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Your Observer

Walkers head out on the walk in 2025.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2026
Teams prepare for April 11 Walk to Defeat ALS

Last year, the annual walk raised $92,318 in support of resources and research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse donated $100,000 to Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing fund.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Culverhouses prime Season of Sharing with $100,000 donation

Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse have donated $100,000 to the annual Season of Giving fund to directly aid households in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lido Shores home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is listed at $12.98 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Lido Shores home hits the market at $12.98 million

The home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway is owned by It Works! co-founder and author of "Rich Girl Poor Girl."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tony Barrett is running for the at-large District 6 commission seat in Manatee County.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
East Manatee fire commissioner enters at-large County Commission race

Tony Barrett hopes to earn a seat as his term as fire commissioner comes to an end.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 1, 2026
Citywide speed limits set at 20 mph on local streets

As part of Sarasota's traffic calming plan development, local street speed limits are capped at 20 miles per hour, faster for collector and arterial roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The southern end of Longboat Key feature many mid-rise condo buildings including the Beaches of Longboat Key (right, built in 1984), Regent Place of Longboat Key (middle two buildings, built in 1995) and Longboat Key Towers (left two buildings, built in 1970).
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Inspections show LBK condo buildings in sound shape but come at a cost

Milestone inspections are required by the state for three-story or higher condo buildings that are 30 years or older.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Myakka's Sydney McCullough shows off the first place ribbon and belt buckle she won in January for whip cracking in the senior division at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2026
Cracking a whip has been a snap for Myakka teenager

Sydney McCullough displays the art at Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Man falls for electronic payments scam of $6,000

While liquidating assets prior to a move, a man transfers three transactions to an alleged buyer before finally figuring out he was conned. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Garden Club President Melanie Dale helps lead efforts to beautify and support the Longboat Key community. Butterflies visit flowering plants cultivated to support pollinators, reflecting the club's focus on sustainable, Florida-friendly landscapes.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • April 1, 2026
Longboat Garden Club's efforts help beautify and nurture a community

The Longboat Key Garden Club has spent decades transforming public spaces, supporting local causes and proving that gardening can be both glamorous and hands-on.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 1, 2026
A staple of Longboat Key for over 40 years, Harry's Continental Kitchens keeps it fresh

This Longboat Key landmark blends Old World cuisine, family tradition and a commitment to hospitality.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The home at 590 Birdie Lane sold for $5.5 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,297 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 1, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A The Condominium Residences at Longboat Key condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive tops the week’s sales at $6.2 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
DOGE questions Manatee County's capital expenditures, additional staff

The purchase of an administration building in Lakewood Ranch and the expanded Information Outreach department were cited as examples of excessive spending.

  • East County
  • News
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research

Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor, hosted the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Sports
Artist Darina Bratkova, originally from Ukraine, is the creator of thought-provoking, water-based scenes that many visitors to St. Armands Circle first view when coming to the business hub. She shared how she got her start as an artist and her hopes for educating others in the future.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 1, 2026
St. Armands artist shares insight into thought-provoking art

After moving from Kyiv, Darina Bratkova found an opportunity to pursue her passion for art in Florida, growing to be a featured artist at a St. Armands Circle gallery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility

Creative scheduling allows 762 children to participate in the league.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Traffic headed north off Longboat Key often backs up onto the Longboat Pass Bridge as Anna Maria Island has become a congestion hotspot on the barrier islands.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 1, 2026
Citizen survey shows love of Longboat, but road issues remain

Most takeaways weren’t a surprise, but the data still has value to town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bravo's Pizzeria & Italian Eatery at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota has closed.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 31, 2026
Pizzeria closes on Main Street in Sarasota

Bravo’s Pizza & Italian Eatery has shuttered next to the Hollywood 11 movie theater.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Bird Key Yacht Club members Carol Smith, Amy Lazarus and Beth Nothstine played instrumental roles in keeping the club's lecture series fresh this season by inviting friends to tell their fascinating life stories. Closing out the series, Bobbi Brown shared tales from her journey starting a makeup empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 31, 2026
Longtime friendships make Bird Key lecture series possible

The Seafarers Speaker Series brought special guests to tide over Bird Key Yacht Club until the new clubhouse is finished.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Animal in car deemed not a criminal offense on breezy, 68-degree day
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Animal in car deemed not a criminal offense on breezy, 68-degree day

Police determined there was no animal abuse occurring as the car windows were cracked and the owner sat nearby. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers

The newest class of Sarasota police officers includes a former pro baseball pitcher, college football player and the daughter of two retired SPD captains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Geordie Rauch (1980—2026)
    In Memoriam |
  • March 31, 2026
Geordie Rauch

George Washington Rauch IV, known to everyone as Geordie, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida, after suffering a sudden cardiac event. He was 45 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been named president of the Florida Future Business Leaders of America. This makes her the first of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
LRHS junior named president for Florida's Future Business Leaders of America

Gabriella Martinez Reyes will lead 11,000 members of Florida Future Business Leaders of America.

  • East County
  • Schools
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts

The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Jacobey Mobley's speed isn't just on the track. He was Booker football's leading rusher in 2025 en route to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacobey Mobley

The senior won two races at the Hurricane Invite for Booker High boys track and field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Coquina Beach parking lot has dozens of free spots for beachgoers. There were plenty of open spaces Monday, March 30 as rain began to fall.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Paid parking considered on Anna Maria Island

Manatee County Board Chair Tal Siddique said the idea is to reduce the tax burden of lot maintenance away from those who don’t utilize the beaches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Indigo's Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
Dirty Sara-Soda hopes to clean up with a new beverage

The "dirty soda" mobile business is owned by Lakewood Ranch's Amber Hanratty, who saw an opening in the market.

  • East County
  • Business
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam (left). Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
SB 538 will improve pay for some coaches but leave many behind

The bill, which has already passed the Florida Legislature, is poised to benefit booster-friendly programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Easter Bunny offers encouragement to the families joining the egg hunt at Longboat Key Club Resort.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 31, 2026
Hop to it this Easter weekend on Longboat Key

From Easter services to egg hunts, check out these Longboat Key events happening next weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique speaks with community group Longboat North at Longboat Island Chapel Thursday, March 19.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Some north-end community center details emerge, others remain unknown

Manatee County will invest hundreds of thousands, Longboat Island Chapel will provide space, and The Paradise Center will provide programming. Other details are less clear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Country Club Village home at 7028 Portmarnock Place sold for $4.55 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-three-half baths, a pool and 7,072 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 31, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Portmarnock Place tops the week's sales at $4.55 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
  • By Gulf Coast Community Foundation
  • March 30, 2026
Navigating Philanthropy with Clarity & Confidence

You don’t need to be an expert to explore these options; your trusted advisor or Gulf Coast Community Foundation can help guide you through what makes the most sense for your situation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The white shell median on Bay Isles Road near Town Hall will be refreshed in a landscaping project set to wrap up before Independence Day.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 30, 2026
Landscaping work planned on Bay Isles Road

Saltwater tolerant plants will be used on the medians, and the project is expected to wrap up in time for the Fourth of July parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

The Ranch Scramble draws 140 golfers and 40 businesses to Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • March 30, 2026
Burton S. Rosenfield

Burton Sheldon Rosenfield, 94, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away February 16, 2026, Presidents’ Day. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah and his four children.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Jeff Smith, president of the Landings Management Association, and Judi Smith, display two tanks into which they dumped phytoplankton, one with oysters and one without, to show the work the oysters do in keeping the water clean.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 30, 2026
The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Nature Day by the Bay allowed the public to explore the neighborhood's trails, which run through its 78 acres of mangroves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
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
5
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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