• 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
  • LWR Life
  • 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
  • LWR Life
  • 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

Julie Aranibar stands outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • June 26, 2013
Paris adventure adds value to Manatee schools

A trip to the 50th annual Paris Air Show showed Manatee County School Board Vice Chairwoman Julie Aranibar the best in defense and commercial aviation, and how she could bring what she learned to local classrooms.

  • East County
  • News
Brett Morrow, a former class clown, opened Jumpin Fun Sports, a new trampoline park, Saturday, June 22.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • June 26, 2013
Lakewood Ranch trampoline park opens

Jumpin Fun owner Brett Morrow went 35 years without jumping on a trampoline. Now, his enthusiasm for fun is springing to life in the form of his new business.

  • East County
  • News
Silver-spun concrete poles, built to withstand winds of 145 mph, stand and lie on grass near the eastern entrance of The Concession Golf Club.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • June 26, 2013
Construction on Bobwhite transmission line begins

Florida Power and Light's much-delayed $20 million power line project spans 24.5 miles, from Manatee to Sarasota counties.

  • East County
  • News
East County residents Spyder Broussard and Tommy Klauber, owner of the Polo Grill, will work together to bring the spice and style of Cajun cuisine to the area this weekend.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 26, 2013
Broussard and Klauber team up for annual feast

The Polo Grill and Bar will host its annual Louisiana-inspired Shrimp Boil this weekend in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Cops Corner 6.26.13

June 17 Fishing FOR TROUBLE 3:27 p.m. - 2900 block of 53rd Avenue E. Theft. A woman took a tank-top from a store and concealed it in her purse. She then walked to the sporting-goods area and selected several fishing lures, which she put in her purse. She exited the store without paying. Loss-prevention specialists confronted the woman. Deputies arrested her.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
11U Silver Hawks Baseball Club of Lakewood Ranch team: Aaron Combs, Tyler Moss, Myles Kaitz, Jordan Brown, Calvin Hedgepeth, D.J. Marra, Noe Antuna, Kevin Alonzo, Calvin Chapman, Mikey Gagnon and Michael Murphy
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 26, 2013
SIDELINES 6.27.13

Cal Ripken 8U All-Stars secure district crown; Lakewood Ranch High to hold softball camp;NJCAA announces academic award winners;Silver Hawks end season with second-place finish

  • East County
  • Sports
B.J. Webb
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Webb to lead USTA Florida Foundation

The United States Tennis Association Florida Section Foundation appointed B.J. Webb as volunteer president of the organization.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Jonathan Katz and new friends
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Rabbi Katz's help goes shofar in Hawaii

When Rabbi Jonathan Katz blew the shofar recently at a wedding he officiated in Hawaii, he joked he was blowing on a Jewish conch shell.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Town Manager Dave Bullock is giving the 11 members of the Longboat Key Police Department Union until June 28 to decide upon one of three retirement options.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 26, 2013
Police ponder pension alternative

A defined-contribution option for union-represented police officers allows officers to put up to 35.4% of their paychecks, including Social Security, toward their retirement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Whitney Beach Plaza has recently undergone renovations.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Whitney Beach likely to raise the bar

Plaza owner Richard Juliani says a new bar and liquor store are coming to the old Tiny's - but don't raise those glasses just yet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 26, 2013
Subcommittee debates places to store boats

A subcommittee believes boats and trailers should be confined to side yards and backyards, out of sight.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Town Manager Dave Bullock told Longboaters last week you pay a price for living on an island as beautiful as Longboat Key.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 26, 2013
Longboat officials tell residents to be prepared

Town Manager Dave Bullock urged Longboat residents to remember that the Key is vulnerable to hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
MW Development Group pitched a Colony redevelopment proposal in 2008 and has been part of two failed settlement negotiations; currently MW Development is in the middle of settlement negotiations with affected Colony parties.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 26, 2013
MW Development Group pushes Colony project

Longboat Key-based MW Development Group is negotiating settlement agreements with Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties, even though the Colony Association Board of Directors didn't select its project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Our View: Two who do it right

One of the rote lessons of journalism school is the definition of 'news.' In simplest terms, it is the unusual or extraordinary. 'Dog bites man' is not news. 'Man bites dog' is.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Rabbi Jonathan Katz of Temple Beth Israel and Florence Katz
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • June 26, 2013
Friends celebrate Florence Katz's tireless volunteer work with seniors

Florence Katz, 98, recently received the Salute to Senior Service Award for the entire state in a contest sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Obituary: Rita Murphy

Rita Murphy, 66, of Longboat Key and formerly of Longwood, died June 16.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Obituary: Dale Elizabeth Herbst

Dale Elizabeth Herbst, 66, of Kansas City, Mo., died June 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barbara P. Arau
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Obituary: Barbara P. Arau

Barbara P. Arau, 83, died June 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Isabella Torres had fun painting at last year's Freedom Fest.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Longboat Freedom Fest to paint town red, white and blue

Longboat Key's annual Fourth of July parade is short in length but goes the extra distance on charm.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
5441 Howard Creek Road. Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker.
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • June 26, 2013
Three Things: Summer Fun

Sarasota used to be a winter vacation mecca. But all that's rapidly changing as our summer season continues to blossom. Here are three Sarasota homes currently on the market that celebrate Sarasota's new attitude toward summer fun.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Nate Ditchfield and Troy Larkin are eager to share their love of golf with others. "We really want the local golf industry businesses to benefit from what we do," Larkin says.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 26, 2013
Reserving tee times made easy

Sarasota resident Nate Ditchfield and Lakewood Ranch resident Troy Larkin started EverythingGolfUSA.com for local golfers.

  • East County
  • Sports
Stephen Markowski, Nate Ashley, Conor O'Neil, Ryan Bolduc, Luca Dominguez, Ryan Sforzo and Connor Rice all have played an instrumental role in helping lead the Manasota Lacrosse Academy's U11 team to back-to-back perfect regular recreational seasons.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 26, 2013
Back-to-Back Champs

The Manasota Monsters U11 Orange team won the Casey Powell Orange Classic and the Rippin' at the Ranch tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
NEWSBRIEFS

The Ancient Oak Gun Club held its grand opening June 22; Manatee School District names new leadership

  • East County
  • News
This home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,701 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million. Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 26, 2013
Country Club Village home sells for $1.2 million

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Larry and Peggy Mulkey, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13215 Palmers Creek Terrace to Michael and Kimberly Milazzo, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
NEWS BRIEFS

The late Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle was one of three law-enforcement officers whose names were added to the Florida Police Chiefs Association Wall of Honor June 19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Lore
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
FROM THE ARCHIVES 1980: Jewfish got lone residence

The Longboat Observer's June 26, 1980, issue reported that the first Jewfish Key lot had been cleared for a home that Cortez resident Raymond Guthrie was building.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
COPS CORNER: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's issue of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The panel: Erick Shumway, of RE/MAX Alliance Group in Sarasota; Richard Juge, of RE/MAX Alliance Group, in New Orleans; and Stan Rutstein, of RE/MAX Alliance Group, in Bradenton
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • June 26, 2013
Commercial real-estate experts commend Manatee's growth

At the Commercial Real Estate Symposium, a panel said the county has taken the lead on growth and that consumers should buy now.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Business Briefs 6.26.13

Ryland Homes selling well in GreyHawk Landing; Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware named top performer; Big Summer Golf Card Holdings moves to Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
John Witton submitted this photo of Nik Wallenda practicing at Nathan Benderson Park for his Grand Canyon walk.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Weather Photo 6.26.13

John Witton submitted this photo of Nik Wallenda practicing at Nathan Benderson Park for his Grand Canyon walk.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ruth Strauss, who is known as the technological guru of library volunteers, scrolls through selections on an Amazon Kindle. Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
Library members check out new digital options

Sarasota County staff taught Longboat Library volunteers the basics of accessing materials through iPads, Kindles and other technologies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Unit 307 at Water Club, 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,273 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 26, 2013
Water Club condominium sells for $1.55 million

A condominium in Water Club at Longboat Key tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Takako Richards, of New York, sold her Unit 307 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Thomas and Pamela Gurrentz, of Orlando, for $1.55 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Courtesy photo Nearly two decades after Vickie Brill got her start in politics going door-to-door, she’s a rising figure in local Republican politics.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 26, 2013
YOUR NEIGHBOR: Vickie Brill

Vickie Brill got her start in politics when she was 5 or 6, walking door to door with her dad, Jack Brill, to help out with Republican campaigns.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Letters to the Editor

To weakly paraphrase William Shakespeare, nothing presented itself as well in your '100 can't speak for all' editorial as its closing four paragraphs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Samantha Mills and Natalia Mock demonstrate something you might do in their class. Courtesy Photo
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • June 26, 2013
Dance yourself fit this summer at FST

A series of six classes, titled 'Broadway Dance for Fitness (and Fun!),' on Tuesdays at Florida Studio Theatre begins July 9.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David Johnson submitted this photo, taken in the surf off Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2013
Weather Photo: Longboat Key

David Johnson submitted this photo, taken in the surf off Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 1277 1278 1279 1280 1281 1282 1283 1284 1285 1286 »
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
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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