Your Observer

Liz Ramos
May 18, 2024

Lake Club Artist Guild donates paintings to Hope Family Services

The artist guild works with the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle to donate at least 45 pieces to the Bradenton nonprofit.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 17, 2024

Natural gas leak reported in Gulfstream Avenue condo complex

Closed lanes of U.S. 41 were reopened Friday evening.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
May 17, 2024

Myakka City Elementary students don't horse around with academics

Students achieved three of four quarterly goals in order to attend or participate in a rodeo.

East County
Schools

Petra Rivera
May 17, 2024

Public Works manager updates Kiwanis Club on undergrounding

Guy Matricciani explains that communication with residents is the key to completing town projects efficiently.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 17, 2024

Controversial condo tower receives partial DRC sign-off

The luxurious Obsidian still faces administrative decisions on street-level adjustments while the Lofts on Lemon II public housing project faces scrutiny.

Sarasota
News

Carter Weinhofer
May 17, 2024

Plymouth Harbor shows appreciation to firefighters with annual lunch

Residents visited Sarasota County Fire Department Station 3, toured the facility and dined with the firefighters.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

In Memoriam |

May 17, 2024

Jenny Ann Magarelli

Jenny Ann Magarelli passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida, on May 7, 2024, at the age of 86.

East County
Tributes & Obituaries

Liz Ramos
May 17, 2024

Lakewood Ranch High School graduates look to the future

After four years of making memories in high school, graduates are ready for the next chapter.

East County
Schools

Carter Weinhofer
May 16, 2024

LBK North residents transition from beach cleanup to education efforts

Longboat Key North began a beach volunteer program in 2021. Now the group is moving from formal patrols to education.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
May 16, 2024

Bradenton woman dies in rear-end collision on SR 70

The crash happened May 15 on State Road 70.

East County
News

Ian Swaby
May 16, 2024

Swim school helps adults overcome fear in the water

Adults travel across the country to visit the Sarasota-based Miracle Swimming School for Adults and gain confidence in the water.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 16, 2024

Sarasota students earn nearly $75K in scholarships

The financial assistance came from Sarasota County Schools, Chorus of the Keys and Military Officer Association of Sarasota.

Sarasota
Schools

Adam Hughes
May 16, 2024

Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Southpointe Shores home on Cove Terrace tops sales at $5.1 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Marty Fugate
May 16, 2024

Owen's Fish Camp co-owner shares the secret sauce behind the second location

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Paul Caragiulo shares how he and his brothers brought one of Sarasota's favorite restaurants to Lakewood Ranch.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Liz Ramos
May 16, 2024

Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

East County
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 16, 2024

Vision for Main Street face-lift will require parking compromise

Sarasota city staffers tell DID board members "we have to be able to meet people halfway" when it comes to eventual complete street design.

Sarasota
News

Eric Snider
May 16, 2024

Florida panthers, still a rare sight, are seeking suitable territories to survive

Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, has devoted much of his adult life to the preservation of the endangered feline.

East County
News

Ryan Kohn
May 16, 2024

Sarasota Paradise seeks on-field improvement in year two

The team's goal: Make the postseason — and bring in more fans in the process.

Sarasota
Sports

Beth Luberecki
May 16, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

East County
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
May 16, 2024

The spirit of Shanghai enlivens a home in Lakewood National

Including influences from the years Bill and Cheri Clever's spent in China, this home dazzles with one-of-a-kind flair.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 16, 2024

SSIS becomes candidate for IB program

Suncoast School for Innovative Studies continues to expand its offerings to students.

Sarasota
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 16, 2024

Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals

The current principals are taking on new positions within the School District of Manatee County.

East County
Schools

Eric Snider
May 16, 2024

Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

East County
Neighbors

Eric Snider
May 16, 2024

Sammy's Run founders take a final lap but remain resolute in their cause

The story of Sammy’s Run is similar to the race’s namesake: a gritty mix of togetherness and toughness. Not to mention the unending love a determined couple has for their son.

East County
Neighbors

By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
May 16, 2024

This is an Experience I Want to Share

"The quality of care was second to none," said Robert Smithson, ER at Fruitville Patient.

East County
Neighbors

Hob Nob officially closes after 67 years in Sarasota

Co-owner Cary Spicuzza cites several reasons for Hob Nob Drive In's closure, including the post-pandemic economy. But a forthcoming food truck could keep the brand alive.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Liz Ramos
May 15, 2024

Braden River High graduates say farewell to high school

The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but 395 students celebrated receiving their diplomas.

East County
Schools

Ryan Kohn
May 15, 2024

Sarasota golfer makes his own path

Roman Solomon, the son of MLB star Bobby Bonilla, committed to the University of South Florida on May 8.

Sarasota
Sports

Jay Heater
May 15, 2024

East County woman tells those with disabilities to set their goals sky high

Emily Rowley was born without arms due to phocomelia, a rare condition that causes limb malformations. At 22, she puts herself outside of her comfort zone to chase her goals.

East County
Neighbors

By Emily Leinfuss
May 15, 2024

Photography club lends snapshots of local life to Lakewood Ranch Library

A collaborative partnership between the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club and the new Lakewood Ranch Library fosters engagement, education and artistic expression.

East County
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
May 15, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance thrives as it turns 20

As the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance readies to shed itself of its teenage years, a leader with a steady hand helps guide the organization on some big goals and aspirations.