• 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

Daniel Smith presents Gilles Canesse a gold medal for winning the Southeast Regional men’s singles competition.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Qualifying Round

The Sarasota Club de Petanque will host the 2013 FPUSA National Men's Triples Championship and World Championship Qualification Tournament Nov. 2 and Nov. 3.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch senior setter Ali Milbourn finished with 47 assists, seven digs and two aces.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Return to Form

After sitting out most of the season with a back injury, setter Ali Milbourn returned to the court in time to lead Lakewood Ranch to its third straight district title.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
ULI: 'Key should embrace change'

The panel's report urges the town to create a walkable Town Center concept near Publix and scrap its codes and Comp Plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
IPOC monitors town referenda effort

Commissioners are concerned about a letter from IPOC's attorney stating the group could challenge a petition seeking a modification of a ruling that quashed the Key Club project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Letter to the Editor

Place Longboat Key ahead of tomorrow's technology trends

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
ULI report highlights Key challenges

Urban Land Institute panelists provided a picture of a changing island in their presentation to the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
News Briefs

Cortez bridge repair work scheduled for April; End of turtle nesting season marks the return of lights; Longboat Library resumes full-day schedule Nov. 1; Police department promotes three employees

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
PZ&B signs interlocal agreement with UF

Town Manager Dave Bullock isn't happy with the level of service the Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Department is providing, so he's seeking outside help to alleviate the problem.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
Town seeks Bay Isles Road restrictions for elections

Campaigners who crowd the entrance and exit of Town Hall in March for the municipal election are forcing staff to evaluate parking enforcement on Bay Isles Road.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
Colony drama continues in bankruptcy court Nov. 22

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May told Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties last week he's 'sticking to' a schedule that leaves the day open for motions and a settlement review.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Wendell Vaught educates Emma Griffith about state parks at last year’s festival.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • October 30, 2013
Festival will celebrate importance of Sarasota Bay

The second Sarasota Bay Water Festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 2.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Cedars on the hook for Fish Fry

The old-fashioned Historical Society event has netted a new location along with the same fried favorites of years past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy Photo. Sarasota Ballet Artistic Director Iain Webb welcomed Cuban defector Edward Gonzalez to the ballet and freedom in March.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Our View

Good plan, if you stick to it

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Austin Rushnell brought back an authentic hurley and sliotar from Dublin, after discovering Irish hurling this past summer.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Luck of the Irish

LWR High School alum Austin Rushnell participated in his first hurling and Gaelic football competition.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Sidelines

Kudos: ODA volleyball; Mustangs headed back to state tourney; Admirals remain unbeaten; Falcons open new athletic center; East County runners earn regional berths

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Just the Stats

This week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
An aerial view of John Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1952.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
The Ghost Hotel

John Ringling's Ritz-Carlton hotel stood vacant on the Key for more than 30 years, leading many locals to call it 'the Ghost Hotel.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A historic marker on Broadway commemorates the old town dock that was destroyed in a 1921 hurricane.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Longboat Lore: Marker project made Key history

The installation of seven historic plaques throughout the island was a longtime goal of the Historical Society.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clockwise from bottom: Marty Samowitz celebrates with granddaughter Gia Haynes, daughter and son-in-law Lani and Chad Haynes, granddaughter Kayla Haynes and his wife, Paulette.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Samowitz receives salute at 99th birthday party

Grand Bay resident Marty Samowitz celebrated his 99th birthday with family members and friends Monday, Oct. 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Horner
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • October 30, 2013
The Good News: Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horner

Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horn are volunteers at Historic Spanish Point. Read more about them and watch a video in this week's Good News.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
7922 S. Holiday Drive. Photos courtesy of Premier Sotheby's
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • October 30, 2013
Three Things: Trophy Homes to Match a Celebrity's Lifestyle

The news that Rosie O'Donnell bought a $5 million home on Casey Key has the whole town talking. The four-bedroom, 4,700-square-foot beachfront residence seems perfect as a second home for the comedian and her family, but we can't help but wonder - what other properties did Rosie look at? So, just in case buyer's remorse sets in, or you happen to know any other house-hunting celebrities, here are some other trophy homes that are just special enough to tempt the lucky few who can afford the ultimate.

  • Arts + Culture
ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson,  took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
It's Read Everywhere

ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson, took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gabby has been a permanent resident of Save Our Seabirds for two-and-a-half years.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Gabby celebrates every day at SOS

The 14-year-old umbrella cockatoo soars in her role of greeting visitors at the bird-rescue facility.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephenson-Moe, right
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Stephenson-Moe brings peace offering to Vatican

The longtime Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel musician will conduct a piece, composed by her husband, the late Daniel Moe, in Vatican City.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stone
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Alan Stone paired swans with Harbourside golf course

The Harbour Links resident who brought original swans George and Gracie to the Key died Friday, Oct. 25. He was 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photos courtesy of Foxy Lady South. Lynn Walters and Chris Meyers celebrate at Foxy Lady South’s anniversary party.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Business Observer

Foxy Lady South celebrates its first anniversary on St. Armands Circle; Design 2000 welcomes new stylist; Bees create a buzz on Pine Avenue

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home at 3527 Queens Harbour has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,154 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,225,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 30, 2013
Queens Harbour home sells for $1,225,000

Robert and Marsha Thomson, of Oklahoma City, Okla., sold their home at 3527 Fair Oaks Lane to Thomas and Sally Sappenfield, of Orland Park, Ill., for $1,225,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: Longboat Key

Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Regents Park home, which has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,524 square feet of living area, sold for $640,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 30, 2013
Regents Park home sells for $640,000

Phyllis Roth sold her home at 8211 Regents Court to David Sanders and Gayle Sanders, trustees, of University Park, for $640,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: East County

James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Black Tie & Tales

Black Tie & Tales

  • Sarasota
  • News
ODA senior Lauren Maxey goes up for a kill in the first set of the Thunder's 3-1 victory over Calvary Christian in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 29, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Volleyball vs. Calvary Christian

The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team defeated Calvary Christian 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 27-25 in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29. With the win, ODA will travel to Clearwater Central Catholic for a regional semifinal match Nov. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new store will go in the space formerly occupied by Random.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 29, 2013
Main Street welcomes new tenant

Shirts and Stones will open this week on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
George Najmy, a Stoneybrook resident, Chris Brown, a property manager, and Stephen Thompson, an attorney, took questions from residents who cautiously embrace the chance to run their own community.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • October 29, 2013
Stoneybrook residents attend transition meeting

Hundreds of Stoneybrook residents came together Oct. 28 to hear an area lawyer and property manager explain how the much-delayed turnover of the community will work.

  • East County
  • News
Unanticipated costs include $489,000 to hire 27 ESE paraprofessionals, $317,000 for seven gifted teachers, $407,000 for nine voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) teachers and $200,000 for nine VPK teacher aides.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • October 29, 2013
School district must make up $3.9 million

The Manatee County School District announced new, unanticipated costs that came after the school board adopted its budget in September.

  • East County
  • Schools
« 1218 1219 1220 1221 1222 1223 1224 1225 1226 1227 »
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