The Village Cafe was awarded Large Business of the Year while Ronda Wiggins received Volunteer of the Year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Thomas Harmer, 55, was tapped to be Sarasota County’s interim county administrator for a period of six months following the firing of former County Administrator Randall Reid last October.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • January 28, 2014
Harmer drops 'interim' from job title

On Tuesday the Sarasota County Commission moved to offer Interim County Administrator Thomas Harmer a permanent job.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Thomas Harmer, 55, was tapped to be Sarasota County’s interim county administrator for a period of six months following the firing of former County Administrator Randall Reid last October.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • January 28, 2014
Harmer ditches 'interim' from job title

On Tuesday the Sarasota County Commission moved to offer Interim County Administrator Thomas Harmer a permanent position.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photographer Platon demonstrates the handshake of former Pres. Bill Clinton during a roundtable discussion at the Van Wezel.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 28, 2014
VIDEO: Platon finds inspiration in simplicity

The world-renowned photographer discussed his portrait style and his experiences with world leaders before speaking as part of the Ringling Town Hall Lecture Series Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 19-year old Naples woman died in the crash.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 28, 2014
I-75 crash at SR 70 kills 1, injures 6

The Monday evening crash was related to backed-up traffic on Interstate 75 caused by the closure of the overpass at University Parkway.

  • East County
  • News
Gary and Laurie Blakeman
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 27, 2014
The Play's The Thing: A Celebration of FST's 40th Season

The Play's The Thing: A Celebration of FST's 40th Season

  • Black Tie
Otus
  • By Otus
  • January 27, 2014
Ask Otus: How to play the mating game

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otusâ„¢.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Colony Lender Attorney Michael Assaf told a bankruptcy judge the Colony Association has let the Colony buildings deteriorate “and now seeks to benefit from that by trying to get the property for a third of the actual value."
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 27, 2014
Colony ruling delayed until Feb. 10

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May wants more time to digest arguments before he rules on a Colony settlement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Forks and Corks 2014
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 27, 2014
Attendees talk Forks & Corks 2014

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals put on its annual Forks & Corks Sunday, Jan. 27 in the courtyard of The Ringling. The seventh annual event sold out in 8 minutes. Here's a video of the sights and sounds at the event in case you weren't one of the lucky 1,200 to get tickets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A proposed downtown circulator vehicle, provided by Cruise Car Inc., sits outside of the Palm Avenue parking garage before a trial run tests its battery life.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 27, 2014
Proposed downtown circulator vehicle gets test drive

Groups are beginning to investigate the viability of a downtown transportation system in which golf-cart style electric vehicles circulate passengers throughout the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The accident resulted in three holes in the I-75 overpass. Photo courtesy of Lauren Hatchell.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2014
I-75 lanes at interchange to reopen at 6 p.m.

UPDATE: All I-75 lanes set to reopen

  • East County
  • News
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort closed in August 2010. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 27, 2014
Judge could announce Colony settlement decision today

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May could rule today on a settlement between Murf Klauber and the Colony Beach & Tennis Association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Representatives from every public school and charter school in Manatee County will be at the fair to discuss educational programs, academies and opportunities.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 27, 2014
Information fair signals start of School Choice

Manatee County Public School District's School Choice enrollment period officially begins Jan. 28, but parents can also sign up their students at a School Information Fair Monday night.

  • East County
  • Schools
Joe Ashworth, Gina Pezzotti and Anne Marie Castabile
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 26, 2014
The 7th Annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting

The 7th Annual Forks & Corks Grand Tasting

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2014
THEATER REVIEW: 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike'

THEATER REVIEW: 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike'

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kyra Strachov discusses her acrylic paintings on canvas with friend Bob Hammond.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Armands Winter Art Festival

On Sunday, Jan. 26, St. Armands Circle was abuzz with more than 175 artists and craftsman for the 12th Annual St. Armands Winter Art Festival. The two-day event showcased everything from ceramics and sculptures to jewelry and handmade accessories.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Shawn and Christine Stephens run together as much as they can.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Suncoast Half Marathon

Runners made their way Jan. 26 through Lakewood Ranch and onto Lakewood Ranch Main Street, during the annual Suncoast Half Marathon.

  • East County
  • News
Michael Browne, not pictured, show off his 1968 Riley Elf MKIII.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Car Meet

Afternoon rain showers didn't keep car enthusiasts from heading to Rangeland Parkway, in Lakewood Ranch, Jan. 26, for the 45th annual Devereaux-Kaiser Car Meet.

  • East County
  • News
Zaid Harakat, 10, shows off his battle skills.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Winter Carnival

Families at Tara Elementary School enjoyed an evening of food, inflatables and carnival-style games Jan. 24, during the school's winter carnival event. Families even had a chance to play in the snow.

  • East County
  • Schools
Co-Chairs Mary Keanely-Barbetta, Bridgett Spiess and Julie Delaney
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 25, 2014
25th Anniversary Catholic Charities Ball

25th Anniversary Catholic Charities Ball

  • Black Tie
Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles’ very own Madison Hildebrand was the guest of honor at the cocktail party.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Mingle With Madison

On Saturday, Jan. 25, Richard Perlman, an agent with Michael Saunders & Company, hosted 'Mingle with Madison' at Bayside Villa, a private estate for sale on Longboat Key. Madison Hildebrand, a Los Angeles real estate broker and star of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing LA, was the guest of honor.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mary and Larry Marthaler
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Islander Club Welcome Back Party

On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Islander Club welcomed back its residents for the season with a party. Attendees enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres while watching the sunset over the water.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Austin Warner, Jackson Warner, Lindsey Warner, Jan Marsh, David Marsh, Kristin Marsh, Kailey Marsh, Claire Marsh and Kara Marsh stand with the new Jim Marsh memorial statue.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: The Jim Marsh Memorial Garden Dedication

Longboat Island Chapel held a memorial garden dedication ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 25, in honor of the late Rev. Jim Marsh. From 1973 to 1996, he served as pastor of the church and had a large impact on the congregation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kaci Carroll and Lucy Hope supported their husbands, who play in the band, Paper Airplanes.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Ed's Tavern five-year Anniversary

Ed's Tavern hosted its five-year Anniversary Party, Jan. 25. Attendees could sample beer and liquor and listen to music performed by Paper Airplanes.

  • East County
  • News
Keynote speaker Herman Boone with Mike Murphy, the Saint Stephen’s softball coach
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Saint Stephen's Sports Gala

Saint Stephen's Episcopal School held its second annual Game Changers Sports Gala at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, Jan. 25. The event, which raises money for the school's athletic department, featured Keynote Speaker Herman Boone, a football coach and public speaker whose story was captured by the film, 'Remember the Titans.'

  • East County
  • News
Eunice Garcia, a senior at Manatee School for the Arts, enjoys photography as a hobby, but wants to pursue a medical career.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Heart & Soul Gala

The Manatee Education Foundation hosted the seventh annual 2014 Heart & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction Jan. 25 at Polo Grill. Student artists were recognized for their work and received scholarships ranging from $150 to $1,500 and other gifts.

  • East County
  • News
Paris and Rick Levine. Paris describes her style as funky, cool and edgey.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Daddy-Daughter Date Night

The Downtown Sarasota Kiwanis Club hosted its inaugural Daddy-Daughter Date Night Saturday, Jan. 25. Dads and their daughters from the Kiwanis Club, the Boys and Girls Club and the community dressed to impress for the dinner held at Florida Studio Theatre. 'The Kiwanis Club is really about the children,' said President John Moore, 'and this is a great way to celebrate our kids.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
Charlotte Zwick's nephew, Richard Matson, gives a toast.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Charlotte Zwick turns 105

Charlotte Zwick celebrated her 105th birthday Saturday, Jan. 25. Zwick rode her new scooter, which was an early birthday present, into the dining room where friends and family sang her happy birthday. The Cleveland native looks forward to keeping a good outlook on life: 'I think your attitude is the most important thing you own,' she says.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cunningham sisters — Morgan, 6, and Samantha, 5 — show off matching Hello Kitty face paint.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Elementary's Winter Carnival

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary students and their families came together for a cookout, music and games for the annual Winter Carnival Jan. 25, held on the school's front lawn.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seth Tucker and Olivia Lake compare their air potatoes.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: SBEP Air Potato Removal

Volunteers helped remove air potatoes, an invasive plant species, from Arlington Park Saturday, Jan. 25. Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Around the Bend Nature Tours co-sponsored the pick up. 'This is a great project that is fun and good for the environment,' said volunteer Ashley Wang.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Leland Thompson performs a pow wow dance imitating the movements of the prairie chicken at the Sarasota Native American Indian Festival.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 25, 2014
VIDEO: Native American Festival draws crowds for crafts, dancing

The Sarasota Native American Indian Festival kicked off Friday, with performances aimed at educating and entertaining the public.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Julia Barieda and Ian Laidlew
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 24, 2014
The Circus Arts Conservatory Gala

The Circus Arts Conservatory Gala

  • Black Tie
« 1171 1172 1173 1174 1175 1176 1177 1178 1179 1180 »
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
  • December 23, 2025
Program Four: Notes Unspoken
2
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stars perform in the inaugural Weekend of Soul Dec. 27-28 at WBTT's Donelly Theatre.
  • December 23, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 25-31
3
Yvette Brown poses for a photo on Dec. 11 next to the trophy case by Booker's gym. Through the first six games of the Tornadoes' season, she led in points, rebounds and steals.
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Yvette Brown
4
Myakka City's Diane and Rich Bartoszek display a handmade ceramic nativity scene each year.
  • December 23, 2025
Decorating for Christmas with a personal touch in Lakewood Ranch
5
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025
  • December 23, 2025
East Manatee County high school athletes of 2025

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