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Your Observer

LBK police share strategies to avoid online scams
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 12, 2024
LBK police share strategies to avoid online scams

Longboat Key Deputy Chief Rubino spoke to the Bay Isles Safety Committee about what to look out for with the scams and how to report them.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Smoke and flames billow on Alta Vista Street on Monday after a home caught on fire.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 12, 2024
Firefighters respond to Sarasota house fire

Sarasota County firefighters responded to a 911 call of a structure fire at 11:45 a.m. Feb. 12 on Ponder Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Connie DiMaggio, Sparky Pashkow, Karen Pashkow and Greg Bodkin
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 12, 2024
Longboat Harbour throws Super Bowl party

The Rec Hall committee found creative ways to spice up the Super Bowl with themed dishes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police Department debuts new patch
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 12, 2024
Sarasota Police Department debuts new patch

The Sarasota Police Department has debuted a new patch affixed with Sarasota’s new city seal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Katie Bagley, a third grade academy teacher at Prine Elementary; Joadie Durfee, a fifth grade teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary; Debra McCarthy, a language arts teacher at Lakewood Ranch High; and Jessica Spence, a first grade teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, wait in anticipation to find out the winner of Educator of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 12, 2024
Four east Bradenton educators honored to be among county's best

Two teachers and two support employees were honored as finalists for Educator and Support Employee of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River sophomore Payton Mangay-Ayam said she misses sweets like Jeremiah's Italian Ice during the weightlifting season, but the sacrifices are worth the results she sees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 12, 2024
Braden River High's weightlifters raise the bar

The Pirates' girls team will compete Feb. 17 at the state championship meet in Lakeland.

  • East County
  • Sports
Berries are high in flavonoids, which makes them a great addition to a heart healthy diet.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • February 12, 2024
A simple formula for a happy heart

Easy lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in your heart's health.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Vanessa Baugh, a Manatee County commissioner for more than 10 years representing District 5, retired in 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 11, 2024
State won't pursue Sunshine Law charges against Vanessa Baugh, Mike Rahn

The State Attorney's Office found no evidence to pursue charges against Vanessa Baugh, the former Manatee County District 5 commissioner, and Mike Rahn, the current District 4 commissioner.

  • East County
  • News
Vice Principal Robin Hamilton and Principal John Hettler run the Sea of Strengths Academy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch school emphasizes joy of learning

Sea of Strengths Academy, which serves third through 12th graders with learning disabilities, instills confidence in its students alongside its highly structured approach to academics.

  • East County
  • Schools
Susan Redgrave's dog Molly with a "Kiss Me" shirt
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 11, 2024
Pups and people celebrate Valentine’s Day at Boo’s

The Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar Valentine’s Day Celebration featured vendors, raffles, live music and drinks, and plenty of wagging tails and affection.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A rendering of the Kolschowsky Research & Education Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2024
Construction of new SMH research building reaches max height

The $75 million Kolschowsky Research & Education Institute is scheduled to open in mid-2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Steve and Laura Saladino finish the Run for the Beads together. Steve says Laura, who married him 31 years ago, "is still trying to get away," but she can't run fast enough.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2024
Run for the Beads returns to Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

The Mardi Gras-themed event produced a fun atmosphere while generating serious funds for community nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Linn Torres at the "New to You" art sale at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 10, 2024
All Angels' art sale raises record amount of money in first 3 days

The annual art sale at All Angels by the Sea has received more than 300 art pieces.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Anna and Elsa walk their fans over to a better photo spot. The sisters were mobbed with hugs the minute they arrived.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2024
Movie in the Park at Waterside Place attracts 'Frozen' super fans

It was a special night in Lakewood Ranch to stay up late and dress like your favorite princess.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
According to staff there are more than 700 short-term rentals operating throughout the city in neighborhoods such as Arlington Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 10, 2024
Vacation rental ordinance expanded citywide

The registration period for short-term rentals in Sarasota will be July 1 to Oct. 31, and the new law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Summit offers residents chance to quiz Manatee representatives
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2024
Summit offers residents chance to quiz Manatee representatives

The summit is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Feb. 23 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key resident Rusty Chinnis offers private fly casting lessons.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 10, 2024
The art of fly casting: Lessons from a local guide

A Longboat Observer reporter spends an afternoon learning fly casting from local fisherman and resident Rusty Chinnis.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Attendees dance together, with Talia Von Bender, Jamie Taylor and Marisa Von Bender in front.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2024
Parents and kids dance to same beat at Family Fun & Resource Night

Booker Middle School hosted kids activities and key community resources.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Nora Patterson in 2015.
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • February 9, 2024
Former Sarasota mayor, county commissioner dies at 79

Nora Patterson had lived in Sarasota County since 1970.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ed's Tavern was founded in Lakewood Ranch in 2008.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 9, 2024
Ed's Tavern to host block party at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Co-owners Bob Bender and Albert Myara wanted to celebrate their 10 years of ownership.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Aster & Links in downtown Sarasota will be made up of two 10-story buildings with a total of 424 units.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • February 9, 2024
One Main Plaza secures $56 million in financing

The downtown development consists of two 10-story residential towers with 424 apartments and 778 parking spaces.

  • Sarasota
  • News
County Administrator Scott Hopes served as Manatee County administrator for 22 months.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2024
Former Manatee administrator faces three felony charges

The State Attorney's Office will pursue three third-degree felony charges against Scott Hopes.

  • East County
  • News
University Park's Bart Schubert lip-synchs to Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible" while Dancing Queens, a dance group from University Park, dances in the background.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 8, 2024
Dancers, models take center stage at University Park Fashion Show

Proceeds from the University Park Women's Club event benefit area charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Crews doing underground repairs at Bogey Lane and Putting Green Lane on Feb. 8.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 8, 2024
Boil water advisory in place for Longboat Key street

The advisory comes after a water main break on Feb. 8 and will stay in effect until a safe water sample is obtained.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Spanish Main Yacht Club President Joan Sherry turns the valve to start the water.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 8, 2024
Spanish Main Yacht Club celebrates $1M potable water project

Residents, town staff and project leads gathered around the main valve on Feb. 7 to turn the water on.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By JFCS of the Suncoast
  • February 8, 2024
Building Strong Families for All Faiths

With a goal to empower individuals toward self-sufficiency and stability, JFCS services offer comprehensive care to community members in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The main house at 854 N. Casey Key Road was built in 1975 and has 2,278 square feet of living area. The guest house was built in 2002 and has 1,184 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 8, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 22-26 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A two-property sale on Casey Key tops the week’s sales at $4.35 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Keith Green is making a run for the District 7 at-large Manatee County Commission seat.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2024
District 7 candidate hits Lakewood Ranch streets

Keith Green explains why he hopes to unseat incumbent George Kruse.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The geographic area of the rejected Siesta Key traffic micro modeling study proposal shows the primary network in red and possible secondary network in yellow.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2024
County rejects proposal for Siesta Key traffic study

A proposed micro-simulation model would have cost an estimated $500,000 and provided little new information.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The rooftop garden will serve customers at The Green Orchid.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 8, 2024
Selby Gardens' new restaurant will source produce from rooftop

The Green Orchid by Michael's On East, said to be the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant, will open to the public in February.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The roundabout at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 experienced 120 vehicle crashes in its first full year of operation in 2023.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2024
Crashes increase but less severe at US 41 roundabouts vs. prior intersection

Despite an uptick in accidents in U.S. 41 roundabouts over prior intersection, the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization says they are functioning well.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High junior Rachel Paule scored with six minutes remaining against North Port High to help the Rams to their first district title in 18 years.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 8, 2024
Riverview High girls soccer charges into regionals

After securing its first district title in 18 years, the Rams are five games away from a state championship.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Roads in downtown Sarasota are flooding following Hurricane Idalia.
    By
  • James Peter
  • February 8, 2024
Sarasota nonprofit says the time to adapt to climate change is now

Climate Adaptation Center CEO Bob Bunting will present climate change research and possible adaptations at an upcoming lecture.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Melissa Douberly searches for weeds in the dirt.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 8, 2024
Junior League refreshes butterfly garden at Child Protection Center

The butterfly garden is a reminder of the CPC's mission, which encourages children to spread their wings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kyle Battie speaks at the Veterans Housing Initiative groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 31, 2023.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2024
City to fund Commissioner Kyle Battie's legal costs

Sarasota city commissioners unanimously agreed to a cap of $15,000 should a defamation suit be filed over the Jan. 16 meeting discussion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
What’s in it for neighbors?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 8, 2024
What’s in it for neighbors?

Surely, Ride Entertainment knows what kind of storms it is about to encounter in its dream to add commercial amusements at City Island. You know the saying: Know your audience. Same applies: Know your neighbors.

  • Sarasota
  • 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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