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Your Observer

Christ Church of Longboat Key installs first full-time pastor
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 5, 2024
Christ Church of Longboat Key installs first full-time pastor

Longboat Key church leaders recognize the Rev. Julia Piermont during the installation ceremony at Christ Church.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Liaison Lisa Boggs.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 5, 2024
Longboat Key Fire Rescue welcomes new support team member

After a career in construction, the department's new fire rescue liaison, Lisa Boggs says, is ready to serve the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Madeline Walker painting
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 5, 2024
Seaplace Condominium residents share their art with the community

The resident artists exhibited paintings, cards and clothing, along with a handful of authors selling their books.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Bequest
  • February 5, 2024
Bequest Platinum Event: How To Solve Your Income Challenge in 2024

Join us at Art Ovation Hotel on Feb 22nd 2024, 6-8pm EST, Live Event

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Although they did not arrive in time for the costume contest, Noel, Misty, Olivia and Tico, who belong to Flora Rodriguez of Tampa, drew attention from guests.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 4, 2024
Costume contest raises awareness for pet charities

"My Furry Valentine" brought together the community for a showcase of local pet rescues and vendors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 4, 2024
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO

Jennifer Bitner will bring 24 years of nonprofit experience to the organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Town Center Green will continue on to Phase 3, which includes a new public library in town through Sarasota County.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2024
First public meeting set for new Longboat library

Sarasota County’s first meeting about the Town Center Green public library project will be held Feb. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Out-of-door students and staff wear bell bottoms, head bands and John Lennon's signature sunglasses to stay on theme with the 1960s music.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 3, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy raises money for Manasota BUDS

The orchestra played a 1960s-themed concert at Woodland Community Church in East County on Feb. 2.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Aurlyn Esler holds on as tight as she can to see how long she can last on the bull.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Music on Main provides entertainment for all ages in Lakewood Ranch

Whether it's riding a bull, petting a mini horse or dancing to Kettle of Fish, Music on Main was fun for all.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Hager, a water conservation compliance officer with Manatee County Utilites, takes fifth graders through an interactive watershed model to help students understand the importance of water conservation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Tara Elementary students learn about water conservation

Manatee County Utilities put on presentation about the importance of water conservation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota man sentenced to 15 years for defrauding seniors
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • February 3, 2024
Sarasota man sentenced to 15 years for defrauding seniors

A federal judge in Tampa sentenced a 67-year-old insurance agent for a scheme that stole millions from elderly clients.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The penthouse at 415 L Ambiance Drive has floor-to-ceiling windows.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 2, 2024
$11 million penthouse sale breaks Longboat Key condo record

The penthouse of the L'Ambiance condominium complex sold for $11 million, the highest recorded condominium sale on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SOTA residences will be on floors 11-16 above a 120-room boutique hotel.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2024
SOTA adds virtual concierge for condo buyers

The virtual service will provide a dedicated "lifestyle curator" upon contract to buyers at the downtown Sarasota luxury condo and hotel complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
17-month-old Jayvyn DeVore, while visiting Sarasota from New Jersey, had the chance to enjoy playing with the streams of water on the splash pad.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Bayfront Park's new splash pad and playground officially open

The new and improved playground and splash pad at Bayfront Park held its grand opening ceremony on Feb. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Jodi and Ron O'Toole, and Craig and Susan Belesi have formed a bond as the husbands fight Parkinson's disease.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch couples bond to face Parkinson’s

Parkinson Place Center of Sarasota is key to their sustaining their quality of life.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Fred Rogers
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Authors document method behind Mister Rogers' magic

Greg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, the authors of book "When You Wonder, You're Learning," were the special guests of a Sarasota book circle event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident says: 'They paved our paradise'
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident says: 'They paved our paradise'

Another Lakewood Ranch resident is not happy with Manatee County's split with the American Library Association.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Unit 1502 condominium in The Tower Residences has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,751 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 1, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 15-19 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Tower Residences tops the week's sales at $3.83 million

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Temple Beth Sholom raised funds to purchase a mobile ICU for Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota synagogue buys vehicle for Israeli ambulance service

Temple Beth Sholom raised $300,000 in three weeks to purchase a replacement vehicle to aid in the war with Hamas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hazardous household waste drop-off set for Feb. 3
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2024
Hazardous household waste drop-off set for Feb. 3

Materials will be accepted at downtown Sarasota location.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Booker High girls basketball Head Coach Ty Bryant said he switched from a man-to-man defense to a zone defense this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 1, 2024
Tough schedule sharpens Tornadoes girls basketball for postseason

Booker High started the season slow but remains confident that it can "make noise" in the playoffs.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
In this art piece, multiple shells are used to create a wave design.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota Shell Show will combine arts, crafts and science

The event will showcase rare shells and artisanal creations by members of the Sarasota Shell Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Indian Mound Park in Englewood has 28 boat trailer spaces and 22 vehicle parking spaces.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota wants quick fix for illegal use of county boat launches

A task force will have two months to solve a problem decades in the making: illegal charter boat use of Sarasota County water access parks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gary Kompothecras and his family live in one of the largest houses on Siesta Key — a three-story, 13,560-square-foot estate on Point of Rocks Road.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2024
Gary Kompothecras may be larger than life, but he’s also down to earth

Siesta Key resident and entrepreneur Gary Kompothecras has been called many things. “Creator” is his favorite.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Located on the edge of Sarasota Bay, Plymouth Harbor offers stunning water and city views.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 1, 2024
Plymouth Harbor’s remarkable residents reflect the community's long legacy

Plymouth Harbor is home to people who have enjoyed distinguished careers in business, medicine, law, academia and, especially, the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Baldwin was part architect, part decorator, part horticulturalist — an elegant gentleman whose goal in life was to create beauty to live in.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 1, 2024
Owners of Siesta Key home preserve its modern lineage

Designer Ben Baldwin had a vision for his Siesta Key home that remains safe with its current owners — down to every detail.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Commission Chair Mike Rahn, County Administrator Charlie Bishop, Commissioner George Kruse and Commissioner Ray Turner enjoy the first sip of water after Manatee County spent $53 million to retrofit the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant with new filters.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 31, 2024
Upgraded Manatee water treatment system serves its first drink

Manatee County's $53 million retrofit uses ultrafiltration membranes to block additional contaminants.

  • East County
  • News
Musical trio to present Neil Diamond tribute on Longboat
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 31, 2024
Musical trio to present Neil Diamond tribute on Longboat

The show will combine a concert and a behind-the-music breakdown of the inspiration for the artist's most popular songs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney's Bri Behn drives the lane against The Academy of Central Florida.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 31, 2024
Secondary contributions key to elite basketball team success

Having top-end talent helps, but the deeper a roster goes, the better its chances of winning playoff games.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Rev. Brock Patterson found his perfect fit at Longboat Island Chapel.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • January 31, 2024
How one church and its pastor inspire its members to give back

Under Rev. Brock Patterson’s leadership, Longboat Island Chapel continues to offer vital support to area outreaches — with grace and a touch of humor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 31, 2024
Getting started with the Breeze OnDemand smartphone app

Here’s everything you need to know to use Sarasota County's ride-share service now available for all of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dissatisfied diner calls police over service dispute
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 31, 2024
Dissatisfied diner calls police over service dispute

A woman wants officers to file a report following a dispute with a server and manager. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The salad bars in high school cafeterias come with plenty of ingredients for students to choose.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 31, 2024
Providing more food options is a recipe for success in Manatee schools

The School District of Manatee County offers increased variety to meet students' needs for a nutritious lunch.

  • East County
  • Schools
Construction of the $132 million Mote SEA is on schedule for opening by the end of 2024.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 31, 2024
$700 million worth of Sarasota projects take shape

Project leaders update the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce on the expected cultural and economic impacts of Mote, The Bay and more.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Marcus Schade hits a 3-point shot against Riverview High. Schade has made 41% of his outside shots this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 31, 2024
Pirates basketball senior has developed into a shooting star

Braden River High senior guard Marcus Schade has lit up the score sheet this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bud Northway and Rosanna White at the Chamber's Light Up, Longboat event on Nov. 25. The couple will be renewing their vows after being married for six weeks.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 31, 2024
Vow renewal event set for Valentine’s Day on Longboat Key

Longboat couples are invited to commemorate their special day with a vow renewal ceremony on Feb. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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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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