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Your Observer

Former Sarasota and Braden River high schools running back Brian Battie played for Auburn University in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 19, 2024
Sarasota football star Brian Battie injured, brother killed in shooting

The brothers were shot at Tallywood Centre Plaza in the early hours of May 18. Their connections to the Sarasota community run deep.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • May 19, 2024
How to take care of your bone health

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Here's what you need to know to be your healthiest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Christy James and Art Conforti
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 19, 2024
Longboat Key Flower Shop readies for in-person shopping

The shop will hold an open house throughout the month of July complete with giveaways.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Areas of the Village in Longboat Key will be repaved starting June 10.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 18, 2024
Longboat Key Village repaving set to begin mid-June

The weeklong project will address some critical areas of need to "buy time" until future drainage projects address the Village’s roads.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle's Nancy Lepain, Hope Family Service's Tiffany Ogline and Daviana Ferrer, Lake Club Artist Guild founder Margie Meyer and Lake Club Women's Giving Circle's Barbara Najmy work together to donate artwork to Hope Family Services.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2024
Lake Club Artist Guild donates paintings to Hope Family Services

The artist guild works with the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle to donate at least 45 pieces to the Bradenton nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Natural gas leak reported in Gulfstream Avenue condo complex
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 17, 2024
Natural gas leak reported in Gulfstream Avenue condo complex

Closed lanes of U.S. 41 were reopened Friday evening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fourth grader Annabelle Wendell loves showing off her skills to her teacher, Jackie Blue, and her classmates.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Myakka City Elementary students don't horse around with academics

Students achieved three of four quarterly goals in order to attend or participate in a rodeo.

  • East County
  • Schools
Back: Mike Frashier, Svetlana Ivashchenko, Deborah DiCarlo, Chris Sachs, Lynn Larson, Jim Larson and Michael Garey. Front: Ed Krepela and Jim Whitman
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 17, 2024
Public Works manager updates Kiwanis Club on undergrounding

Guy Matricciani explains that communication with residents is the key to completing town projects efficiently.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 17, 2024
Controversial condo tower receives partial DRC sign-off

The luxurious Obsidian still faces administrative decisions on street-level adjustments while the Lofts on Lemon II public housing project faces scrutiny.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plymouth Harbor residents treated firefighters at Sarasota County Station 3 to lunch on May 15, 16 and 17.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 17, 2024
Plymouth Harbor shows appreciation to firefighters with annual lunch

Residents visited Sarasota County Fire Department Station 3, toured the facility and dined with the firefighters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jenny Ann Magarelli, 1937-2024
    In Memoriam |
  • May 17, 2024
Jenny Ann Magarelli

Jenny Ann Magarelli passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida, on May 7, 2024, at the age of 86.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Dustin Dahlquist, the principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, congratulates Karina Lee.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High School graduates look to the future

After four years of making memories in high school, graduates are ready for the next chapter.

  • East County
  • Schools
A picture of Greer Island from the beach volunteer program.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 16, 2024
LBK North residents transition from beach cleanup to education efforts

Longboat Key North began a beach volunteer program in 2021. Now the group is moving from formal patrols to education.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bradenton woman dies in rear-end collision on SR 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 16, 2024
Bradenton woman dies in rear-end collision on SR 70

The crash happened May 15 on State Road 70.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Dudley navigates the pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
Swim school helps adults overcome fear in the water

Adults travel across the country to visit the Sarasota-based Miracle Swimming School for Adults and gain confidence in the water.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mayor Liz Alpert, Addy Domian, Lizzy Mopps, Marco Vegh, Hayden Wilding, Nishalle Uthuppan, Ayla Edwards, Ethan Hylwa, Margaret Toth, Danielle Vassos and Scholarship Chair Susan Warmington
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
Sarasota students earn nearly $75K in scholarships

The financial assistance came from Sarasota County Schools, Chorus of the Keys and Military Officer Association of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
This home in Southpointe Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $5.1 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,797 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 16, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Southpointe Shores home on Cove Terrace tops sales at $5.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Paul Caragiulo is part of the winning team that reinvented Owen’s Fish Camp for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2024
Owen's Fish Camp co-owner shares the secret sauce behind the second location

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Paul Caragiulo shares how he and his brothers brought one of Sarasota's favorite restaurants to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Morgan Bettes Angell co-founded Independent Jones, while Antonio Hernandez is the chief events officer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The study area for the Main Street Complete Street visioning extends from U.S. 41 east to Lime Avenue and Fruitville Road south to Laurel Street.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 16, 2024
Vision for Main Street face-lift will require parking compromise

Sarasota city staffers tell DID board members "we have to be able to meet people halfway" when it comes to eventual complete street design.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission releases a female Florida panther that had been rescued as a kitten in 2011 at the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Florida panthers, still a rare sight, are seeking suitable territories to survive

Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, has devoted much of his adult life to the preservation of the endangered feline.

  • East County
  • News
Seth Mahlmeister (orange) has been a top offensive threat for the Sarasota Paradise.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2024
Sarasota Paradise seeks on-field improvement in year two

The team's goal: Make the postseason — and bring in more fans in the process.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Herndon, Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group plans course improvements at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A dramatic mix of colors enlivens the open concept living area, with equally dramatic views of the lake and golf course out past the swimming pool.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 16, 2024
The spirit of Shanghai enlivens a home in Lakewood National

Including influences from the years Bill and Cheri Clever's spent in China, this home dazzles with one-of-a-kind flair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sanaa Jackson talks with Fayth Jenkins
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
SSIS becomes candidate for IB program

Suncoast School for Innovative Studies continues to expand its offerings to students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals

The current principals are taking on new positions within the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Amy Kwakye-Amoah has worked with fellow teens on addressing body image, cyberbullying and other common issues.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich and Susan Lomas have dedicated their lives to caring for their son, Sammy.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Sammy's Run founders take a final lap but remain resolute in their cause

The story of Sammy’s Run is similar to the race’s namesake: a gritty mix of togetherness and toughness. Not to mention the unending love a determined couple has for their son.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • May 16, 2024
This is an Experience I Want to Share

"The quality of care was second to none," said Robert Smithson, ER at Fruitville Patient.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Cary Spicuzza has owned the Hob Nob Drive In since 1991.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Hob Nob officially closes after 67 years in Sarasota

Co-owner Cary Spicuzza cites several reasons for Hob Nob Drive In's closure, including the post-pandemic economy. But a forthcoming food truck could keep the brand alive.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Braden River High graduate Adanna Wharton hugs Principal Carl Auckerman. Wharton will go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
Braden River High graduates say farewell to high school

The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but 395 students celebrated receiving their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota's Roman Solomon committed to the University of South Florida for golf on May 2.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota golfer makes his own path

Roman Solomon, the son of MLB star Bobby Bonilla, committed to the University of South Florida on May 8.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Emily Rowley graduated from Southern New Hampshire University and now will pursue her master's degree in forensic psychology.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 15, 2024
East County woman tells those with disabilities to set their goals sky high

Emily Rowley was born without arms due to phocomelia, a rare condition that causes limb malformations. At 22, she puts herself outside of her comfort zone to chase her goals.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
“Mom How Do I Work These Wings”
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 15, 2024
Photography club lends snapshots of local life to Lakewood Ranch Library

A collaborative partnership between the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club and the new Lakewood Ranch Library fosters engagement, education and artistic expression.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Otterness has been on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance board since 2021.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance thrives as it turns 20

As the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance readies to shed itself of its teenage years, a leader with a steady hand helps guide the organization on some big goals and aspirations.

  • East County
  • Business
M/I Homes joins LWRCF's Builders Give Back program
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 15, 2024
M/I Homes joins LWRCF's Builders Give Back program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation now has 10 builders participating in the program, which will boost grants given to local nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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