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Your Observer

Emi Frydman checks out the basket of Easter eggs her family members found at the April 4 egg hunt at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. The Easter activities, open to the public, made their return for the first time since the early 2020s through the efforts of church members.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 6, 2026
Back from pre-COVID hiatus, St. Armands hosts Easter bash

Leaders at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church said they were overjoyed to bring back the community Easter egg hunt for all.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lydia Lardner, 3, makes an impressive start filling up her Easter basket with Kelly Lardner and family at the April 3 Sand Cay Condominiums Beach Resort's Easter egg hunt, a beloved tradition at the resort for more than a decade.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 6, 2026
Families return for Easter egg hunt tradition at Sand Cay

Youngsters made quick work of uncovering Easter eggs at the Longboat Key resort before enjoying watery fun.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 5, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash attracts 2,000 fans on Easter weekend

From egg hunts and slides, to mutton busting and bull riding, families had their choice of a variety of activities at the dairy in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

The Frenchman birdied the 18th hole to clinch the title and avoid a three-person playoff.

  • East County
  • Sports
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions

A Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage is in effect from April 3 through July 1.

  • East County
  • News
Eggs are droped from the helicopter.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 5, 2026
Good Friday at the Sarasota Fairgrounds draws thousands

The event featured about 50,000 Easter eggs, some of them falling from the sky through a helicopter drop, and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

Ian Gilligan and Jeremy Gandon are tied at the top, but multiple golfers are right behind them.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jack Dudonis, 3, and Maxwell Dudonis, 9 meet the Easter Bunny.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 4, 2026
Easter Bunny brings seasonal cheer to Siesta Key Village

Easter on Siesta invited the community to come meet the Easter Bunny, amid gifts and giveaways from local businesses.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians

Police Chief Russ Mager updated Longboaters on his approach to education-based law enforcement since starting last fall.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 4, 2026
Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Musician Chuck Black realized a longtime dream by playing with his band Silver Thunder at Music on Main.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts

As the resort nears the finish line on flood-proofing requirements, new improvements and a permanent CO could come next.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

Plans submitted to the Development Review Committee show replacing the vacant Sarasota Lanes with eight townhome buildings with 46 units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mitchell Meissner lines up his putt on the third green of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. He carded six under par in the second round, pulling into a 10-way tie for 10th place.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 3, 2026
Front runner emerges on second day of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

Ian Gilligan stormed ahead of the pack with a four-stroke lead for first place.

  • East County
  • Sports
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the man disregarded an order to drop his weapon and pointed it instead.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rev. Mason Waldhauser, associate rector for adult formation at Church of the Redeemer, leads the walk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 3, 2026
Stations of the Cross draws 1,000 in worship down Main Street

The walk, a Good Friday tradition, features 14 stations, each representing a part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide

Sarasota police officers rescued a man threatening to jump from the sixth floor of a downtown parking garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 3, 2026
First round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic ended early by weather

Hunter Eichhorn led the Korn Ferry Tour event at the time play was suspended.

  • East County
  • Sports
Colin Montgomery, a two-time winner of the Senior PGA Championship, is in the 135-player field committed to play April 16-19.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2026
All-star field set for Senior PGA Championship

Twenty-one major winners are part of the 135-golfer lineup heading to Lakewood Ranch's The Concession.

  • East County
  • Sports
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles

City of Sarasota transportation planners Alvimarie Corales and Corinne Arriaga have received promotions to capital projects manager and chief transportation planner, respectively.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Ross, his mother Irene Ross and sister Kimberly Ross
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2026
Passover holds powerful reminder for congregants at Temple Emanu-El

Family and freedom were some of the meanings that attendees described at the temple's Passover Seder meal, which drew about 310 people.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?

The East County Observer gets plenty of reactions from the 2026 April Fools edition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Tina Ciaccio | Michael Saunders & Company
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton

Positioned on one acre inside the exclusive gated community of The Lake Club with breathtaking lakefront westerly views, herein lies an unparalleled opportunity in this 3,734 square foot residence.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

Karie Friling had a long-time dream of retiring to Florida. She will arrive earlier than expected as the new Sarasota city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nate Gold stands with his horse Alonzo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2026
The key to happiness? Rock climber-turned-horse trainer says it's all about flow

After years of competition and traveling the world chasing his dreams, Nate Gold has found the most contentment at his Sarasota home with his family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Landscaping projects such as the one proposed for South River Road SR 777) in Venice by the state transportation department are accounted for in the state budget. But upkeep is almost always a county responsibility, something Sarasota officials are concerned about.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 2, 2026
Costs connected to roadway landscaping concern county

State budget pays to plant in medians and shoulders of state roads, but only if Sarasota agrees to a forever-maintenance deal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Irrigation regulations have been increased as the region continues to see impacts from an extended drought.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Watering restrictions increase as drought extends

A phase 3 water shortage means a narrower window to the once-a-week irrigation schedule already in place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 2, 2026
Hurricane preparedness workshop scheduled in April

A panel of experts will share tips on how to stay prepared and informed during hurricane season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ashlan Guengerich celebrates an out during Sarasota softball's game at Parrish Community on March 31. The senior owns a .528 batting average which ranks best among Sailors with 10 or more games played.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 2, 2026
Sarasota High softball eyes another deep postseason run

The Sailors are under new leadership but return major contributors from last year's state semifinalist finish.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota County has opened a 1.5-mile stretch of newly bifurcated Legacy Trail, separating bicyclists and other wheeled conveyances from walkers and runners.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2026
First phase of parallel track to Legacy Trail opens

A 1.5-mile stretch of bifurcated Legacy Trail opens to safely separate pedestrians from riders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 4423 Bay Shore Road was built in 1938 and has five bedrooms, five-and-five-half baths, a pool and 7,615 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 2, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Indian Beach home on Bay Shore Road tops the week’s sales at $9.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 2, 2026
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community

College football coaching star Urban Meyer has traded the gridiron for the Gulf. His waterfront life is busy, yet with lots of time for boating, fishing and even golf with some powerful people.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
These dishes have delighted Sarasota-area barrier islands for decades.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • April 2, 2026
These one-of-a-kind dishes are signatures of the keys

The plates locals return for, visitors remember and kitchens have perfected for decades.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 2, 2026
In pursuit of a good laugh

From monorails to teeny-tiny garbage bins, we spread the jokes out last week in our April Fools’ issue. Readers were amused … mostly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Aledia Tush, co-owner of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, has spent nearly five decades helping shape the business into a Siesta Key institution known for its welcoming spirit and family-first approach.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • April 2, 2026
After 50 years of change, the best things stay the same at this stalwart shop

A Siesta Key fixture for five decades, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters continues to thrive under the steady leadership of Aledia and Mason Tush.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The spacious living area features 16-foot-high ceilings and views out to a forest of palm trees.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • April 2, 2026
Lido Shores home pairs a modern aesthetic with splashes of personality

A Swiss architect's striking Lido Shores home blends clean lines, dramatic space and a deep connection to the tropical landscape.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Adnan Dedic
  • April 2, 2026
Adnan Dedic’s $30 Million Gulf-Front Exclusive

The resort life awaits in this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, currently under construction.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
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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
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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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