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Your Observer

A rendering of the new Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion on the campus of SMH-Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2024
$16 million donated to SMH Jellison Cancer Institute

Susan Milman has now given $21 million in support of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ready, set … give!
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • April 3, 2024
Ready, set … give!

Philanthropy is like a sport in Sarasota-Manatee. It is no surprise Sarasota has its own Super Bowl of giving. Turn on your generosity engine.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The new pedestrian hybrid beacon near Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 2, 2024
Two pedestrian hybrid beacons are now operational on Longboat Key

Two of the hybrid beacons are on the island, one at Bayfront Park over to the beach access and another near Country Club Shores.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota High track and field sophomore Grayson Cicilioni.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 2, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Grayson Cicilioni

The Sarasota High runner is moving up the ranks in the 3,200-meter run.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
An early concept shows the size of what the enhanced library building could be.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 2, 2024
Commissioners agree on largest reasonable Longboat Key library

An enhanced library would be nearly 10,000 square feet, part of which will need to be funded through private donors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Joe and Mary Kay Henson.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 2, 2024
Giving Challenge nets nearly $580,000 before it starts

Patterson Foundation matches gifts of $100 each to 728 organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Kevin Roy is 13th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list as of March 29.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 2, 2024
Lakewood Ranch professional golfer takes winding road to success

Kevin Roy almost gave up golf but now is fighting to get back to the PGA Tour.

  • East County
  • Sports
    In Memoriam |
  • April 2, 2024
Winston Monroe Register

Winston Monroe Register was born in Bismarck, ND to parents Clare E. and Elizabeth R. Register August 21, 1935.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
This Hyde Park home at 7302 Westminster Court sold for $2 million. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,193 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 2, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for March 18-22 in Lakewood Ranch

A University Park home on Westminster Court tops the week's sales at $2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
A conceptual drawing of Sarasota’s bayfront with The Bay Master Plan and a new performing arts center in place.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2024
Bay Park Board divided over arts center architect contract funding

City and county commissioners clash over the release of TIF funds for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center architect contract.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High girls track and field freshman Kiki Bullas won won the high jump (4 feet, 9.5 inches) at the 2024 ODA Academy Thunder Classic, held March 23 at The Out-of-Door Academy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 2, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Kiki Bullas

The Lakewood Ranch High freshman won the high jump March 23 at the ODA Thunder Classic

  • East County
  • Sports
Lynn Howell, the pastor of Myakka Family Worship Center, says he is humbled and honored to see the faith community coming together to support him and his family.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 2, 2024
Churches unite to support Myakka City pastor after fire

Seven churches hold benefit to support Myakka Family Worship Center's pastor after his barn burned.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Carmie Snider helps his grandson Gabriel Legutko as Legutko works to earn his Eagle Scout rank by rebuilding a Christmas tree stand at Oneco Hope Global Methodist Church.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 2, 2024
Myakka Boy Scout becomes third in his family to earn Eagle Scout rank

Following in his brothers' footsteps, Gabriel Legutko adds to his family's scouting legacy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Vacationers worried about beds made in the night
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 2, 2024
Vacationers worried about beds made in the night

After returning from the pool after midnight, the guests wondered how their beds were made. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The New Pass Groin wrapped up construction in early March 2024.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 2, 2024
New Pass groin tightened to decrease soil erosion

After about four months of work, the project wrapped up structural work at the start of March.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Olivia Mikos enjoys her first time fishing during the annual Youth Fishing Tournament in 2023 presented by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 2, 2024
Blue-green algae concerns in Lake Uihlein postpone fishing tournament

Lakewood Ranch's Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament will take place in October as Lake Uihlein undergoes treatment.

  • East County
  • News
Parrish man dies after medical episode causes crash in Publix parking lot
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2024
Parrish man dies after medical episode causes crash in Publix parking lot

A 65-year-old man lost control of his car and hit a tree in the Publix parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Cash and Snookie Register
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 1, 2024
Longboat Kiwanian Winston 'Cash' Register dies at age 88

Register was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ashley Nolan and Megan Wenger with the Tidewell Foundation are thankful for the grant Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch member Bob Grepling presented to them for Tidewell Foundation's Blue Butterfly program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club grants help Manatee, Sarasota nonprofits

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch presented $130,000 in grants to 26 area nonprofits.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Police Department Capt. Demetri Konstantopolous
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2024
Sarasota police officer completes FBI National Academy program

Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos becomes the 12th graduate of the advanced training curriculum.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dennis Skogen and his dog Buddy
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 1, 2024
Houses of worship celebrate Easter on Longboat Key

Churches on Longboat Key hold Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services for visitors and residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A L.E.A.D. session takes place at Cranberry Elementary School in North Port.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2024
School police officers lead new program to prevent drug use

The Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence program brings school resource officers and students together to tackle the issue of drug use.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Braden River High flag football Head Coach Amanda Porco said she looks for players who are enthusiastic about the sport.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 1, 2024
Braden River High flag football wants to build something special

The Pirates are 11-0 as of March 29 and believe they can compete with the state's elite.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bill Grieder, Keth Grieder, Beth and Jim Daday
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 1, 2024
Local band SoulRcoaster closes out Savor the Sounds

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce concert series had a successful run and ended with a dance party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
St. Mary Star of the Sea hosted Blessing of the Easter Baskets on March 30.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • April 1, 2024
St. Mary, Star of the Sea, blesses Easter baskets

Father Robert Dziedziak blessed congregants' Easter baskets, which were inspired by their families' cultures.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2024
The Observer plays dirty for April Fools’ Day

Our annual April Fools’ Day edition was published on March 28.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Florida Power & Light Company
  • April 1, 2024
FPL Accepting Applications for FPL Robotics Scholarship — High School Seniors Invited to Apply

Ahum Dhruv with FPL employees after receiving the $20,000 FPL Robotics Scholarship in 2023.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Michelle Behny and April Lawyer
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 31, 2024
Spanish Main residents caught 70 pounds of fish for annual fish fry

The anglers woke up before dawn throughout March to catch fish for the event on March 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bridget and Paige Palicka
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 31, 2024
Sand Cay Beach Resort Easter egg hunt challenges all ages

Families return to Longboat Key every year to spend Easter weekend with the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Slava, a Ukrainian student, stands in the rubble of his school that was destroyed in the Battle of Kharkiv.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 31, 2024
Sarasota gallery spotlights Ukraine portraits from local photographer

Now at the Lexow Gallery, Allan Mestel’s “Portrait Ukraine” project aims to create a connection between viewer and subject.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Isabelle Urfer, 3, sorts through Easter eggs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 30, 2024
Families find fun at Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt

On the grounds of Siesta Key Chapel, participants enjoyed games and activities, live animals and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Trey Jones handles the lead vocals for American Jones during My Hometown Fest at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on Saturday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 30, 2024
Thousands attend My Hometown Fest in Sarasota

Nathan Benderson Park hosted the annual fundraiser for the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Audri Wallin, 12, Sierra Mullin, 8 and Alalia Mark watch Nik Wallenda walk the tightrope.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 30, 2024
Good Friday at Payne Park takes celebration to the skies

The free event featured circus entertainers, free food, inflatables and face painting.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 30, 2024
Revised housing project forges ahead at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Plans have changed from condos to townhouses, but Lakeshore will still be built on Rodeo Drive.

  • East County
  • News
The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 30, 2024
Details in short supply for new Sarasota Performing Arts Center

The group studying the repurposing of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hears from the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center CEO but is left with more questions than answers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Music Compound's Jenny Townsend and Alyssa Martin celebrate their students being on stage during Musicpalooza Friday at Nathan Benderson Park. the event was a lead-in to Saturday's My Hometown Fest.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 29, 2024
Performance of note at Musicpalooza at Nathan Benderson Park

Five Music Compound bands took the stage at the Sarasota festival.

  • 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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