• 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

Katelyn Fulghum and Vanessa Sloman, who are third grade teachers at Tara Elementary School, loved seeing Jennifer Klein, Nathan Klein, Christian Klein and Catherine Klein cheering them on during their run.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
Two Tara Elementary teachers join coast-to-coast Florida running team

The teachers wanted to challenge themselves by joining their fitness club friends in a unique effort.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program

The three students' plays will be performed at the Florida Studio Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Unit 1001 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,194 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 15, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Beach Residences condominium tops the week's sales at $5.7 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Longboat Key Garden Club officers Susan Loprete, Sharon Meir, Susan Mason, Melanie Dale, Lyn Haycock and Susan Phillips at the 2023 club's Arbor Day Picnic & Annual Meeting.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 15, 2024
Longboat Key Garden Club plans member cookbook

Next fall, a Garden Club cookbook will be available for purchase with members' favorite nature-themed recipes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cristal Aguillon, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the second in her family to graduate high school and the first to go to college.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
After family tragedy, LRHS senior refocuses to graduate

Cristal Aguillon doesn't let hardships stop her from becoming the first in her family to attend college.

  • East County
  • Schools
Officer takes 'bewildered' bird for a ride
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2024
Officer takes 'bewildered' bird for a ride

A jaywalking sparrow was taken to Save Our Seabirds, the invasive species chose flying away over euthanasia. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A bench at Bayfront Park looking toward Ringling Bridge on Aug. 30, 2023, following Hurricane Idalia.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 15, 2024
New hurricane graphics better explain the dangers of approaching storms

CEO and Chair of the Climate Adaptation Center Bob Bunting stressed the importance of understanding hurricane forecasts and what they mean for hurricane seasons that are increasing in intensity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Redevelopment may lie ahead for the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, formerly known as Southgate.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota mall redevelopment with 848 apartments inches forward

The city's planning board grants approval that marks next step toward revitalizing the former Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zoning: Killer of creativity
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 15, 2024
Zoning: Killer of creativity

Truth is, zoning has created a disaster in the U.S. — unaffordable housing and high-rise columbariums.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Red tide and you is a great place to START
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • May 15, 2024
Red tide and you is a great place to START

If you are not familiar with the local nonprofit Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, you should be.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Riverview High junior linebacker Landon Marsters.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Landon Marsters

The Riverview High junior linebacker is racking up collegiate offers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo is overseeing the largest expansion in the airport's history.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2024
SRQ CEO rebuts FAA's claims in New College land sale denial

Rick Piccolo sends documents to the Federal Aviation Administration that prove it knew of and approved the lease of 31 acres it now wants to sell to New College of Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Customers pack the counter at the Hob Nob Drive In in Sarasota after it was rumored the popular eatery was closing.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Hob Nob Drive In, a Sarasota landmark, rumored to be closing

The drive-in restaurant on U.S. 301 has been a staple of the city since 1957.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Cuba 1958 is set to open in mid-June on Main Street in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Authentic ‘old-time’ Cuban restaurant coming to downtown Sarasota

Cuba 1958 will replace Flavio’s on Main and eyes an early summer opening date.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
This Lake Club home at 16730 Verona Place sold for $2,272,500. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,023 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 14, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Verona Place tops the week's sales at $2.27 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lorenzo Liberti holds one of his hand carved flags.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 14, 2024
Teen tenaciously chases goal to end veteran homelessness

Lakewood Ranch's Lorenzo Liberti started the Give-A-Buck Foundation to build housing for veterans.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Police evict man found sleeping on a resident’s balcony
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 14, 2024
Police evict man found sleeping on a resident’s balcony

The man, a former caretaker for the property, was found sleeping on the balcony without permission. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Linda Velazquez
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 14, 2024
Longboat resident leads international green roof media company

Linda Velazquez shares her lifelong love for plants, benefits of green roofs and her tips on starting your own living architecture on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High softball's Grace Shaw-Rockey hit .444 as a senior in 2024. She will play for the University of North Florida next season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High softball saves seemingly lost season with district title

Junior pitcher Lexi Meneely keyed the Mustangs' district title run.

  • East County
  • Sports
Agriculture and dairy farming have been a way of life for Jerry Dakin and his nephews Jason Dakin, Garrett Dakin, Grant Dakin and Ethan Dakin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 14, 2024
Ownership of Myakka's Dakin Dairy to remain in the family

Jerry Dakin sold his farm to his four nephews who will continue to operate the dairy farm.

  • East County
  • News
The Longboat Key Police Department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 14, 2024
Longboat Police expansion stalls amid funding gap

The Longboat Key Police Department is looking for grants to fund a $1.3 million expansion that would add a 1,300-square-foot training facility onto the existing building.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The building located at 540 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 13, 2024
Tidewell Foundation property on Longboat Key to list for $3M

Empath Health, the parent company for the Tidewell Foundation and Tidewell Hospice, announced the listing on May 13 but said the company is committed to continuing partnerships with the Longboat Key community.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Meet Longboat Key's 'Happy Hour' dog
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 13, 2024
Meet Longboat Key's 'Happy Hour' dog

Randy Newman's dog, Daisy, is greeted more than him as he brings her to different restaurants and staples of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Blancato speaks at Senior Friendship Centers.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2024
Senior Friendship Centers hosts advocate for the needs of older Americans

Bob Blancato, the national coordinator of the bipartisan 3,000-member Elder Justice Coalition, spoke at the organization during Older Americans Month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Charlie the goldendoodle from Cannons Marina is one of Jadyn Norton's regular clients.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 13, 2024
Dog groomer makes a name for himself on Longboat Key and beyond

Jadyn Norton decided to start a new chapter in his life by moving to Sarasota. It led him to start his own business, Puppy Pals Dog Grooming, which has been a success so far.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A commission meeting is being held on Saturday, May 18 at the Lakewood Ranch High School auditorium.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 13, 2024
Manatee commissioners ready to talk 'all things Lakewood Ranch'

A County Commission meeting will be held Saturday, May 18 to help those who can't take time off during the work week.

  • East County
  • News
The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Kevin Gyurka and junior Collin Dillingham prep for the state meet at a May 11 practice. Both runners have the chance to set school records at the meet, Gyurka in the 3,200-meter run and Dillingham in the 800-meter run.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 13, 2024
ODA boys track and field athletes eye more school records

The Out-of-Door Academy has set three school records in 2024 and is hoping to set three more at the state meet.

  • East County
  • Sports
This team-building exercise involved passing the cones to each other as fast as they could while squatting. Once all the cones were passed, the women went down into a plank.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 12, 2024
New workout group leads Mother's Day class on Lido Beach

Kathryn Adelman brought mother-daughter pairs together the morning of Mother's Day as a part of her female-empowerment workout group.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Florence and the Spice Boys serves up Middle Eastern fusion cuisine.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 12, 2024
Middle Eastern fusion restaurant to open UTC location

Florence and the Spice Boys targets a fall opening in The West District at University Town Center.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Seneca Puleo came dressed as a Val'kyr from World of Warcraft.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 11, 2024
SiestaCon brings a new comic con to Sarasota

The event, held by Dark Side Comics in Sarasota and Unknown Comics in Texas, featured cosplay artist, special guests, custom vehicles and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A wide, shelled trail offers a shady walk through the Johnson Preserve at Braden River.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 11, 2024
Johnson Preserve relaunches with completed amenities

The preserve features a shelled path, a pavilion, a kayak launch and a small parking lot.

  • East County
  • News
Sonia Gauthier owns Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa with her husband. The couple moved to Florida from Montreal.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 11, 2024
Gauthier Salon and Wellness Spa plans summer mingling events

The Gauthiers will host monthly parties on their private balcony as a way to spotlight local organizations and talents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Fifth grader Alex Kulyk tries his best to get as much water in fifth grader Benjamin Rodriguez's bucket while fifth grader Alina Matevosova waits her turn.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 10, 2024
Willis Elementary hosts annual field day

Students were soaked after friendly competitions at the Lakewood Ranch school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nicole Machenheimer and Maloney
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 10, 2024
Sarasota teacher adopts dog her class met on field trip

Maloney was a special guest during a performance of "The Call of the Wild" at the Van Wezel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melanie and Bill Conerly in their Lakewood Ranch home. Conerly is running for the District 72 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 10, 2024
Former Manatee County Planning Commission member seeks state office

Bill Conerly served 12 years on the Planning Commission and is now campaigning to represent District 72 in the Florida House.

  • East County
  • News
Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 10, 2024
Longboat Key disaster prep seminar set for June 5

The 22nd Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar will feature keynote speaker Brian LaMarre, the meteorologist-in-charge with the National Weather Service in Tampa.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 »
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