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Your Observer

Before and after conceptuals of commercial vs. mixed-use developments.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 7, 2024
Suburban affordable housing incentives net first-round approval

The city ordinance would encourage affordable housing in mixed-use developments along commercial corridors and in commercial centers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Stacy Lahdenpera and Superintendent Terry Connor
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 7, 2024
Stacy Lahdenpera named School-Related Employee of the Year

The Riverview High admin assistant will enjoy a free two-year lease on a 2024 Ford Bronco.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The core library space is estimated to be around 8,000 square feet.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 7, 2024
Second public workshop on the way for Longboat public library

The meeting on March 18 will give residents another opportunity to weigh in on the project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
New College plan makes no sense for taxpayers
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 7, 2024
New College plan makes no sense for taxpayers

New College of Florida’s new president, Richard Corcoran, and the DeSantis board appointees have an ambitious plan. But when you analyze the economics, you can’t justify the $400 million-plus cost to taxpayers.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Sarasota Art Museum
  • March 7, 2024
Two New Exhibitions Come To Sarasota Art Museum

To learn more about and see these two new exhibitions, visit Sarasota Art Museum, located at the old Sarasota High School.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Jackson Holliday signs autographs for fans at Ed Smith Stadium before the Baltimore Orioles' Feb. 29 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 6, 2024
Orioles spring training once again a treat for fans

This is Sarasota baseball fans' chance to see a World Series contender in action.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
For-profit charter school approved amid public opposition in Sarasota
    By
  • James Peter
  • March 6, 2024
For-profit charter school approved amid public opposition in Sarasota

Sarasota Classical Preparatory Academy’s application says it will contract with Charter Schools USA, a for-profit education management company.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Christian Ziegler
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 6, 2024
Prosecutors decline video voyeurism charge against Christian Ziegler

Christian Ziegler was previously cleared of sexual assault allegations. The State Attorney's Office also dismisses charge that the encounter was recorded without accuser's knowledge.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Ray Turner gives a sign to Alice Hunter Bender and Elizabeth Hunter Skidmore to commemorate the transfer of ownership.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 6, 2024
Manatee County commemorates Crooked River Ranch preservation

Crooked River Ranch is the first purchase through the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisitions Committee and will serve as a public preserve.

  • East County
  • News
A total renovation of the space at Whitney Plaza would be needed for the county's community center project.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
Whitney Plaza team works on deadline to bring vision into reality

Manatee County works with Longboat Key residents to solidify the north-end community center plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess ferries docked at the City of Bradenton Dry Dock. The ferries will be back in service to the public in about a month.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
Gulf Islands Ferry expands service

The ferry between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island has added Thursdays to its regular schedule.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Woman arrested after assault by spray bottle
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 6, 2024
Woman arrested after assault by spray bottle

A domestic dispute call ended with a woman being arrested for throwing a spray bottle at her boyfriend. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Detective James Parrish and Detective Tim Collins help Deputy Carlos Dasilva get into a bomb suit.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 6, 2024
Bomb squad to purchase new suits with Manatee County grant

With a $170,000 grant, Manatee County buys extra protection for those bomb squad members who put their lives on the line in Manatee, Highlands and Hardee counties.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 259 Robin Drive sold for $5,995,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 6, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 19-23 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Robin Drive tops the week's sales at $6 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Harry, Lynn and Hal Christensen are celebrating 45 years of business in 2024.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
Harry’s Continental Kitchens celebrates 45 years on Longboat Key

The Christensens say the key to their business' longevity has been patience and gradual evolution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Marci Weisgold's sculpture "Rhythmic Gold" was Best in Show at the 2023 Art in the Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 6, 2024
Anatomy expertise led sculptor to molding masterpieces

Event co-founder Marci Weisgold, a renowned sculptor, heads more than 160 artists who will display their work at the 24th annual Art in the Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Allowed freeboard height would increase under Longboat ordinance
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
Allowed freeboard height would increase under Longboat ordinance

Freeboard, a safety factor for floodplain management, is the distance between the base flood elevation and the lowest inhabitable floor of a structure.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jane Macedonia works in the glassware section of the Royal Rummage Sale on March 4, 2023.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 6, 2024
Royal Rummage Sale returns March 8-9

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church on Longboat Key will hold its annual sale March 8-9.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike Condensa instructs a fuse ladder class.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 6, 2024
What's behind the popularity of Pilates on Longboat Key?

From injury recovery to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Longboaters are turning to Pilates.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barbara Ford-Coates in October 2016
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 6, 2024
County tax collector files for 10th term

Barbara Ford-Coats was first elected to the office in 1984. She is challenged by Sarasota County Commissioner Mike Moran.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Here is what LBK needs
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 6, 2024
Here is what LBK needs

Sure, Longboat residents would like all three venues — a community center, a dedicated education center and a library branch. The county has the cash for all three.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lido Beach has a public parking lot with 368 spaces along with 80 parking spaces along Benjamin Franklin Drive.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 6, 2024
Lido Beach to convert 80 free spaces to metered parking

The Sarasota City Commission approved several initiatives that will result in nearly $1.3 million in additional parking and fine revenues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High softball junior Allison Cole.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 6, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Allison Cole

The Riverview softball junior has shined on the mound and at the plate early in the 2024 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Event committee members Charlene Altenhain, Gail Welch, Connor Borden, Svetlana Kaminsky, Kelly Hazeldine and Ann Olson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 5, 2024
Glasser/Schoenbaum honors three emerging leaders at annual celebration

The Feb. 29 event celebrated individuals to watch in Sarasota's human services community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In a 2022 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sea levels along U.S. coastlines are predicted to rise as much as 1 foot by 2050.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 5, 2024
Town moves ahead on ordinance to increase maximum seawall height

No minimum height can be established at present, but Longboat Key town staff recommended a greater maximum height allowance to address resiliency.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Mallory Park home at 3214 Anchor Bay Trail sold for $1.7 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,230 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 5, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 19-23 in Lakewood Ranch

A Mallory Park home on Anchor Bay Trail tops the week's sales at $1.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High boys track and field junior Derek Robinson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 5, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Derek Robinson

The Lakewood Ranch High boys track and field star won two races March 1 at the Charlotte Invitational.

  • East County
  • Sports
Teen Court is run by students so that defendants may be positively redirected by their peers.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 5, 2024
Teen Court grants juvenile offenders a trial by their peers

The nonprofit offers young offenders second chances, with fellow teens serving as the attorneys, jury, bailiff and clerk.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Police officers rescue dog from canal
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 5, 2024
Longboat Key Police officers rescue dog from canal

Officers conducted a late-night rescue of an injured dog in a canal. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Jamie Warrington, the director of transportation for the School District of Manatee County, looks forward to seeing the potential the district's four new electric buses has for the district.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 5, 2024
Electric school buses roll out this month in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County will begin using four new electric buses late in March.

  • East County
  • Schools
R. Dan Nolan Middle School Future Business Leaders of America advisor Stefani Heidenthal and her students hope their work with the Humane Society of Manatee County will lead to more dogs being adopted.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 5, 2024
Nolan Middle students help Humane Society dogs get adopted

Future Business Leaders of America students' Cause 4 Paws project focuses on creating commercials to help dogs get adopted.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jake Baer said his goal is to reestablish a strong culture within the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball program.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 5, 2024
East County basketball teams make progress in 2023-24

No area teams reached the state tournament, but several have hope for the future.

  • East County
  • Sports
Liz Alpert and Ron Kashden are running for Sarasota City Commission District 2.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 5, 2024
Two candidates file for Sarasota District 2 City Commission seat

City activist Ron Kashden is challenging Mayor Liz Alpert in Sarasota City Commission District 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
"I love coming to teach here because it is really like teaching in paradise," Max G. Yan says.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 5, 2024
Tai chi master shares expertise with The Paradise Center students

Max G. Yan taught his annual master tai chi class at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up Tour debuted late last year in North Carolina.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • March 5, 2024
Luxury shopping, dining pop-up heads to UTC

The mall concept, which executive Whitman Lazenby says is like a "retail carnival," brings several notable brands to Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Terry O'Hara and Brenda Baril
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • March 4, 2024
New Longboat Key Club champion crowned for first time in decades

Brenda Baril won the Longboat Key Club Ladies' Golf Championship on Feb. 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

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Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
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Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
3
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
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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

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