• 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

The trolley service launched in 2017 as the Siesta Key Breeze.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 9, 2024
Siesta Key trolley serves 2 millionth rider

The trolley is being rebranded as the Route 77 Siesta Islander, and arrival times can be tracked via the Breeze Rider app.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Linda Lombardo Gidel
    In Memoriam |
  • May 9, 2024
Linda Lombardo Gidel

Linda Lombardo Gidel, 73, of Longboat Key, Florida — beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend and philanthropist — passed away peacefully in the presence of close family members on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The home at 1321 Point Crisp Road has five bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,572 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 9, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 22-26 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Siesta Key home on Point Crisp Road tops the week's sales at $8.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Nicholas Gladding was recently appointed to Longboat Key's Planning and Zoning Board.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 9, 2024
Commissioners appoint new, incumbent members to town’s boards

Among the new appointments was Nicholas Gladding, who will take over David Green’s seat on the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ellen Jaffe Jones has competed in Senior Games events, but is just as happy to run local events. To her, getting to run at all is the whole point.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 9, 2024
71-year-old Sarasota runner has placed in 300 races

Ellen Jaffe Jones has advice for people looking to enjoy a long life of running.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The historic McAlpin House at 1530 Cross Street occupies a key parcel in the redevelopment plans of Orange Pineapple LLC for a 3.1-acre site in downtown.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 9, 2024
City of Sarasota approves demolition permit for historic house

A developer pledges that the destruction of the McAlpin House will be the last resort.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lisa Schurr, co-founder and director of Support Our Schools, addresses the board, including members Tim Enos and Chair Karen Rose (pictured).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 9, 2024
Sarasota School Board votes to reject new Title IX rules, risks federal funding

The resolution defines biological sex as "an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid, or altered,” and pledges to support for legal opposition to Title IX changes.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
  • By The Ronto Group
  • May 9, 2024
Life at The Owen Golden Gate Point: Between the City and the Sand

Situated in one of downtown Sarasota’s most cherished historic locations, and framed by Sarasota Bay, the gated Owen Golden Gate Point is being developed by The Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Alternatives for the Longboat Pass Bridge focus on bicyclist and pedestrian safety, widening lanes and building higher to avoid frequent openings.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 8, 2024
Traffic study points way toward solutions for Longboat congestion

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization will soon create an implementation plan for the Barrier Islands Traffic Study completed in 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Riverview High junior pitcher Allison Cole finished the 2024 season with a 1.40 ERA and a 14-5 record over 124.2 innings.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 8, 2024
Sarasota spring athletes get their due

With the season winding down, these athletes made the most of their individual opportunities.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lido residents concerned about increased activity at Ted Sperling Park
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 8, 2024
Lido residents concerned about increased activity at Ted Sperling Park

Loud music, suspicious activity and personal watercraft cause disturbances, according to some residents who believe that better enforcement may be needed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The University Park Recreation District has issued a second series of bonds for $21 million to upgrade the country club's amenities.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 8, 2024
Bond issue returns in University Park

Some University Park residents express concerns over the debt issued to enhance the country club's amenities.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School senior Jared Mohr plays piano at Arts Alive. It was his first public performance after starting to learn how to play piano two years ago.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2024
Visual and performing arts key to student education

Participating in arts and music classes can open doors to new opportunities for students.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Longboat Key Turtle Watch's first recorded nest of the 2024 season.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 8, 2024
Longboat Key Turtle Watch records first nests of 2024

The organization recorded the first nest on the Manatee County side on May 3, and since then activity has increased.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Destined for dissolution?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 8, 2024
Destined for dissolution?

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation should pull out The Bay Park Conservancy playbook. The foundation, city and county are not in alignment.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Shocker: DeSantis puts politics above competence
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 8, 2024
Shocker: DeSantis puts politics above competence

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed inexperienced Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher over the most qualified candidate in Florida to be Manatee County’s supervisor of elections.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Don’t let Florida become California
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 8, 2024
Don’t let Florida become California

Increasing the supply of affordable housing takes a few common-sense steps. But local politicians are the big obstacle. They don’t have the will or courage.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Evicted couple fills the dumpster on the way out
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2024
Evicted couple fills the dumpster on the way out

Large furniture and other items placed in and around an apartment complex's trash left it inaccessible. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Manatee Search and Rescue staff members T.J. Olsen and Jared Leggett rescue a woman trapped in her Myakka City home on Singletary Road by rising waters during Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 8, 2024
East Bradenton emergency teams urge hurricane preparation

Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team members and Manatee officials gear up for a hurricane season that's predicted to see dozens of storms.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 6111 Gulf of Mexico Drive has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,320 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 8, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 22-26 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Sleepy Lagoon tops the week's sales at $8.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Jeremiah Gonzalez, a senior at Braden River High School, went from a shy, quiet freshman in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps to serving as the program's battalion commander this year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2024
Braden River High senior's key to graduating: Keep moving forward

Jeremiah Gonzalez overcomes mental health challenges and focuses on focuses on positivity to get to graduation.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix will be held in September 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 7, 2024
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix moves to mid-September

The racing event, which celebrates 40 years, had traditionally been held on the weekend of July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Femcity of Sarasota hosts a Hawaiian-themed party for its spring fashion show on May 2.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 7, 2024
Local women's networking group hosts Hawaiian-themed fashion show

Female entrepreneurs found networking opportunities, business advice and sisterhood from the Sarasota Branch of Femcity.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Allan Goldfarb and Isaac Azerad in 2018
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 7, 2024
Allan Goldfarb honored at Temple Beth Israel for board service

After 10 years of ensuring TBI's safety, Goldfarb is honored by synagogue members after stepping down from his official position.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney High junior girls track and field runner Mishyah Rumph.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Mishyah Rumph

The Cardinal Mooney High track and field athlete is a school record-setter.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Braden River High then-junior quarterback Lucas Despot threw a touchdown pass to Yahshua Edwards against Lakewood Ranch High in 2023. New Pirates Head Coach Eric Sanders wants Despot to lead more in 2024.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2024
East Bradenton football programs spring forward

As the spring practice season begins, here is what fans of Braden River High, Lakewood Ranch High and ODA should watch.

  • East County
  • Sports
The home at 720 Crosswind Ave. has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,508 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 7, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 22-26 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lakehouse Cove at Waterside on Crosswind Avenue tops the week's sales at $2.75 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
NASA Webb Space Telescope unveils young stars in formation.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 7, 2024
Recent space discoveries subject of NASA scientist's presentation

Longboat Key resident Frank Sulzman spoke to the Bird Key Yacht Club about the Webb Telescope and the possibility of finding life on other planets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Man who forgot how to use his phone worries daughter
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 7, 2024
Man who forgot how to use his phone worries daughter

A woman called police to conduct a welfare check on her father, who had turned his phone off and forgotten how to turn it on. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
A 2027 opening is targeted for the Signature Academic Building.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 7, 2024
Ringling College details plans for Signature Academic Building

The new facility is designed to be an admissions hub and provide more learning space for students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The owner of the Swim Gym of Lakewood Ranch, Anita Pope, is a certified Infant Swimming Resource instructor.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 7, 2024
Lakewood Ranch swim schools encourage water safety at young age

With International Water Safety Day on May 15, pool safety is at the forefront of a fun, safe summer.

  • East County
  • News
An oak tree blocks Grove Street in Southside on Sept. 29, 2022, following Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 7, 2024
Sarasota County ready for hurricane season, officials say

Researchers around the country predict an active year for storms driven by warm conditions in the Atlantic.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High pitcher Lexi Meneely, pictured last season, held Parrish Community to two runs in the district championship on May 1.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Lexi Meneely

The Lakewood Ranch High softball junior helped her team to a district championship May 2 with her pitching and hitting..

  • East County
  • Sports
ESPN host Kevin Negandhi, Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Dick Vitale, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, University of Tennessee men's basketball coach Rick Barnes and V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson pose before the Dick Vitale Gala.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2024
Dick Vitale Gala remains a night of hope

The annual event, held May 3 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, was a reminder of what is important.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ginger Collins, the principal of Southeast High School, is thrilled to be adding Korissa Erdman, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to her staff. Erdman will teach math.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 6, 2024
USF, Manatee schools partner to address teacher shortage

Eight University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee students will start their careers with the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
A conceptual drawing of Sarasota’s bayfront with The Bay Master Plan and a new performing arts center in place.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 6, 2024
Foundation to pay for design phase of new performing arts center

All expenditures for the project are to be divided equally among the public and private sectors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 »
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