Your Observer

Ian Swaby
March 29, 2024

Believers walk the Stations of the Cross along Main Street

The annual walk, a Good Friday tradition that recognizes Jesus’ crucifixion and death through 14 stations, once again drew hundreds to downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Marty Fugate
March 29, 2024

Lazy Lobster's Michael Garey is anything but lazy

This Lazy Lobster co-owner doesn’t have a lazy bone in his body. He loves his work and honors the mentors who got him started.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lesley Dwyer
March 29, 2024

Rep. Tommy Gregory applies for SCF president post

Gregory is among three finalists to take over when current State College of Florida President Carol Probstfeld retires in July.

East County
News

Observer Staff
March 29, 2024

SMH named one of the top workplaces for women in the US

The Newsweek rankings relied on surveys of more than 142,000 women and 848,000 company reviews.

Sarasota
Business

Mark Gordon
March 28, 2024

Decadeslong debate over reopening Midnight Pass continues

A big debate over a tiny body of water has gripped the region for some 40 years.

Siesta Key
News

Ryan Kohn
March 28, 2024

Sarasota High baseball searches for offense

The Sailors have sputtered at the plate but believe better days are ahead.

Sarasota
Sports

Eric Snider
March 28, 2024

In his retirement, Chris Sachs works on his new job: Building community

As president of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key, Chris Sachs has found a deeply meaningful way to give back.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
March 28, 2024

This Longboat Key home combines the charm of Old Florida living with modern-day comforts

This charming bungalow in Longboat Village is more than picturesque. It has all the prerequisites of an up-to-date vacation home.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
March 28, 2024

Manatee County buys a bookmobile to drive residents to read

The bookmobile will address a shortage of library space.

East County
News

Adam Hughes
March 28, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for March 11-15 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Sarasota home on Idle Lane tops the week's sales at $3.5 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Ringling Museum restores mysterious painting from 1700s

“Watermelon Regatta,” an 18th-century painting by the artist known only as the “Master of the Fertility of the Egg,” is on display at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 28, 2024

Parental support organization names co-chairs

Tonika Conaway and Kelly Romanoff will lead the First 1,000 Days Suncoast initiative for the next two years.

Sarasota
Business

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Community Harvest SRQ rescues produce for food banks

Community Harvest SRQ helps prevent unwanted produce from going to waste, offering the items they collect to local food banks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
March 28, 2024

Bizarre supervisor of elections saga continues in Manatee County

Commissioner James Satcher faces tough choices as election approaches.

East County
Opinion

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Good Friday pilgrimage on Main Street grows in size

The annual walk, held along Main Street in Sarasota, is anticipated to draw over 1,000 participants this year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
March 28, 2024

The Stage proposal would triple size of Payne Park city building

The Stage at Payne Park's plan would turn the space into a 300-seat performing arts venue for The Sarasota Players and other community groups.

Sarasota
News

Matt Walsh
March 28, 2024

Elections: Liberty, slavery?

The candidates’ political philosophies matter. Are they capitalists or statists?

Sarasota
Opinion

By JL Bainbridge Family Wealth Advisors
March 28, 2024

Will Your Retirement Last 30 Years?

Here’s what you should know about planning ahead for today’s average retirement from age 62 to 92.

East County
Neighbors

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Mark Monchecourt

The Sarasota High senior weightlifter won the 219-pound class at the Sarasota County Championships.

Sarasota
Sports

Ian Swaby
March 27, 2024

Nik Wallenda wants to inspire with Good Friday tightrope walk

Wallenda will perform for his hometown of Sarasota during Good Friday in Payne Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
March 27, 2024

5 Sarasota baseball stars making waves in the big leagues

The area has several candidates for breakouts this season, with an MLB debut a possibility.

Sarasota
Sports

Jay Heater
March 27, 2024

Heritage Harbour resort project tees off with club homes, hotel

Construction has begun on 74 club homes at Heritage Harbour Golf Club in east Bradenton with a Home2Suites by Hilton on the way.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
March 27, 2024

Airport authority approves land sale to New College

Before the college can purchase the 31 acres for $11.5 million, the sale must be approved by the FAA and funded by the state.

Sarasota
News

Carter Weinhofer
March 27, 2024

Longboat town leadership remains in place after uncontested runs

Two commissioners ran unopposed, and Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock keep their seats for another term.

Longboat Key
News

Adam Hughes
March 27, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for March 11-15 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A condominium in Sage LBK tops the week's sales at $5.65 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

By Letter to the Editor
March 27, 2024

Library is not the priority that residents want most

Longboat residents write that a "modern" county library is not Longboat Key's highest need.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Carter Weinhofer
March 27, 2024

Timeline for utilities undergrounding project remains far from concrete

Phase 2 of Longboat Key’s underground utilities project is close to completion, but the rest of the project’s timeline is still to be determined.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
March 27, 2024

Wandering spouse wants to be left alone

A man who doesn't want to go home tells police he wants his husband to quit following him downtown. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.