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Your Observer

Fourth grader A’Nylah Johnson and third grader Dariana Mills head down the slide.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 17, 2026
A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown

The private school for elementary-aged children held a "snow day" along with help from the Sarasota Police Department's Sarasota Learning Center.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A rendering of the interior of Payne Park Auditorium with seating in the round.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 17, 2026
Payne Park Auditorium renovations set to begin soon

Now leased by a refocused Sarasota Players, work on Payne Park Auditorium will begin soon with plans to bring the nearly century-old troupe back to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield

The freshman has piled up wins since joining Lakewood Ranch High boys wrestling.

  • East County
  • Sports
Traffic resumes normal flow after Sarasota crash
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2026
Traffic resumes normal flow after Sarasota crash

Southbound lanes are closed at Floyd Street, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
AAA High School, which is located near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and tenth graders in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 17, 2026
Manatee school district seeks feedback on new LWR high school's name

Currently named AAA High School, the new school broke ground at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch on Jan. 21.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gazebo at the Joan Durante Park, Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 17, 2026
Quick Point repairs wrap up while Durante gazebo fix gets underway

Joan M. Durante Park, Quick Point Nature Preserve and Bayfront Park on Longboat Key will all see changes in the coming months, varying from slight at Bayfront to substantial at Quick Point.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town of Longboat Key is looking into potential impacts from a changed flight path from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport that took effect in 2024.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 17, 2026
Town plans to hold public meetings to address flight path impacts over Longboat

With a record number of passengers at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in recent years, noise, residue and pollution are all concerns of Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Amenities at  Emerson Lakes will include a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, walking trails and multiple on-campus dining options.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • February 17, 2026
A new community provides a place to age in place

An in-demand national senior living developer — it rejects more sites than it buys — is all in on building a large community in the heart of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Kamala Martinez, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, leads the regional nonprofit’s efforts to connect young people with life-changing mentors.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 17, 2026
With Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentors change the story

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast pairs caring adults with kids who need guidance, stability and someone in their corner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Country Club Village home at 13635 Legends Walk Terrace sold for $1.75 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,581 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Wild Blue at Waterside home on Blue Shell Loop topped the week’s sales at $2.23 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Anthony Sciullo is Manatee County's newest planning commissioner. He was appointed to the role Feb. 12.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2026
County commissioners question if Manatee Planning Commission needs rehaul

Complaints are rising about poor attendance and members pushing their agenda.

  • East County
  • News
Julia Graziano, co-chair of this year's Royal Rummage Sale, shows some of the adorable items to be found at the upcoming sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 17, 2026
Special finds await at this year's Royal Rummage Sale

The highly anticipated sale has repeatedly broken record attendance in recent years as treasure hunters have lined up in droves.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Neighbor’s dog business prompts Longboat police call
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 17, 2026
Neighbor’s dog business prompts Longboat police call

A Longboat woman called police after her neighbor's dog pooped in her yard again. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Longboat Key Garden Club members considered what improvements they may be able to help further at the island's parks, including Joan Durante Park, during a recent meeting with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Ryan Gandy.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 16, 2026
What's to come at Longboat Key's parks?

Longboat Key Garden Club members recently evaluated the future of the island's parks and how to improve them.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
County facing budget consequences
  • By Christine Robinson
  • February 16, 2026
County facing budget consequences

The 9.2% increase in spending in 2026 has commissioners starting the budget process with a $7.1 million gap between expenses and revenues.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Kim Fenwick and Susie Hettmansperger have co-chaired the Trash to Treasure rummage sale since 2020, and this year's sale on Valentine's Day weekend saw a tremendous turnout, they said.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 16, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale shown love

The Gulfshore of Longboat Key community was abuzz with activity as thrift shoppers found all manner of goods at the Trash to Treasure sale.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Michael Saunders & Company
  • February 16, 2026
For Sale: 234 Grant Drive Grant Drive Sarasota

There is only one - Endless Summer. They say some homes are built, and others are dreamt into existence.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
  • By Michael Saunders & Company
  • February 16, 2026
For Sale: 12705 Stone Ridge Place, Lakewood Ranch

From the moment you step in through the updated designer front door, you will marvel at the host of exceptional upgrades that embellish the living spaces.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Officer Nick Dominis and Coti worked together since 2014.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 16, 2026
Sarasota will honor memory of longtime police dog

Coti, who died Sunday at age 12, served the city between 2014-2021.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Allen Clark set records at The Out-of-Door Academy. Now, his focus has shifted to his future, and what college he'll compete for.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 16, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy football star navigates recruiting chaos

Allen Clark, the Thunder's record-setting running back/linebacker has 20-plus offers to play at the next level.

  • East County
  • Sports
Artist Jonell Yoekel showcases her nature photography at the Women's Guild Valentine's Day-themed art show on Feb. 10 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 16, 2026
Valentine's Day-themed art show gives back to community

Women's Guild members hosted a packed house for their second-annual art show to support student scholarships.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The only access point to Bradenton Estates II is proposed from 18th Avenue East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 16, 2026
Manatee County commissioners approve 80 homes on 18th Avenue East

The vote was 4-3 in favor of the project after the planning commission unanimously recommended denial.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, believe the second floor of the facility will be put to good use.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Library is about to reach new heights

The Lakewood Ranch Library, a major community success already, is looking to do more by looking up — to another floor.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love

Kelly Gilliland wears many hats, but giving back to those in need is the one that fits her best.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
About 130 Longboaters turned out to join "Choirpalooza" at the Feb. 15 service at Christ Church of Longboat Key to sing "The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune."
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 15, 2026
'Choirpalooza' unites 100-plus community members in song

Longboaters lent their voices to the musical event on Feb. 15, singing one of Christianity's best-known tunes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Christine Cassanelli stands with her friend Miles Christian-Hart, founder of Paradise Riders.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2026
Thunder by the Bay raises funds for children, teens and adults with special needs

The event brought together offerings like live music, car and bike shows, a biker rodeo, and a charity car and motorcycle dice run in support of its cause.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Left: Darrel Drury has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area for nearly eight years. Right: David Sessions has overseen the construction of dozens of buildings in the region in the past 35 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2026
Round and round goes the chatter about roundabouts in Lakewood Ranch

If you drive in Lakewood Ranch, then you have driven into, and out of, a roundabout. Some like them more than others.

  • East County
  • News
Don and Tammie Gursky prepare to renew their vows.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 14, 2026
Couples renew vows on Siesta Beach on Valentine's Day

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony was hosted on Siesta Beach each year by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and officiated by Judge Stephen Walker.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Passion for Fashion show, the Palm Aire Women's Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, took place Feb. 13 at the Palm Aire Country Club. Katherine Pike, Susan Romine and Kay Kwenski's last looks from Darci's boutique are cocktail attire.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 14, 2026
Palm Aire Women's Club raises funds for charity with Passion for Fashion

Members gathered to raise funds for student scholarships along with local charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Up to four boxes of documents will be accepted at the city of Sarasota's ShredStock event.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 14, 2026
Sarasota schedules tax-season shredding event in March

Residents can bring four boxes of documents and electronic gear and catch the music of The Garbage Men.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 14, 2026
Bulk garbage pickups likely to return for Manatee County residents

Commission Chair Tal Siddique said adding back curbside bulk pickup was the cheapest and easiest solution available to assuage the public's unrest over recent collection changes.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Democratic Club President Lucie Lapovsky (right) updates the 160 attendees on new initiatives the Club is starting soon at a luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 10.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 14, 2026
Longboat Key Democratic Club to launch newsletter, raise funds for flippable races

Club President Lucie Lapovsky shared new initiatives with about 160 attendees at the most recent luncheon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Diane Collins, Sandy Ruppert and Linda Pike were among the record 150 attendees at the Feb. 11 at the Longboat Key Resort for the Go for the Cure kick-off game day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 13, 2026
Go for the Cure kickoff sees record attendance

Through an afternoon of canasta and mahjong, Longboat Key Club members raised funds for Breast Health Sarasota Inc.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Eugene Khutoryanskiy and Yana Parker are celebrating this Valentine's Day as fiances alongside their dogs Mittens and Jesse at Barks & Brews on Feb. 10.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 13, 2026
A little pet lovin' and squeezin' at University Town Center in Sarasota

Barks and Brews gives pet owners an opportunity to show their animals a little love at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 13, 2026
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together

Every couple has their own journey to finding love. Members of Sarasota's community share what brought them together and sparked romance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The property at 1500 Stickney Point Road includes 21 parcels.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 13, 2026
Sarasota County to buy prominent Stickney Point property for $21M project

County commissioners authorized the $18.1 million purchase of 1500 Stickney Point Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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