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Your Observer

A backhoe sits on the beach as Sarasota County continues reopening preparations.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 6, 2024
Tourism groups work to boost tourism for season after two hurricanes

Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau hope to shine a positive light on the area through campaigns and promotions to key markets.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Navy vet honored to play in Lakewood Ranch concert
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 6, 2024
Navy vet honored to play in Lakewood Ranch concert

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble's Veterans Day Concert, "Saluting Those That Served," will be Nov. 10 at Peace Presbyterian Church.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Mind these businesses
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • November 6, 2024
Mind these businesses

Sarasotans always get behind a good cause. Now it’s time to support the 941.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
SPD responds to woman hiding in shrubbery
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 6, 2024
SPD responds to woman hiding in shrubbery

The woman took refuge in bushes at Lido Beach fearing a random man may assault her. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ping Faulhaber has lived on Casey Key for more than 20 years.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • November 6, 2024
This family foundation has hands-on science learning at its heart

The Faulhaber Family Foundation — founded by a Casey Key couple — seeks to help local students fall in love with science through hands-on experiences.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Goldfarb, program manager at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 6, 2024
The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel looks toward fall semester

This November, students can start the fall season with a relaxing new series that promotes holistic healing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Crews work at the sand pile station at Coquina Beach which sifts sand left behind by Hurricane Helene's surge.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 6, 2024
Sand removal on Longboat expected to begin early December

The sand removal process will be handled by the State after vegetation, construction and demolition debris removal from Gulf of Mexico Drive is completed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Upper Manatee River Road is currently being widened from two lanes to four from State Road 64 to the Fort Hamer Bridge.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 6, 2024
Will Upper Manatee River Road improvements ease congestion?

Manatee County is currently widening the road to four lanes from State Road 64 to the Fort Hamer Bridge.

  • East County
  • News
Carlos E. Haile Middle School's Chase Anthony works on a piece of art. Anthony will display his artwork at the Manatee River Artists Guild at Waterlefe's Art and Craft Show and Sale Nov. 9.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 6, 2024
Manatee River Artists Guild's donations bring students new opportunities

Haile Middle School students visit museums and Freedom Elementary students explore new artistic mediums.

  • East County
  • Schools
Michael Nunes, Mary Bock, Robert Barney, Irina LaRose, Gregory Koss, Victoria Simko, David Roy and Sandra LaRose from David Gregory and Design 2000 salons.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 6, 2024
Longboat Key salons collaborate after hurricanes

David Gregory Salon opened its doors to Design 2000 Salon after it suffered great damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Paramedic Angel Wells
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 6, 2024
Therapy pets are the antidote to fire department's storm-related stress

The Humane Society of Sarasota County has been conducting visits to the Sarasota County Fire Department.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 540 Harbor Point Road has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,444 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 6, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 21-25 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Bay Isles tops the week's sales at $5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The view along Main Street west of Palm Avenue. The Downtown Master Plan Update committee will provide a guiding document to future development in the downtown area.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 6, 2024
Downtown master plan update committee selected

The 13-member panel will be tasked with refreshing the guiding document on the future of development in the city's core.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Aeryell Dunnuck, a volunteer, hugs Carol Felts to congratulate her on winning the Manatee County Commission District 1 race.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer, Liz Ramos
  • November 5, 2024
Manatee voters make statement by backing school tax referendum

Carol Felts completes Cinderella political story with victory in District 1 Commission race.

  • East County
  • News
Newly-elected Charter Review Board District 4 member Greg "Tex" Bukowski raises his hand in the air while being introduced after securing a win for the Republican party. From left to right: Chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota County Jack Brill, District 4 Greg "Tex" Bukowski, District 3 Tom DeSane and District 2 Stephen Webber.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota County Republicans win out in 2024 general election

With wins ranging in races from tax collector to Charter Review Board, Republicans dominated local races on election night.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Bogg and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 5, 2024
Ohlrich upends Arroyo in Sarasota City Commission race

Kathy Kelley Ohlrich ousts first-term incumbent Erik Arroyo in District 3 by a narrow margin. Liz Alpert and Kyle Battie retain their seats at the dais.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota, Manatee county 2024 general election results
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota, Manatee county 2024 general election results

The 2024 general election was held Nov. 5. The voter turnout was high in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Elections
Victor Lundy designed the Blue Pagoda, located at 655 N. Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota architect Victor Lundy dies at age 101

A leading member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Lundy died Nov. 4.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 5, 2024
Dates set for March 2025 Longboat Key election

The general election will take place on March 11, 2025, and a preliminary election, if necessary, will be held on Jan. 28, 2025.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nik Wallenda puts a charge into the crowd as well as the 50-foot Christmas Tree at University Town Center by crossing Cattlemen Road on the high wire Nov. 11, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2024
King of the High Wire to usher in holiday season at Santa's Grand Arrival Parade

Nik Wallenda loves performing in his hometown of Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Plymouth Harbor employees on the top row: Taylor Ormrod, Helen Dailey and Denys Semeniuk Residents on the bottom row: Kathy Hendricks, Tom Landers and Marie Belcher.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 5, 2024
Plymouth Harbor residents raise more than $300,000 to help its employees

After 68 employees applied for hurricane relief, residents pitched in to support them as a way to show their appreciation for everything they do.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Outlined in red is the proposed site for a future development fronting Fruitville Road and Fourth Street near Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 5, 2024
Collaboration results in approval of Fruitville Road rezoning

Months of meetings between multiple parties will permit rezoning of prime parcels to Downtown Core. The affordable housing density bonus will allow up to 200 units per acre on the 1-acre site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tennis pro John Eagleton hopes to be a key part of the new phase at Cedars Tennis Resort and Club.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 5, 2024
Cedars Tennis Resort enters new era in adding tennis pro John Eagleton

The staff at Cedars and new Tennis Director John Eagleton are hoping to lean on Eagleton's expertise and tennis connections to build Cedars as a popular tennis resort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Country Club home at 13603 Blythefield Terrace sold for $2.4 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 5,814 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 5, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 21-25 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Blythefield Terrace tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
People line up to vote at the polling station at Siesta Key Chapel Tuesday afternoon.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • November 5, 2024
Voters turn out in high numbers in Sarasota, Manatee

Manatee County appears to see record turnout; Sarasota just shy of 1992 mark.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Independent Jones' Antonio Hernandez, Paul Benjamin of Benjamin Productions and Independent Jones' Morgan Bettes Angell stand at the bridge leading into Waterside Park. The bridge will serve as the entrance into the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival Dec. 7.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2024
Final preparations in order for inaugural Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

Producer Paul Benjamin says the Lakewood Ranch location should be a great place for the event to prosper.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Welfare check turns out to be resident dodging a 'bad friend'
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 5, 2024
Welfare check turns out to be resident dodging a 'bad friend'

The caller hadn’t heard from the resident since before the hurricanes, but there was more behind the pair’s friendship. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Hayleigh Vuong, Sriya Ashok, Marguerite Barnett, Imelda Pallen Berry, Francis and Malloy McCaffrey, Romal Boldadora and Aegean McCAffrey perform at the Asian Talent and Fashion Show in 2023.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 5, 2024
East County benefit showcases Asian culture

The American Asian Women's Association is hosting its annual talent and fashion show at the University Park Country Club.

  • East County
  • News
Barry Weisblatt has lived on Siesta Key for five years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 5, 2024
Whiteleaf Private Concert Club founder is ready to rock

Regrets? Barry Weisblatt has had a few. Like not getting a photo with Paul McCartney when he had a chance. But the Siesta Key resident, with live music as the backdrop, has mostly lived a charmed life.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer’s crimes against humanity
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 5, 2024
The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer’s crimes against humanity

Three governments tried to suppress evidence revealing that Pfizer and federal officials knew the company’s vaccine would not stop COVID and was deadly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Outdoor seating at The Cottage, Siesta Key. The restaurant is back in operation after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 4, 2024
Two Siesta Key restaurants reopen after Milton

The Cottage and The Hub Baja Grill welcomed customers back on Saturday, Nov. 2.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Blackburn Point Swing Bridge was built in 1925.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 4, 2024
A decision looms for the Longboat Pass Bridge's replacement

Transportation officials are studying options for a new bridge on the north end of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Left side: Holly Braun, Brent Piersma, Ann Quackenbush, Dennis Piermont and the Rev. Julia Piermont. Right side: Sue Wertman, Mike McCullough, Michael Gardiner and Andy Sawyer at the Christ Church food drive.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 4, 2024
Christ Church of Longboat Key host annual food drive for hurricane relief

Longtime volunteers of Our Daily Bread were amazed at the amount of donations church members and Longboaters brought.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The beauty of both the competitors and the course were on display in 2023 during the cross country event of The Event at TerraNova. Katie Malensek of Canada rides Cheerio.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • November 4, 2024
World-class competition set at TerraNova in Myakka

Some of the world's best riders are slated to compete.

  • East County
  • Sports
Celeste Pillan and Mariol Werner create a large flower.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 4, 2024
Hurricanes don't put a stop to the Sarasota Int'l Chalk Festival

After the storms, the festival deals with slowing ticket sales but finds art supplies in hurricane debris.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sutter Roofing came to the aid of the Ski-A-Rees water ski team recently with the company's massive crane to help lift the bleachers out of the water. The bleachers had blown into Sarasota Bay as a result of Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • November 3, 2024
Sarasota roofing firm provides pick-me-up with crane for water skiing nonprofit

Despite seeing his business multiply after the storm, the president of Sutter Roofing believes it's important to take time out to help the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
As a junior last season, Jayla Griffin led the Cougars in points, rebounds and assists per game en route to the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 2 semifinals.
  • June 2, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jayla Griffin
2
Several residents report checks mailed from the post office in Lakewood Ranch have been stolen and washed.
  • June 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Post Office mail theft investigation continues
3
Lido Shores Property Owners Association board members, including President Michelle Swartz, Vice President Jon Tilkemeier, Tom Fitzgerald and Jan Farber, joined team members from New Pass Dock & Seawall, including Co-Owner Jonathon Sisler, President and Co-Owner Todd Wagner and Sales Manager Matt Billib, to break ground on a new beachside pavilion to replace one destroyed by the 2024 hurricanes.
  • June 2, 2026
Lido Shores breaks ground rebuilding meeting space
4
Natalie Gutwein is among those leading the charge to create the Siesta Key Beautification Task Force.
  • June 2, 2026
Siesta Key advisory task force will include seven members
5
Pianist Michael Stephen Brown will replace Robert Levin as a faculty member at the Sarasota Music Festival and will perform on June 6 at Holley Hall.
  • June 1, 2026
A slimmer Sarasota Music Festival aims to be as satisfying as ever

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