Your Observer

In Memoriam |

October 18, 2024

Jack Franklin Richardson, D.M.D.

Jack Franklin Richardson, D.M.D., a husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at the age of 84.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Liz Ramos
October 18, 2024

Hurricanes have financial impacts on school districts in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County budgets $1.5 million annually for schools to serve as shelters.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
October 18, 2024

Pop-up food bank scheduled for Sunday

All Faiths Food Bank and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are partnering to provide groceries to Hurricane Milton-impacted residents in Sarasota.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
October 18, 2024

GCCF makes fast grants to assist in hurricane relief and recovery

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation gives $500,000 from its Rapid Response Fund to more than a dozen local organizations.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
October 18, 2024

Sights of newly opened Midnight Pass

Midnight Pass opened after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota on Oct. 9.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Jim DeLa
October 17, 2024

Sarasota granted $100,000 in hurricane aid for school staff

More than 4,000 school district employees have responded to a survey on needs.

Sarasota
Schools

Carter Weinhofer
October 17, 2024

Longboat Key officials ask for resident cooperation while ramping up recovery

Limiting debris pile up and water use are among the necessary measures officials asked from residents.

Longboat Key
News

Jay Heater
October 17, 2024

Lakewood Ranch collects supplies for those in need after Hurricane Milton

You can make donations to Hurricane victims on Sunday at the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
October 17, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A Johnson Estates home on Kenilworth Street tops the week's sales at $3.45 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
October 17, 2024

Canceled meetings prompt City Commission to play catch-up

A canceled meeting and workshop puts Sarasota commissioners on double duty with packed-agenda meetings on Friday and Monday.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
October 17, 2024

Sarasota events move ahead despite Milton damage

Some events the public can still enjoy are the Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove and the second anniversary celebrations at The Bay.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby, Petra Rivera, Emily Walsh
October 17, 2024

Businesses step up to offer meals to those in need

Amid the power outages and aftermath of Hurricane Milton, free hamburgers and hot dogs were on offer.

Sarasota
Business

By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
October 17, 2024

Surgeon Shares Good News for GERD Sufferers

Samuel Yelverton, MD, board certified general surgeon at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center addresses questions related to a common digestive disorder.

East County
Neighbors

UTC's Barks and Boos brings fright and fun

Dog owners unleash their creativity on their dog's costumes.

East County
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
October 16, 2024

Midnight Pass enthusiasts celebrate natural reopening

What Hurricane Helene started, Milton finished as revelers flock to view and navigate a return of the inlet between Siesta and Casey keys.

Siesta Key
News

Ian Swaby
October 16, 2024

Some Siesta Key restaurants reopen after Hurricane Milton

Amid the impacts of two successive hurricanes, a glimmer of business activity is emerging on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key
News

Jay Heater
October 16, 2024

Boo Run gives charities a boost

Race director has no fear Boo Run will continue to be successful in Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
October 16, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on South Washington Drive tops the week's sales at $6.5 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Petra Rivera
October 16, 2024

Longboat Key Lawn Party postponed until early 2025

Organizations understand what damaged prominent restaurants have to face and say it would be inappropriate to ask for help with annual fundraisers.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
October 16, 2024

Hurricane debris removal will take months

Sarasota city officials ask for patience as debris collection assets are stretched thin amid historic storm damage across multiple states.

Sarasota
News

Matt Walsh
October 16, 2024

Give responders high-fives

Two hurricanes — Helene, a Cat 4 at landfall, and Milton, a Cat 3 at landfall — brought horrific catastrophes smack dab onto Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
October 16, 2024

Recommendations explained and local tax ballot questions

Those of you who have slogged through the many long diatribes on this page surely are familiar by now with the predictable slant at election time.

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
October 15, 2024

Marlon Brown's retirement delayed by a week

Back-to-back hurricanes extend the city manager's tenure by six days. His last official day is now Oct. 21.

Sarasota
News

Petra Rivera
October 15, 2024

ACE Hardware on Longboat Key throws barbecue after Helene

Reed and Ginny Savidge hope to bring camaraderie and free food to all those struggling on Longboat after two hurricanes.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
October 15, 2024

SRQ concourse repairs could top $7 million

The loss of the membrane roof cover over all of Concourse B and significant damage beneath it kept the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport closed for nearly a week following Hurricane Milton.

Sarasota
News

Adam Hughes
October 15, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in The Lake Club on Topsail Terrace tops the week's sales at $3.2 million.

East County
Real Estate

Liz Ramos
October 15, 2024

Manatee school board candidates discuss hot topics

From the 1-mill property tax referendum to parental rights, Heather Felton and Mark Stanoch share their thoughts on important issues schools are facing.

East County
Schools

Carter Weinhofer
October 15, 2024

Officer checks on young sailors determined to ride out hurricane

A resident asked officers to conduct a welfare check on the young adults before Hurricane Milton. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Liz Ramos
October 15, 2024

East County lacrosse players strive for Olympic berth

Sean and Christian Laureano play for Puerto Rico in USA Lacrosse Experience in Indianapolis.

East County
Sports

Carter Weinhofer
October 14, 2024

Two hurricanes in two weeks. What’s next for Longboat Key?

One brought a devastating storm surge, another’s winds added to the destruction. Longboat Key officials weigh in on what recovery will look like in the coming months.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 14, 2024

Woman evades ex-boyfriend's girlfriend challenge to fight

A victim was chased throughout the city by a woman driving a green Dodge Challenger asking for a brawl. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.