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Your Observer

Longboat Key Turtle Watch members presented a nearly $12,000 donation to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to support rehabilitating sea turtles like Ellie, one of the current residents.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 9, 2026
Restaurant collab supports Longboat Key Turtle Watch

Foodies can sample dishes from three iconic Longboat Key restaurants while supporting Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short

With $8 million already pledged for public parking, the Sarasota City Commission declines adding $4 million for SHA's McCown Towers funding gap.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Tax reform could mean 41% hit to city revenue fund

If a bill to reform property tax in Florida reaches the November ballot, Sarasota may be seeking ways to make up tens of millions in tax revenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 3621 San Remo Terrace was built in 2025 and has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,461 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 9, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A San Remo Estates home on San Remo Terrace tops the week's sales at $8.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Saravela and the Sports Club at TPC Prestancia are pertnering for the mutual benefit of condo owners and club members.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2026
Condo development partners with country club for shared benefits

Saravela developer GSP is teaming up with Heritage Golf Group for free membership at Sports Club at TPC Prestancia, special condo purchase benefits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Drew Smith (left) and Chase Smith (right) are a sophomore and senior, respectively, at The Out-of-Door Academy. They lost their father, Scott Smith, to esophageal cancer in October of 2023.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 9, 2026
Brothers fundraise in their father's memory

Chase and Drew Smith held their third annual track and field fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
“I felt genuinely cared for during all phases of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.” Aubrey Robertson, Maternity Patient
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • April 9, 2026
Women’s Center “Felt Like Home” for Maternity Patient

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center became a second home during one woman's pregnancy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Students in Kirsten Hazelton's 2nd-grade class at Southside Elementary School used their magnifying glasses to watch their freshly released ladybugs get to work patrolling their vegetable garden at the school.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 8, 2026
Support your passion project through Giving Challenge 2026

Local organizations are preparing for the fundraising event presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Angelina Goesch and her mom, Ana Goesch, founder of Dogs of Lakewood Ranch, pose with Ana's 4-year-old Golden retriever, Maple.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 8, 2026
The Dogs of Lakewood Ranch club allows canine lovers to network

The group's Facebook group members have found important information, such as available dog sitters and referrals for dog-related issues.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County's District 1 commission seat was left vacant after Carol Felts died suddenly Feb. 24.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee County District 1 commission seat open for applications

Gov. Ron DeSantis has the option to appoint someone to fill the remaining seven months left before the general election.

  • East County
  • News
Amy Bott, executive director of Bernie's Book Bank's Florida Suncoast branch, connects with J. McLaughlin manager Melanie Dale at the boutique's recent Sip and Shop event supporting the incoming nonprofit.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat boutique boosts new literacy nonprofit branch

Longboat's J. McLaughlin store recently supported a new Sarasota branch of Bernie's Book Bank with a Sip and Shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Construction has advanced quickly from Feb. 8 when this aerial photo was taken. The vantage point shows how close the school is from one of the runways at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Manatee Technical College flying into SRQ with new aviation program

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School is on schedule to open in January 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Five more hotels are in the works for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2026
Five new hotels slated for Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch currently has just four hotels within its boundaries.

  • East County
  • News
Traffic is often bumper to bumper on Gulf Drive South. During spring break, even rainy days didn’t stop tourists from flocking to Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat has a Bradenton Beach traffic problem

For Longboat Key residents and employees trying to get to the mainland from the north end, beach traffic is a headache and getting worse each year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Unit 12-F condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $2.1 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,651 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 8, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

An Islands West condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Readers responded to Jay Heater's column, asking if they enjoy the April Fools' edition. Were you fooled by the story about speed bumps on White Eagle Boulevard?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2026
East County Observer readers have last word on April Fools

Most of the readers who responded love the April Fools tradition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Kayleigh Bergstrom is one of three sophomores alongside Gabby Ulrich and Kaitlin Carolan to lead the Cougars in scoring this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 8, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kayleigh Bergstrom

The sophomore midfielder is approaching 100 goals with Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sports betting online became legal in Florida via Hard Rock Bet in 2023.
  • By Guy Bentley, Adrian Moore
  • April 8, 2026
Don’t panic about sports betting in Florida

Although some are concerned that increased access to sports betting may increase gambling addiction, the data show the number of those with a problem has remained stable over the last 35 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 8, 2026
City pursues First Street parcel for workforce housing project

One small parcel remains between two larger properties the city has acquired for a workforce housing project. Staff is instructed to pursue a letter of intent to purchase.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 8, 2026
New volunteer board members picked by Town Commission

Four vacancies on three boards were filled by Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Woman claims to be at the center of widespread plot to follow her
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2026
Woman claims to be at the center of widespread plot to follow her

A woman claimed a pickup truck driver — and just about everybody else in the sky and on the ground — is following her. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He's No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be active at the Senior PGA Championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 7, 2026
The PGA Tour Champions could use a jolt of charisma

Without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, the senior circuit has been lacking in that ever-important department.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community

Fundraising push would repair Bradenton Beach library that does not receive government funds.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project

Mira Mar Residences has received its construction permit to add two 18-story condo towers to complement restoration of the historic Palm Avenue building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Once again, what's the best bridge?
  • By Susan M. Phillips
  • April 7, 2026
Once again, what's the best bridge?

Discussions over a new Longboat Pass Bridge trigger memories over the contentious debates over what is now iconic, the fixed-span Ringling Bridge.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

Tara Poulton's resume includes working for DeSoto County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Congressman Vern Buchanan.

  • East County
  • News
Frustrated driver brandishes bat in Longboat Key
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Frustrated driver brandishes bat in Longboat Key

A construction crew caused a backup in Longboat and a frustrated driver got out of the car with a baseball bat. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Pysanky expert Roksolana Tymiak-Lonchyna shows some examples of the traditional egg decoration patterns.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 7, 2026
This Longboat artist keeps tradition alive with Ukrainian egg decorating

Pysanky expert Roksolana Tymiak-Lonchyna shared her love for the craft and its history at a recent hands-on workshop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The subaqueous wastewater pipeline was damaged by corrosion from resting against a log or tree stump, spilling about 11 million gallons of sewage before being repaired, according to a Longboat Key permit support document.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 7, 2026
Wastewater pipeline to remain after replacement installed

Longboat Key’s subaqueous wastewater pipeline project is set to begin this summer, and the old pipe may have a future use.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Lake Club home at 17014 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.9 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,160 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 7, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.9 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
John Atanassov and Joel King, co-owners of Blu Kouzina, are eager to serve and get to know new customers at their new location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 6, 2026
Blu Kouzina adds its Greek flavor at University Town Center

With a focus on fresh ingredients and making customers feel at home, Blu Kouzina hopes to win over East County patrons.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Citizen Tax Oversight Committee meets once a year to review expenditures of revenue brought in from the infrastructure surtax. The 2026 meeting lasted about 15 minutes on Thursday, April 2.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 6, 2026
Longboat infrastructure tax spending plan comes up $6 million short

A 1% tax in Sarasota County and .5% tax in Manatee brings in about $1.3 million per year for Longboat Key infrastructure spending.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bella Toscano is one of two Mustangs, as of April 3, hitting over .450, but also boasts the lowest ERA among her teammates.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 6, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Toscano

The sophomore pitcher/first baseman leads Lakewood Ranch High softball on both sides of the ball.

  • East County
  • Sports
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard

Benderson Development makes its first appearance before city staff on an application for zoning changes at the former Sarasota County Administration Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
5
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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