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Your Observer

The bounce houses shut down due to high winds, but Bradenton resident Brody Pawelkoski, 3, got a quick bounce in beforehand.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Bounce houses take over Nathan Benderson Park

The Big Bounce America is billed as the "biggest touring inflatable event in the world."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Some of the estimated 500 people who attended the grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library on Jan. 12 gather to listen to the ceremony.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Hundreds attend Lakewood Ranch Library grand opening

The Lakewood Ranch Library opened Jan. 12 with a huge celebration.

  • East County
  • News
Robert Gaglio addresses the audience at Bird Key Yacht Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Local author brings taste of Italy to Bird Key Yacht Club

Chef Robert Gaglio's new book documents his tours of Italy and journey of self-discovery following the 2008 financial crisis.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Sarasota police arrest two on narcotics, weapon charges

Charges include probation violations for both subjects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zumba is among the activities offered at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 12, 2024
Free ways to get fit and stay healthy in Sarasota

From beach yoga to high-intensity training at The Bay, the city has something to offer fitness seekers of all stripes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A process rendering of Obsidian.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 11, 2024
Planning Board rejects downtown condo tower, but appeal likely

The Sarasota Planning Board says the 342-foot-tall condo Obsidian lacks sufficient retail frontage. Developers argue no building can be built at 1260 N. Palm Ave. under current city requirements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 11, 2024
The city needs to simplify zoning for bars and restaurants

An Observer reader attempts to streamline the city's zoning language for bars and restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Performance appraisals for City Commission
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 11, 2024
Performance appraisals for City Commission

A former city commissioner encourages residents to make sure the commission is serving the public good.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Melvin Pettis, a Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living resident, recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 and again in 1965.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to fighting for the rights of others continue to inspire 94-year-old Melvin Pettis.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Blue Oyster Cult's Eric Bloom sings at Premier Sports Campus in January, 2017. Lakewood Ranch still has no amphitheater or events center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 11, 2024
Manatee County does well on roads, flunks wetland protections

Our columnist responds to Manatee County's online survey.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Benderson Development is proposing a comprehensive plan amendment that would clear the way to build an 85-foot-tall hotel on this site in Siesta Village.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 11, 2024
Residents air concerns about 85-foot hotel in Siesta Village

The 210-room hotel would sit on less than 1 acre. Representatives of the Benderson proposal hear from dozens about traffic, public safety and a potential slippery slope.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Joey Leto (black jersey) gets air while racing on day one of the 2024 USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals at Sarasota BMX.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2024
Sarasota BMX rider makes his push for Paris Olympics

Joey Leto reflects on Sunshine Nationals and Sarasota BMX's 50th anniversary.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Bob Horne
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 11, 2024
20 years in, Bob's Train owner journeys to restore Ringling's rail car

Bob Horne, owner of Bob's Train, hopes to see the yearslong project completed, even if it means continuing to perform much of the work himself.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Unit 1005 condo at 401 Quay Commons recently sold for $7 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 11, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 25-29 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch

A Quay Sarasota condominium in Block 6 tops the week’s sales at $7 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
  • By American Outdoor Cabinets
  • January 11, 2024
Outdoor Cabinets that Stand the Test of Time

One of the most significant assurances American Outdoor Cabinets provides is the lifetime warranty.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
An aerial view of the completed first phase of The Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 10, 2024
The Bay wins $1 million matching grant

The Patterson Foundation awards a third grant as the Bay Park Conservancy raises another $5 million in a $20 million fundraising challenge.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The cast of "Acceptance Pending" performs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Aug. 27-28, 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
Musical from Braden River High alum to make local debut

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Gabriel McDerment is bringing his musical, “Acceptance Pending,” on tour in the U.S.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Roger Kabler as Robin Williams
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 10, 2024
Comedian to bring Robin Williams to life in Longboat performance

Actor Roger Kabler has performed all over the U.S. as Robin Williams and will perform at Temple Beth Israel on Jan. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Goodwill Manasota, Inc.
  • January 10, 2024
New Year, New Look: Elevate Your Wardrobe with Goodwill!

Since 1902, Goodwill’s mission-integrated donated goods business model has contributed to the sustainability of the planet.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch High senior wrestler Logan Borcsane is 18-0 at 113 pounds as of Jan. 4.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High wrestler enters 2024 undefeated

As of Dec. 4, senior Logan Borcsane is 18-0 in his second year of wrestling.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarah Orcutt, a second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School, prepares for the new school year in August 2023. Teachers receive a salary supplement through the 1-mill property tax referendum.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
Teacher salary support again big part of school tax vote

With the 1-mill property tax referendum on the ballot in November, Manatee County School Board members consider their options.

  • East County
  • Schools
The intersection of Fox St. and Longboat Dr. E after the Dec. 17 no-name storm.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 10, 2024
Flooding concerns rise amid intensifying impacts of rainstorms

Longboat Key residents and town officials say flood mitigation projects should be at the forefront as flooding issues grow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Adrian Moore, Max Gulker
  • January 10, 2024
Florida social media law: Unconstitutional

Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature claim they are taking back the public square from big tech. But what they are doing is infringing on free speech.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Self-storage staff finds torpedo in repossessed unit
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 10, 2024
Self-storage staff finds torpedo in repossessed unit

An inert explosive at a self-storage business prompted a response from MacDill Air Force Base. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Students are ready to represent Sabal house after the completion of the sorting ceremony.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
ODA implements house system to promote positive culture

The house system creates a welcoming culture, positive connections and leadership opportunities at The Out-of-Door Academy.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mark and Shanna Thompson, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 762 Jungle Queen Way to Danny and Danielle Madole, of Longboat Key, for $1.25 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 10, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 25-29 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Longboat Key home on Jungle Queen Way tops the week's sales at $1.25 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Vacation rental at 24 N. Polk Drive on Lido Key.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 10, 2024
Sarasota moves toward expanding vacation rental regulation

City Commissioner Erik Arroyo maintains his opposition, comparing the ordinance to "using a sledgehammer to kill a fly."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Town Hall
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 10, 2024
Longboat greenlights storm resiliency upgrades to Town Hall

A $250,000 investment from the town of Longboat Key will enable Town Hall to receive overdue upgrades after nearly seven years of project delays.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Sarasota Philanthropy Center is on State Street in downtown.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 10, 2024
Community foundation opens scholarship applications for Sarasota sutdents

Students may apply for higher education financial aid through April 3.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Trimming mangroves often requires a permit from Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 10, 2024
Mangrove enforcement on Longboat stays with state authority

The town won’t be taking over mangrove protection duties as it requires more staff and resources than Longboat Key can allocate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sailors boys basketball Head Coach BJ Ivey always gets the most out of his teams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 10, 2024
New Sarasota High athletic director wants to build college-style programs

BJ Ivey will continue to coach the Sailors boys' basketball team, in addition to his new responsibilities.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Braden River High girls soccer junior Niley Molina.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 9, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Niley Molina

The Braden River High girls soccer junior has a team-high 10 goals this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
    In Memoriam |
  • January 9, 2024
Pauline Martin

Pauline Martin, “The Lady with PAZZAZ” passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on January 4, 2024.

  • Siesta Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Christian Ziegler
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 9, 2024
Christian Ziegler ousted as Florida GOP chairman

The Executive Committee elects Evan Power of Tallahassee to Republican Party of Florida's leadership position.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High senior boys basketball player Jayden Dudash.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 9, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jayden Dudash

The Riverview High senior boys basketball player is averaging 11 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as of Jan. 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Joel Morganroth, chair of the board of trustees, cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2024
Selby Gardens cuts the ribbon on Phase 1 of its Master Plan

The new facilities include what the organization says is the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden complex.

  • Sarasota
  • 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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