• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Willy Wonka, played by Joseph Robert "Robbie" Polidoro, tells his oompaloompas about his vision for the future.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA presents 'Willy Wonka'

Students at The Out-of-Door Academy brought the story of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory to life with performances of "Willy Wonka an the Chocolate Factory" March 22, at the school's Black Box Theatre. Shows continue nightly at 7 p.m., through March 24.

  • Arts + Culture
Jamie Phillips, Christy Cardillo, Kim Dalglish and Tim Gruters, of Shinn & Co., dished out food for guests.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: MEDC Hob Nob

Inclement weather didn't keep local business professionals from gathering March 22, at the Sarasota Polo Club, for the Manatee Economic Development Corp.'s 24th annual Hob Nob Bar-B-Que.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
John and Suzanne Anderson with John and Denise Saputo
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 22, 2012
YMCA Foundation of Sarasota VIP Dinner 'Fete New Orleans'

YMCA Foundation of Sarasota VIP Dinner 'Fete New Orleans'

  • Black Tie
Elaine Appel, Betty Weinstein and Loi Stuhlberg
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Women's Passover Celebration

Women's Passover Celebration

  • Black Tie
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines. Image shown will not play video.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • March 22, 2012
March 22: Daily Headlines Video

Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota, and Siesta Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A water main break has interrupted service for about 700 residential units in the area of Seaside Drive off Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • March 22, 2012
Water main break interrupts service for 700 residents

Sarasota County Utilities have issued a boil water advisory for some Siesta Key residents.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 22, 2012
FHP to target aggressive driving

A targeted enforcement campaign against aggressive driving will be held from March 30 through April 4.

  • East County
  • News
Photo by Norman Schimmel
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
More than 150 readers recognized

More than 150 Sarasota County youngsters won tickets to see the Baltimore Orioles take on the Pittsburgh Pirates March 14, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Patricia Riley, Louise Werbelow, Lucy Black, Barbara Schaal, Marie Borsellino, Sharon Chambers and Alex Quarles. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
The Meadows raises funds

The women of The Meadows Country Club's golf, tennis and fitness communities recently raised nearly $11,000 to assist uninsured and underinsured patients at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's Breast Health Center.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Bikers raise funds for guide dogs

The Knights of the Eagle chapter of the International Widows Sons Masonic Riders motorcycle group recently raised $7,500 for the Southeastern Guide Dogs' Paws for Patriots program by selling raffle tickets for a customized golf cart.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Robert Peterson died March 15. He was 88.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • March 22, 2012
Robert Peterson changed shape of local organizations

Sarasota philanthropist, visionary and renaissance man J. Robert Peterson died March 15, due to complications from vascular surgery. He was 88.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
Group receives city manager input

A Citizens Advisory Panel met last week to help formulate a job advertisement brochure to find the next city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
To provide a better look at drunken driving incidents in the county, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department has provided an overview of all DUI-related charges in Sarasota County and in Siesta Key from September to March 11.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
County DUI incidents revealed

Between September and March, Sarasota County averaged 10 DUI incidents per month.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Although overall crime increased by a little more than 5% between 2010 and 2011, the report notes that crime remains relatively low in Sarasota, and that even a modest increase in the number of crimes can raise the percentage in a disproportionate way.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
Sheriff's Office releases 2011 crime report

Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight reflects on the accomplishments of the last year and looks for focus areas in the months to come.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Last week, the planning board chose not to recommend plans to designate The Sarasota Kennel Club as the only potential site for a future casino.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
Casino gambling change not recommended

The city's Planning Board doesn't feel it's appropriate to roll the dice and bet that a future casino could be earmarked for Sarasota until the Legislature approves casinos statewide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Large portions of the north end of Beach Road are eroding and falling onto the beach. Approximately half of the original road remains. Nick Friedman
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
Road deterioration threatens access

Eroded asphalt along the northern portion of Beach Road concerns residents.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
Four organizations partner in 36-hour fundraiser

The Community Foundation of Sarasota, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation have all partnered with the goal of raising $1 million to benefit more than 100 local nonprofits in the animal welfare, arts, education, environment, health and human-services sectors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City officials have designated a sliver of land next to the Palm Avenue parking garage as a hotel site. File photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
Hotel developers reveal hands

After legal counsel for the city determined both hotel proposals contain violations of a state constitution provision, both developers said they are willing to negotiate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
White prepares lean school budget

A $1.6 million shortfall is expected for the Sarasota County School District. Reserves and some controversial cuts will be needed to soften the blow again.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
Van Wezel discussions stalled

Talks with the Van Wezel Foundation and the city are not a top priority.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
Culverhouse Nature Park features take shape

Park structures have been installed on the site of The Culverhouse Nature Park in Palmer Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Letters to the Editor

Homeless do not need tougher laws; Good manners never go out of style

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 22, 2012
DID makes enhanced landscaping push

The Downtown Improvement District will work with the city's Public Works Department to pay for an employee who works exclusively in the downtown district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Do you know a Siesta Key resident who should be featured as a Neighbors? Email MICHAEL ENG at meng@yourobserver.com.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
Neighbors: Ruth Ulrich

Ruth Ulrich has played in the Siesta Key Chapel Bell Choir for 12 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Joseph Spinella’s first book is a collection of stories from his life. He currently is working on a second book, which will feature anecdotes from his time working at Taffy's. Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • March 22, 2012
Neighbors: Joseph Spinella

Author Joseph Spinella loves sharing his stories of growing up in Sicily, Italy, with students in Sarasota schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sydney Hill, 10, thoroughly enjoyed taking the helm at ODA — especially her one-on-one time with Head of School David Mahler. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • March 22, 2012
Fifth-grader takes reins at The Out-of-Door Academy

Sydney Hill, a fifth-grader at The Out-of-Door Academy, took the helm of the Siesta Key school as chief operating officer March 13.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A condominium in Crescent Siesta Key, which has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area, sold for $575,000. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 22, 2012
Crescent condo sells for $575,000

A condominium in Crescent Siesta Key tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Timothy Rose, Minneapolis, sold his Unit E306 condominium at 6512 Midnight Pass Road to Wensel Family Ltd. Partnership for $575,000.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Aleksandr Gleyzer took this sunset photo on Turtle Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Aleksandr Gleyzer took this sunset photo on Turtle Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Julia Andrew, 6, Fiona Coffey, 9, and Myah Mattison, 6, enjoyed their sno-cones at last year’s SpringFest.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 22, 2012
Palmer Ranch welcomes new season with SpringFest

The fun begins with 5K and 12K races followed by live music, performances, food and much more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Unit 1603 at 1350 Main St. has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,232 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000. File photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 22, 2012
Aqualane Estates home sells for $2.1 million

A home in Aqualane Estates tops all transactions in this week's real estate. John Lemp, Sarasota, sold his home at 1400 Ridgewood Lane to Phyllis Dorricott, trustee, of Los Altos, Calif., for $2.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • March 22, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Caroline Dailey

Out-of-Door Academy junior Caroline Dailey, 17, recently was awarded with a wildcard entry into the 2012 Women's USTA Pro Circuit Event March 25 through April 1, at The Oaks Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
JUST THE STATS

1 - The point differential in the 2012 Sarasota Slam softball championship March 17. Palm Harbor University knocked off Bellaire (Houston) 201 to capture the crown.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Yolanda Bistany took this sunset photo from a condominium in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Yolanda Bistany took this sunset photo from a condominium in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 22, 2012
Accident victim looking for witnesses

Lakewood Ranch resident Kim Earley is looking for anyone who saw the traffic crash at 12:30 p.m. March 17, at the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1557 1558 1559 1560 1561 1562 1563 1564 1565 1566 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
Squeaky Wheel Fringe runs June 2-7.
  • June 2, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 4-10
2
This is not how to 'cut' taxes
  • June 2, 2026
This is not how to 'cut' taxes
3
'Jesus lizard' rescued on Longboat Key
  • June 2, 2026
'Jesus lizard' rescued on Longboat Key
4
As a junior last season, Jayla Griffin led the Cougars in points, rebounds and assists per game en route to the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 2 semifinals.
  • June 2, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jayla Griffin
5
This Country Club Village home at 13318 Palmers Creek Terrace sold for $3.2 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,874 square feet of living area.
  • June 2, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 18-22 in Lakewood Ranch

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free