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Your Observer

Summerfield Bluffs' Angela Abrams and her 13-year-old daughter Leah Abrams sift through belongings following Hurricane Debby. Although they came through Hurricane Helene unscathed, they have had to deal with the heightened stress.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 1, 2024
Back-to-back hurricanes heighten stress for Manatee County residents

Lakewood Ranch psychiatrist Stacy Greeter said Post-traumatic stress disorder gets activated from past negative storm experiences.

  • East County
  • News
Marlon Brown (left) will retire as Sarasota city manager on Oct. 15. Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson (right) has expressed no interest in replacing him.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 1, 2024
Senior city staff member may become interim city manager

An unidentified City of Sarasota director level employee is under consideration to replace the retiring Marlon Brown as the city plans for national search.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Flooding in St. Armands Circle Park after Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 30, 2024
Hurricane Helene greatly affects St. Armands Circle and Longboat

Longboaters and St. Armands Circle business owners share how Hurricane Helene impacted them.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sand from Longboat Key's beaches created dunes along Gulf of Mexico Drive after Hurricane Helene's storm surge.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 30, 2024
Supplies, comfort stations set up on Longboat

Items available include ice, water, sports drinks, tarps and food for residents following Hurricane Helene.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Supplies are being distributed at several locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties for people needed assistance after Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 30, 2024
Water, food, supplies available for those needing help after Helene

Resources are standing by across Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nate's volunteer Michele Bohlman
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 30, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Info Center prepares for Barktober Fest

The info center is collecting items to donate to Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A 30,000-gallon water tower sits towards the back of the station. It supplies water for the station's emergency sprinkler system.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 30, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue prepares to unveil new Myakka City station

A grand opening celebration will be held on Oct. 19 at 10215 Wauchula Road.

  • East County
  • News
Hurricane Helene's strong storm surge wiped out the first floor of many beachfront homes.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 29, 2024
County offers instructions for applying for FEMA assistance

Guidelines include applying for specific hurricane relief and damage from multiple storms.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sand from Longboat Key's beaches created dunes along Gulf of Mexico Drive after Hurricane Helene's storm surge. All residents were allowed back to their homes on Sunday, Sept 29.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 29, 2024
Longboat Key allows residents back on the island

A 7 p.m. curfew is still in effect for all on the island, and the New Pass Bridge is the only access point.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Guests gather at the entrance of the Peaceful Path at Peace Presbyterian Church for an art dedication on Sept. 28.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 29, 2024
East County church unveils its outdoor art gallery

A collection of artwork was added to the wooded trail at Peace Presbyterian Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Some houses along Gulfside Road were completely destroyed.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 28, 2024
Longboat Key works to recover from 'truly historic' storm

Facing gas leaks, water main breaks and electricity problems, officials are urging residents that the island is not ready to welcome them back yet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Owner Scott McDonald said that Crab and Fin has never gotten such damage from a hurricane.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 28, 2024
St. Armands business owners assess damage from Hurricane Helene

"There was probably not one business on the Circle that wasn't affected by the storm," said Carolyn Conner, manager of Cigar Paradise.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A restored Mira Mar would remove the overhead glass enclosed walkway between the two buildings fronting South Palm Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 28, 2024
Developer reveals proposal to save the Mira Mar building

To restore the 100-year-old structure will cost $29 million paid for with proceeds from the sale of 70 condos in twin 18-story towers built behind it.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Beach Road, beside Siesta Key Beach, is flooded.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 27, 2024
Siesta Key businesses begin recovery after devastating Helene storm surge

Significant flooding left many Siesta Key businesses with work and renovations ahead of them.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sand from Longboat Key's beaches created dunes along Gulf of Mexico Drive after Hurricane Helene's storm surge.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 27, 2024
Longboat Key officials say more help is on the way, reentry timeline still uncertain

Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi told community representatives there’s still uncertainties with the town’s water supply and infrastructure following Hurricane Helene.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County Assistant Fire Chief Tom Dorsey speaks at a news conference on Siesta Key on Friday, Sept. 27, while County Commissioner Mark Smith and Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi look on.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
Siesta Key Village businesses 'wiped out' by Hurricane Helene

Sarasota rescue officials say work is just beginning to recover from the storm.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Passersby stop to look at a large sailboat that lies beached on Bayfront Park on Friday, Sept. 27, a day after Hurricane Helene passed through the area.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
Morning after Helene reveals hit-and-miss damage at Bayfront Park

At least two sailboats suffered major damage when they were ripped from their moorings overnight.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tony Olivero of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch cleans up fallen palm fronds, tree limbs and other debris following Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 27, 2024
All quiet on the eastern Manatee front following Hurricane Helene

While west Manatee beaches took a "devastating" hit, Lakewood Ranch-area residents were dealing with minor cleanup.

  • East County
  • News
Truck are lined up at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds at dawn Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 as Florida Power & Light coordinated efforts to restore power to residents after Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 27, 2024
FPL crews working 'around the clock' to restore power

An estimated 76,000 customers in Sarasota County and another 22,000 in Manatee County had lost power due to the storm.

  • Sarasota
  • News
See the impact of Hurricane Helene around Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 27, 2024
See the impact of Hurricane Helene around Sarasota

Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Big Bend region of Florida at about 11:10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brick veneer and metal touches are characteristic of Whataburger restaurants.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • September 27, 2024
Popular Texas burger chain Whataburger seeks approval for Sarasota debut

Developers are proposing putting a Whataburger on the former Café Baci location on U.S. 41 in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Shelter staff were at the entrance to welcome visitors.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 26, 2024
Sarasota residents settle into place at Southside Elementary shelter

The site is one of 12 evacuation centers operated by Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Breakers, the country's leading Tom Petty tribute band, will perform Oct. 19.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 26, 2024
As renovations draw to a close, The Bay prepares to celebrate second anniversary

This year's events lineup includes an improved Boo! at the Bay and the final concert tour of Average White Band.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Renzo Piano Building Workshop's rendering of the proposed “cultural promenade” a shaded walkway along Tamiami Trail, for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 26, 2024
Design proposal breaks SPAC into four buildings

Renzo Piano Building Workshop reveals a surprise plan to move the Sarasota Peforming Arts Center closer to Tamiami Trail and separate the spaces into four structures.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Christian quarterback Ben Milliken fires a pass against ODA. Milliken threw four touchdowns in the game.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 26, 2024
Sarasota Christian football shows development in loss to ODA

In their first season of 11-on-11 football, the Blazers took a defending SSAA champion to its limit.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 722 Siesta Key Circle has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,473 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 26, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 9-13 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A home in Siesta’s Bayside on Siesta Key Circle tops the week's sales at $3.54 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
  • By Boys & Girls Clubs, Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
  • September 26, 2024
Building Champions: How Boys & Girls Clubs Are Shaping Sarasota and DeSoto’s Future All-Stars

For more than 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been building our community’s future championship team.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Flor Chaves decided to stock up on groceries and other items.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 25, 2024
Recent flooding leaves residents concerned for Helene impacts

Sarasota residents prepared for the next storm, even while some were dealing with the impacts of the last.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carolyn Conner and Jake Wright put hurricane shutters at Cigar Paradise.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • September 25, 2024
St. Armands Circle and Longboat residents prepare for Hurricane Helene

Business owners plan to stay up for most of Wednesday and close on Sept. 26 for safety concerns due to the incoming hurricane.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key beaches were relatively empty before Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 25, 2024
Evacuation ordered for Longboat Key ahead of Hurricane Helene

As Tropical Storm Helene strengthened into a hurricane around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Longboat Key officials advised residents that an evacuation order was in effect for residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kimberly Ramalho, left, and Katie Capone sit on Siesta Key Beach Wednesday, Sept. 25. The two friends were enjoying the weather a day before Hurricane Helene is due to pass by on the way to a predicted landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • September 25, 2024
Siesta Key beachgoers, merchants taking Helene in stride

As shops were preparing for storm surge, tourists were unfazed.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Guest owed $15,000 in unpaid hotel bill
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 25, 2024
Guest owed $15,000 in unpaid hotel bill

After attempting to collect a more than $15,000 tab, a downtown hotel called law enforcement for assistance. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The Town of Longboat Key will fund a $2.948 million beach nourishment at Gulfside Road in FY25.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • September 25, 2024
Fiscal year 2025 earns final approval from Longboat commission

Of the town’s $145.4 million spending outlined in a five-year capital plan, 53% — about $77 million — is expected to come in fiscal year 2025.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bradenton's Vincent Wang gets some tips from Robert LaVopa of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club during the annual Youth Fishing Tournament in 2023 at Lake Uihlein.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club reeling in registrations for annual tournament

The Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament will be held Oct. 5 at Lake Uihlein.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Indian Mound Park boat access in Englewood will have 11 commercial charter permits available under the current proposal that will be considered by the Sarasota County Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 25, 2024
Charter boat program would limit county park access to 124 permits

The Sarasota County Commission received task force recommendation to govern use of public park gulf access by private tour operators. The bidding would start at $1,200 each.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Guardians John Bartley and Joe Hodge man the security screeners at Braden River High School's football game Sept. 20.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 25, 2024
School Board of Manatee County adds safety and security to tax referendum

If renewed, the 1-mill property tax referendum will support providing security at after-school events and funding security enhancements.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Hunter Eichhorn watches his approach shot fly on the ninth hole. He already has four top-10 finishes this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and leads the LECOM Suncoast Classic after round one at nine under par.
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