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Your Observer

Caryn Wilbraham and her foster kittens Tarporley and Neven
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 22, 2024
Longboat resident provides foster care for kittens in need

Humane Society board member Caryn Wilbraham has fostered more than 40 kittens since 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suspects questioned after climbing Quay construction fence
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2024
Suspects questioned after climbing Quay construction fence

Two men claimed they got lost after being kicked out of a nearby luxury hotel. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A conceptual rendering of a portion of The Bay with a new performing arts center near the roundabout of 10th Street at U.S. 41. An actual design for the building has not been completed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 22, 2024
Study: New arts center projected to bring $300M economic impact

The report also forecasts that a Van Wezel replacement would bring $313 million in new local tax revenues over 30 years and $1.7 billion in new construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
ODA linebacker Heath DeRusso holds the football aloft after recovering a fumble against Sarasota Christian in the team's spring game. DeRusso said the team is feeling no extra pressure after winning a SSAA Class 4A title last season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 22, 2024
ODA football uses spring season to reload

The Thunder program wants back-to-back SSAA titles, and the journey begins now.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Unit 801 condominium at Promenade has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,100 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 22, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for May 6-10 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Promenade condominium tops the week's sales at $1.8 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
CERT instructor Pat Knowles directs Cynthia Olcott on the proper way to clear an airway during a refresher course May 17 in Summerfield.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 22, 2024
Community response volunteers train for hurricane season

Annual refresher courses prepare Lakewood Ranch CERT members to potentially save lives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A fence surrounds the area that hosted pickleball courts at Lakewood Ranch Park. New courts are expected to be finished this summer.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 22, 2024
County hears LWR resident concerns on development, pickleball courts

The "All Things Lakewood Ranch" Manatee County Commission meeting was set up to provide easy access to the government officials for Lakewood Ranch residents.

  • East County
  • News
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection handles enforcement of the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act of 1996.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 22, 2024
Longboat Key considers local enforcement of mangrove rules

Investigating potential mangrove trimming violations requires time and dedicated staff, says Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The price for our liberty
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 22, 2024
The price for our liberty

At 3 p.m. Monday, pay your respects: At least observe a moment of silence or listen to ‘Taps.’

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Cardinal Mooney High rising junior wide receiver Bo O'Daniel.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 21, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bo O'Daniel

The Cardinal Mooney wide receiver caught two touchdowns in the team's spring jamboree May 16.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Two teens arrested in connection with May 16 fatal shooting
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2024
Two teens arrested in connection with May 16 fatal shooting

Two juveniles are charged with the murder of a 28-year-old man in north Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former New York City Firefighter Steve Lubrino, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, will be one of the speakers at 9/11 Day of Remembrance at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 21, 2024
Tribute to Heroes Parade to honor former NYC firefighter

Steve Lubrino, who served at the World Trade Center, will be grand marshal of Lakewood Ranch's Memorial Day parade.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Work on the Clark Road diverging diamond interchange at I-75 will be completed on June 2.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2024
I-75 ramps at Clark Road to close as interchange improvements finish

The exit will close for 18 hours as crews put the final touches on the new diverging diamond traffic pattern opening June 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paintings from Children's Art Classes
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2024
Creative Kids of SRQ enters nonprofit scene with Youth Art Show

The nonprofit offered the gallery walls to young artists and helped them visualize a future in the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 8019 Bounty Lane sold for $2.45 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,791 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 21, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for May 6-10 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Bounty Lane tops the week's sales at $2.45 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The corner of Lorraine Road and Greenbrook Boulevard is a school zone currently.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2024
Greenbrook Boulevard school zone to extend to Lorraine Road

McNeal Elementary and Nolan Middle neighbors are also requesting stop signs to calm traffic.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat resident starts nonprofit to support women
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 21, 2024
Longboat resident starts nonprofit to support women

Celebrate Her Wisdom aims to create a community of support and education for those who want to prepare for life's toughest challenges.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Plans call for 170 homes to be built on land next to the Celery Fields.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 21, 2024
Workshop doesn't satisfy opponents of development near Celery Fields

The Sarasota Audubon Society says 170 homes near the bird sanctuary is a "gigantic concern."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Nolan and Trey Naese are graduating from The Out-of-Door Academy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2024
Lakewood Ranch twins set different paths after graduation from ODA

Trey Naese is headed to Notre Dame, while Nolan Naese is going to Towson.

  • East County
  • Schools
Members of the American Legion Unit of Sarasota Bay Post. No. 30 make their way down Main Street during the Memorial Day parade on May 29, 2023.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2024
Street closures announced for Sarasota's Memorial Day Parade

Three downtown streets will be closed from 8:45 a.m. to noon Monday, May 27.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Police captain named officer of the year
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2024
Longboat Police captain named officer of the year

The Manatee County Hundred Club honored Robert Bourque for his work on the Zota Resort murder case.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Resident calls police, too afraid to talk to construction workers
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 21, 2024
Resident calls police, too afraid to talk to construction workers

An officer helped communicate with the construction crew so the resident could leave her house. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Underwater Recovery Force and marine unit searches for a missing swimmer near Turtle Beach on May 20, 2024.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 20, 2024
Body of missing Turtle Beach swimmer found by boater

The 23-year-old man was last seen Sunday night off Turtle Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Former Sarasota High running back Brian Battie remains on a ventilator after being shot May 18, according to Auburn University Head Coach Hugh Freeze.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 20, 2024
Brian Battie suffers setback in recovery, according to Auburn coach

In a May 20 message on social platform X, Hugh Freeze said Battie is still on a ventilator following a May 18 shooting in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Cyclists head out on the Ride of Silence.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 20, 2024
Ride of Silence honors cyclist victims of roadway accidents

The 22nd annual ride, a 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota, was held in honor of cyclists injured and killed on public roads.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services One Stop Shop will be located on Apex Road at Palmer Boulevard.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2024
Sarasota County breaks ground on development services building

The county's campus in the Fruitville Commons area continues its growth with the start of One Stop Shop for development services.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sammy's Run to hit the streets for a final time in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2024
Sammy's Run to hit the streets for a final time in Lakewood Ranch

The race is in its eighth year raising awareness about Phelan-McDermid Syndrome while raising money for a wheelchair bicycle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Deputies search for swimmer missing off Turtle Beach
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 20, 2024
Deputies search for swimmer missing off Turtle Beach

Two other swimmers were rescued by good Samaritans. Strong rip currents were reported in the area.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Tinkerbell and Bisou at Freedom Fest with their owners, Michael and Medge Jaspan and Frank and Martina Kinslow.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 20, 2024
Dogs who met at Freedom Fest 2023 will have puppies

Coinciding with their one-year "anniversary," Tinkerbell and Bisou are expecting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Let’s talk dog poop on Longboat Key
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 20, 2024
Let’s talk dog poop on Longboat Key

A resident writes that he's fed up with entitled dog owners who expect someone else to clean up the mess.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam uptick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2024
Sarasota Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam uptick

Callers tell victims to pay up to avoid arrest for skipping jury duty.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pools, a lagoon and 800 feet of beach access will be available at the St. Regis Longboat Key, a rendering of which is pictured.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 20, 2024
St. Regis Longboat Key now accepting reservations ahead of opening

Although the barrier island resort may not be open yet, people can make their reservations now.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Principal Rachel Shelley greets Maximiliano Lopez Zapata
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Booker High grads share advice as they prepare for their next steps

Commencement speaker Annabelle Truong had an optimistic appraisal of the moment to share during the graduation ceremony for Booker High School on May 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The moment of graduation arrives
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Sarasota High School grads look forward to forging a new path

Sarasota High School students took to the Cleland Stadium on May 18, but it wasn't for a game. It was for the last moments of an era.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Charlotte White, 15, Andrew and Katy White and Kay Chandler
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Riverview High students graduate with big dreams ahead

Students at Riverview High School left graduation on May 18 at Robarts Arena with a long journey ahead but with big shoulders to stand on.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Stolen school bus recovered in Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2024
Stolen school bus recovered in Sarasota

State troopers arrest man in Sarasota who allegedly stole a Hillsborough County bus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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

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