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Your Observer

    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • March 26, 2024
Target to build large-format store near Lakewood Ranch

The retailer has filed for a permit with Manatee County to build a new store, nearly 25,000 square feet larger than its average store, at Marketplace at Heritage Harbour off I-75.

  • East County
  • News
The balcony of Congressman Vern Buchanan's former penthouse in The Plaza at Five Points offers views of downtown and Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 26, 2024
US Rep. Vern Buchanan's former Sarasota penthouse listed at $6M

Previously owned by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, the Plaza at Five Points penthouse has been fully renovated.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 26, 2024
What drove Jewfish Key residents to petition for de-annexation?

A Jewfish Key homeowner provides some insight behind the homeowners association’s petition to leave the town of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Qigong instructor Sandi Love at The Paradise Center
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 26, 2024
Paradise Center qigong classes evolve with the seasons

Instructor Sandi Love explains the basis of the mind-body practice and how it can enhance your connection to nature.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Former Lakewood Ranch High softball star Claire Davidson gave up pitching for Duke University this season — and it has led to the best hitting results of the senior's career.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 26, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High grads now NCAA stars

The Lakewood Ranch area has been home to several of the NCAA's best players.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 8507 Pavia Way sold for $3.3 million. It has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,185 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 26, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for March 11-15 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3.3 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Chad Day loved fishing. He always was out around East County fishing and participating in tournaments.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 26, 2024
Memorial fishing tournament raises funds for Tidewell Hospice

Chad Day, who was an East County resident, was an avid fisherman. He died of brain cancer in 2015. His memory is now honored through the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Park Golf entrepreneur encourages diversity of opinions
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 26, 2024
Park Golf entrepreneur encourages diversity of opinions

Jeff Koffman writes that his organization wants transparency and meaningful discussion on Ken Thompson Park activation project.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Brewer's Nursery and Landscape Services is located on State Road 64 near Lorraine Road.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 26, 2024
Greenhouse provides window to rare plants

Brewer's Nursery and Landscape Services in East County created a greenhouse for plant collectors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of the preferred alternative to the Little Ringling Bridge looking toward the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 26, 2024
Single-span bridge preferred to replace for Little Ringling Bridge

A single bridge to replace the twin spans would cost an estimated $59.1 million. Construction would not begin until 2028.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dumpster diver allowed to carry on while looking for bait
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 26, 2024
Dumpster diver allowed to carry on while looking for bait

Police responded to a call about a man searching a restaurant’s dumpster for fishing bait. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Old Florida has come and gone on Longboat
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 26, 2024
Old Florida has come and gone on Longboat

A letter writer explains the impacts that have damaged Longboat Key's appeal for some.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Town canals were put into seven groups to help pursue funding sources.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 26, 2024
New surveys will provide updated report on canal conditions

Last year’s pitch to start the canal maintenance program on Longboat Key was met with commission confusion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The boat launch at Centennial Park will be closed April 1-5 for repairs.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 26, 2024
Centennial Park boat launch will be closed April 1-5

Emergency repairs are needed to fix submerged damage resulting in hazards for boat trailers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new owners of The Boatyard plan upgrades but aren’t releasing details for the property yet.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • March 26, 2024
Landmark Siesta Key property is under new ownership

The Boatyard is in the hands of entrepreneur Chris Brown and could be ripe for some significant changes.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Benjamin Aguilar, who trains with EVO Athletics, is now in his final year of junior gymnastics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 26, 2024
Siesta Key gymnast sets his sights on a national championship

Eighteen-year-old Benjamin Aguilar will compete for the U.S. Military Academy next season. Before he goes, he wants one more crack at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in May.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A downtown Sarasota building where Chase will consolidate two branches has sold.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • March 25, 2024
Downtown Sarasota bank building sells for $5.75 million

The Fruitville Road building is the site of a new Chase bank branch that will consolidate two branches across from the Aster & Links project currently under construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of six properties listed for sale as part of a Sarasota portfolio.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • March 25, 2024
Sarasota commercial portfolio on the market for $77 million

The six properties are within a mile of one another Cattleman and Fruitville Roads.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rob Hongen, Becky Jones, Joan Reploeg, Bob Appel and Suzanne Lakamp
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 25, 2024
Longbeach Condominiums marks 50th anniversary with party

Residents spent a weekend celebrating Longbeach's history, great access to nature and tight-knit community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Sheriff's Office arrests 10 in cocaine ring bust
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2024
Sarasota Sheriff's Office arrests 10 in cocaine ring bust

The Sarasota County Special Investigations Section arrested and charged 10 suspects following a monthslong narcotics investigation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse senior Lucas Anthony leads the Mustangs with 62 points.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch boys lacrosse takes a leap forward

The Mustangs are off to their best start since 2019 and believe more is to come.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rev. Brock Patterson, Rev. Jeffrey Nunes, Rev. Julia Piermont, Issac Azerad, Rev. David Marshall and Rabbi Stephen Sniderman
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 25, 2024
Where and when to worship during Easter and Passover on Longboat Key

Here are the dates and times to celebrate Easter and Passover with the six houses of worship on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Chamberlin's will open in Center Point at Waterside this spring.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 25, 2024
Center Point will add grocer, restaurants and more by summer

Chamberlin's Natural Foods and Bar Italia head the lineup coming to Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • March 25, 2024
Sarasota Yacht Club plans its expansion

The Sarasota Yacht Club has set into motion an extensive program of expansions and enhancements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Stuart Hales and Ava Lasseter greet guests at Tropical Nights on March 23.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 24, 2024
Meals on Wheels Plus hosts a swashbuckling Tropical Nights

"A Pirate's Life" was the theme of the 30th rendition of the annual fundraiser.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Palmetto 2-year-old Everleigh Flynn put her Easter basket down at Eggstravaganza March 23 at Waterside Place to concentrate on playing in the sand.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2024
Charge of the egg brigade in Lakewood Ranch

More than 500 children rushed through Waterside Park to collect Easter eggs during the annual Eggstravaganza.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Greyson is open in the Lakewood Walk plaza at the intersection of State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 24, 2024
Upscale sports bar opens in Lakewood Ranch

The Greyson in the Lakewood Walk plaza offers wall-to-wall TVs, later hours and food from scratch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
River Strand's Patty Horak and Gayle Mutechnik look forward to seeing their friends model the latest fashion.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 23, 2024
River Strand residents hit the runway for the first time

River Strand's fifth annual fashion show benefits the Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The proposed Calle Miramar hotel violates Sarasota County's Comprehensive Plan, according to a ruling by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 23, 2024
Sarasota County taxpayers on the hook for $270,000 in legal fees

The Sarasota County Commission approved settlement agreements on attorneys' fees for Siesta Key hotel opponents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Larger signs at north end access points encourage people to be more mindful of the shorebirds.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 23, 2024
Longboat reminds beachgoers no dogs are allowed

The Longboat Key ordinance protects shorebirds during nesting season, and dogs can place undue stress on wildlife.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Keynote speaker Kyle McDowell, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heather Kasten and City Manager Marlon Brown
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 22, 2024
Sarasota chamber welcomes bestselling author at annual breakfast

As the community gathered for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual breakfast, they heard from Kyle McDowell, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Crews work on the Bradenton Beach sewer improvement project in February 2023.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 21, 2024
Latest Bradenton Beach lane shift expected to last through March

The lane shift began the week of March 18 as a part of the Bradenton Beach Sewer Improvement Project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota blacksmith keeps ancient traditions alive
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 21, 2024
Sarasota blacksmith keeps ancient traditions alive

Thomas Littrell handcrafts metal items, teaches the blacksmith's craft and shares his love for history at Renaissance fairs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Built in 1959, the home at 265 Cedar Park Circle has five bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,455 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 21, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for March 4-8 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Cocoanut Bayou home on Cedar Park Circle tops the week's sales at $7.7 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Cardinal Mooney senior Carter Westendorf high fives senior Gio Zanoni after a Zanoni goal against IMG Academy. The Cougars secured the No. 1 seed in their regional tournament for the first time in 2024.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 21, 2024
Cardinal Mooney boys lacrosse shows its swagger

It might take some late-game heroics, but the Cougars (7-3) always believe in their ability to pull out the win.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Real foods, like the fresh produce found at the Sarasota Farmers Market, are a cornerstone of a healthy diet.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • March 21, 2024
How to eat for longevity with simple lifestyle changes

"If there are more than three lines of ingredients on a food label, put it back."

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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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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