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Your Observer

A Wilco Electrical LLC employee works on the town's underground utilities project along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 25, 2024
Longboat commission to discuss project finance options at upcoming meeting

Finance Director Sue Smith breaks down how the town’s debt works and how it will change in the upcoming fiscal year as necessary projects get started.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lynn Howell, the pastor of Myakka Family Worship Center, says the donation of tools from Country Creek's Dudley Waters will help him to support the community and the church.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 25, 2024
East County resident donates tool collection to Myakka City pastor

Pastor Lynn Howell lost all his tools that he would use to help people in the community in a fire.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Drivers will experience some minor traffic delays as the intersection at Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive is upgraded.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 25, 2024
Improvements on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard lead to minor delays

Two separate projects have led to lane closures but should be completed soon.

  • East County
  • News
Conner Morrell (28) races at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, during Ohio Speedweek. Morrell would finish six overall after nine days of racing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 25, 2024
Braden River High alum finishes sixth in prestigious sprint races

Conner Morrell said the nine-night Ohio Speedweek event was a test of endurance.

  • East County
  • Sports
An aerial view of the Concession project.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 25, 2024
Manatee County approves twice-denied Concession development

Developer Kevin Daves will withdraw an $8.9 million lawsuit against Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Nude swimmer trying to forget a difficult day met by police
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 25, 2024
Nude swimmer trying to forget a difficult day met by police

An anonymous caller reported a man swimming naked. When police spoke to the swimmer, he said he was having a hard day. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Wendi Chapman helped launch and grow the Sarasota Tiger 21 Chapter in early 2022.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 25, 2024
Peer group for multimillionaires grows in Sarasota

Tiger 21 connects the uber-wealthy with the uber-wealthy in a rapidly growing — and exclusive — niche.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital recently released its 2024 Community Update.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2024
Sarasota Memorial Hospital report touts 2023 expansion

The 2024 Community Update highlights growth, rankings and 1.7 million patient visits systemwide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
2024 is the 43rd year of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's sea turtle monitoring program.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 24, 2024
Crosswalk lighting on Gulf of Mexico Drive temporarily shut off for sea turtles

FDOT decided to temporarily shut off the overhead crosswalk lighting on State Road 789 while awaiting lighting shields to mitigate disorientation for nesting sea turtles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Debbie Shaffer petting one of HSSC's cats in their play room.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 24, 2024
Longboat Chamber tours the Humane Society of Sarasota County

Chamber members learned about HSSC's important mission while seeing it in action.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Michele De Luce and Leighton Allenby
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 24, 2024
Longboat Key Facebook group hosts summer happy hours

With snowbirds gone for the summer, full-time residents meet for drinks and conversation to build community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Carolyn Brown and Howard Tipton address the employees.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 24, 2024
Town employees recognized at annual lunch event

Longboat Key department heads and town commissioners thanked staff members for their hard work over the past year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Small businesses honored at Sarasota Chamber event
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 24, 2024
Small businesses honored at Sarasota Chamber event

Thirty businesses in 10 different categories were recognized with awards.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 24, 2024
Sarasota County Commission proposes 37-year low millage rate

With assessed value still rising, Sarasota County staff is directed to craft a budget based on a rate of 3.30 mils on residential and commercial property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tom and Diane Carter say the county has told them they will no longer be taking part of their Creekwood backyard to build a roundabout.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 24, 2024
Creekwood roundabout hits road block in Manatee County

The $6.9 million project is headed toward a deferred list due to lack of funds.

  • East County
  • News
East County’s Evan Bouthillier receives hands-on experience in Manatee Technical College's diesel systems technician program by working on Manatee County Search and Rescue vehicles. Bouthillier hopes to become a master mechanic.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2024
MTC student says his education gives him power in the job market

East County's Evan Bouthillier is graduating from the diesel system technician program with plans to continue learning.

  • East County
  • Schools
Dr. Daren Spinelle offers accessible health care for the residents of Longboat Key at the Paradise Center Medical Suite.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 24, 2024
Longboat doctor plans to expand health services at The Paradise Center

Dr. Daren Spinelle hopes to provide accessible educational and medical resources for snowbirds and full-time residents on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The Lakewood Ranch Little League 12U All-Stars have dreams of reaching Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League World Series.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 24, 2024
Lakewood Ranch U12 All-Star team has World Series dreams

Coach calls Gustavo Omana the best 12-year-old player in Florida.

  • East County
  • Sports
Visitors viewing the Florida Highwaymen exhibit in the summer of 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2024
Highwaymen exhibit at City Hall refreshed with new paintings

The exhibit continues with more unique artwork from members of the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Natasha Clemons
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 22, 2024
Newtown Juneteenth Celebration celebrates progress

The event brought together local vendors in recognition of the holiday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 22, 2024
Myakka City resident takes another shot at becoming commissioner

Carol Ann Felts is vying for the District 1 seat on the Manatee County Commission.

  • East County
  • News
The new ultrafiltration membranes at the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant can filter 50.4 million gallons of water per day.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2024
Elevated algae levels might cause harmless musty taste in drinking water

Powder-activated carbon is being used by Manatee County to treat the elevated algae levels.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Sheriff's Office undercover operation nets 15 arrests
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 21, 2024
Sarasota Sheriff's Office undercover operation nets 15 arrests

Operation Stamp Out seized drugs and cash. Two suspects remain at large.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Naked Farmer is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a healthy, locally sourced menu.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 21, 2024
Naked Farmer opens at University Town Center

Naked Farmer is a fast-casual restaurant that offers a healthy, locally sourced menu.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A section of N. Casey Key Road collapsed June 20, county officials say, after torrential rains the week before.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 21, 2024
Casey Key road washout blamed on June 13 storm

Repairs are underway, county officials say.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Candidates for the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board attended a forum June 20 hosted by the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • June 21, 2024
Hospital board candidates square off at Tiger Bay forum

Growth, the role of the board and medical freedom were hot topics.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Angela Massaro-Fain, the founder of Sisterhood for Good, presents a grant check to Beth Grogran, the founder of Magic of Mittens, which provides holiday gifts to families in need.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 21, 2024
Sisterhood for Good provides $153,036 in grants for Sarasota, Manatee nonprofits

The nonprofit raises the most money in its history to support 40 nonprofits, impacting hundreds of individuals.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Courtenay Smith, an owner of Shack Yoga and a Rooftop Yoga instructor, says she loves the setting of Rooftop Yoga because it allows people to connect with nature as there are nature preserves around the Lakewood Ranch Library.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 21, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Library's rooftop yoga connects people with nature

Shack Yoga owner says Courtenay Smith it is a way for her to give back to the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Additional sidewalk speed limit signage was added around Longboat Key.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 21, 2024
Town staff tasked with increasing awareness about bicycle regulations

Longboat Key town commissioners agree current signage about bike rules and speed limits may be ineffective and that more outreach is necessary around e-bikes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of Artist Court at the corner of South Washington Boulevard and Adams Lane.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 21, 2024
Hundreds of downtown housing units inch toward approval

Four projects totaling 264 residences, 126 of them affordable housing, earn DRC partial sign-off.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 7147 La Lenaire Drive is only accessible by boat.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 20, 2024
Home on private island off Longboat Key hits market at $8.95M

The 1.3-acre waterfront property on Jewfish Key is only accessible via boat.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Resource Center Shirley Pearson shares its mission with Longboat Island Chapel members.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 20, 2024
Longboat Island Chapel hosts and donates to Mt. Carmel Resource Center

For their monthly charity cocktail hour, chapel members collect donations of men's clothing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David Sessions, CEO of Willis Smith Construction, talks with former county commissioner Vanessa Baugh on the second floor back in May 2023 when the focus was still on finishing the first floor.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 20, 2024
Staff proposes $2.4 billion budget for Manatee County in 2025

Roads, parks and the Lakewood Ranch Library remain priorities in East County.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's JoAnne and John Lawler bring attention to Flag Day on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 20, 2024
Did you notice Old Glory on Flag Day?

June 14 is always a good time to salute our flag's history.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The newest officers of the Sarasota Police Department during a swearing-in ceremony in April 2024.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 20, 2024
Police recruiters work to fill every sworn position

Law enforcement veterans say Sarasota is an easy sell when recruiting officers for the SPD.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney High football celebrates its first state championship since 1972.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 20, 2024
The top 10 moments of the 2023-2024 Sarasota high school sports year

Six teams or individuals won state titles this school year, and plenty more came close.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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