• 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
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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

Ashley Banks Matthes talks about SDA and her father's recent passing Thurday, Oct. 6 during the 11th annual Okto-Paw-Fest at the Daiqiuri Deck on SIesta Key.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 11th Annual Octo-Paw-Fest

The Sarasota in Defense of Animals held their 11th Annual Octo-Paw-Fest fundraising event at Daiquiri Deck on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Katie Bauer, Jeffrey Jones, Tanya Boyd and Tom Morlock
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Californication Interactive Dinner

Chef Tommy Klauber along with Stephanie Hannum and Emily Walsh hosted a Californication themed interactive dinner at Pattigeorge's on Thursday, Oct. 6. To follow the theme, food was prepared simply with fresh ingredients. Klauber teaches guests as they prepare their own dinner tableside.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 6, 2011
COMMUNITY SPORTS TIPS: Hitting the driver with more confidence

This week, Longboat Key Club and Resort Director of Golf Terry O'Hara shares tips for hitting a driver with more confidence.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High students enjoyed hanging out in front of a bonfire Oct. 6 as part of the school’s Homecoming festivities.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch High Bonfire

Dozens of Lakewood Ranch High School students spent the evening hanging out in front of a bonfire Oct. 6. The Lakewood cheerleading squad and marching band kept students entertained throughout the event, which was part of the school's Homecoming festivities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Longboat Pass Bridge is located at the north end of the Key.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 6, 2011
Longboat Pass Bridge project to begin in November

The $1.1 million project will continue into early 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Brown with friend Mary Elizabeth Carey
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Mass for Jim Brown

Friends and coworkers wish former mayor Jim Brown Bon Voyage and safe travels after 9 a.m. mass Wedneday, which St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church held in his honor. Jim Brown will be moving to California to live with his daughter Sue.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Occupiers cheer and wave their homemade signs as a car passes by with honks of encouragement Thursday, Oct. 6 during the Occupy Sarasota demonstration outside of Bank of America on Main and Orange downtown.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Occupy Sarasota

Occupy Wall Street has become a National news story and has started to inspire people in other larger cities around the country to "occupy" as well.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 6, 2011
McGonegal named 'Superintendent of the Year'

Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim McGonegal has been named Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Music Educators Association.

  • East County
  • News
Willis A. Smith Construction President David Sessions receives a finalist award from The Observer Group Editor and CEO Matt Walsh.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: The Sandies Awards

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and The Observer Group recognized outstanding Lakewood Ranch businesses and individuals during the first Sandies Awards event Oct. 5 at the Polo Grill & Bar's Fete Ballroom.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kevin Cooper, file photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Kevin Cooper

Think you know Kevin Cooper? Here are a few things you may not have know about him.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jim Brown, former Longboat Key mayor.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Jim Brown

Think you know Jim Brown? Here are five things you may not have known about him.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Read one of our favorite Cops Corner entries from the archives.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Classic Cops of the Day: Longboat Key

Enjoy a classic Cops Corner entry from the Longboat Observer archives.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Read one of our favorite Cops Corner entries from the archives.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Classic Cops of the Day: Sarasota

Enjoy a classic Cops Corner entry from the Sarasota Observer archives.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A mailbox on Higel Avenue is designed to look like a house and has been painted with hearts, windows and "US Mail".
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Love Letterbox

While "snail mail" may not be the quickest way to get in touch with someone, most everyone does love getting a visit from the mailman with a card or a package from a loved one.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
These are beach daisies. When Ponce De Leon found Florida, he was impressed with the flora. Hence the origin of the word "Florida:" flowered, or feast of flowers.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Florida etymology

These are beach daisies. When Ponce De Leon found Florida, he was impressed with the flora. Hence the origin of the word "Florida:" flowered, or feast of flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brooklyn Borowski holds her pet rabbit, Thumper. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Some bunny gets a special blessing

St. Wilifred Episcopal Church has a long-standing tradition of celebrating the feast of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thanks to Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo's last-minute reconsideration, a $25,000 art mural project for the Palm Avenue parking garage is moving forward.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
FULL STORY: Garage murals approved

With a 3-2 vote Monday, the Sarasota City Commission approved a $25,000 Palm Avenue parking garage mural project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents of Hudson Bayou and Gulfview Drive expressed concerns with the traffic light being removed at Orange Avenue and Gulfview Drive. Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
Residents happy city sees the light

After Sarasota residents expressed concern with the potential removal of a neighborhood traffic light, city staff made a recommendation to keep the light.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
Lido Pool agreement approved

The Lido Beach Pool will continue to be operated by its current concession operator.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
News Briefs

SCVB staff makes a move to a new building

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Brown files third lawsuit

Village property owner Chris Brown filed suit against Sarasota County Tuesday for the third time since 2007 over assessments related to a lack of restaurant parking spaces.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Neighboring residents complained when Andy Cooper installed real estate and "Private Property" signs on the portion of the beach residents considered public access. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
County affirms private beach property rights

A fight over property rights on the northern part of Beach Road led to a four-hour standoff among county officials, sheriff's deputies and residents.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
Ex-employee's allegations to be independently reviewed

A former city employee's claims about improprieties in the city's Auditor and Clerk's Office has prompted the City Commission to ask an outside source to review the matter.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
DSA debates downtown New Year's Eve event

The Downtown Sarasota Alliance Board of Directors approved a New Year's Eve event for downtown Sarasota at its monthly meeting Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jennifer Nichols Chaparro's chalk portrait featured the Wicked Witch of the West from "The Wizard of Oz" at last year’s Chalk Festival. File photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Letters to the Editor

Grant changes costly to Sarasota Chalk Festival; Claims of homelessness at library are baseless

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
Main Street: Where the tiled sidewalk ends?

A $10,000 ceramic tile sidewalk project is in jeopardy of being removed if sidewalks are torn up for a new project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Read this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
"A stuffed turtle became a metaphor for my trip," J.W. Frye said. "There's a quote that goes 'Behold the turtle — he only makes progress when he sticks his neck out."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 6, 2011
Biker hits the road for fundraiser

Having just returned from biking across the country for hospice, J.W. Frye will host 'Sarasota Celebrates Volunteers' Sunday, Oct. 16, at Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtney Berger at the collegiate FIRA Regatta held in April at Benderson Park. Courtesy photos.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 6, 2011
Former Sarasota Crew member rescues fellow rower

Courtney Berger is the first NSU athlete to receive the national sportsmanship award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
City of Sarasota will not take gamble on casinos

Sarasota city commissioners unanimously agreed Monday that Las Vegas-style casinos are not in the cards for the city's future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
FULL STORY: Parking garage murals approved

With a 3-2 vote Monday, the Sarasota City Commission approved a $25,000 Palm Avenue parking garage mural project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Brochures going out to candidates

The Mercer Group, which is conducting the search for the new Sarasota County administrator, has posted on its website a brochure outlining the qualities sought in that public official.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Briana O'Brien drives her Green Hopper on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. O'Brien has expanded her "green" service to the Key. To catch a free ride, call 706-5400. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Another free taxi service operating on Siesta Key

A former Daiquiri Deck waitress has been operating a free taxi service on the Key since April, using a battery-powered vehicle she calls the Green Hopper.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
News Briefs

County Commission to vote Oct. 25 on salaries; County beginning address verifications; Sarasota offers mobile health services

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Backflow prevention devices must be installed per state and federal Health Department requirements. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
City of Sarasota spending $1.2 million for backflow devices

A state and federal mandate that requires municipal water systems to be protected with backflow prevention devices will cost the city of Sarasota $1.2 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
« 1645 1646 1647 1648 1649 1650 1651 1652 1653 1654 »
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
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard
2
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
  • April 5, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash attracts 2,000 fans on Easter weekend
3
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
4
Sarasota deejay and beatbox artist Karim Manning
  • April 5, 2026
Arts groups get 'Squeezed' for the 2026 Giving Challenge
5
Under Southwest Florida Water Management District's Phase III restrictions, water fountains can only run four hours per day.
  • April 5, 2026
Manatee County among 14 Southwest Florida counties under water restrictions

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.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now