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Your Observer

Cyclists head out on the Ride of Silence.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 20, 2024
Ride of Silence honors cyclist victims of roadway accidents

The 22nd annual ride, a 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota, was held in honor of cyclists injured and killed on public roads.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services One Stop Shop will be located on Apex Road at Palmer Boulevard.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2024
Sarasota County breaks ground on development services building

The county's campus in the Fruitville Commons area continues its growth with the start of One Stop Shop for development services.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sammy's Run to hit the streets for a final time in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 20, 2024
Sammy's Run to hit the streets for a final time in Lakewood Ranch

The race is in its eighth year raising awareness about Phelan-McDermid Syndrome while raising money for a wheelchair bicycle.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Deputies search for swimmer missing off Turtle Beach
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 20, 2024
Deputies search for swimmer missing off Turtle Beach

Two other swimmers were rescued by good Samaritans. Strong rip currents were reported in the area.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Tinkerbell and Bisou at Freedom Fest with their owners, Michael and Medge Jaspan and Frank and Martina Kinslow.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 20, 2024
Dogs who met at Freedom Fest 2023 will have puppies

Coinciding with their one-year "anniversary," Tinkerbell and Bisou are expecting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Let’s talk dog poop on Longboat Key
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 20, 2024
Let’s talk dog poop on Longboat Key

A resident writes that he's fed up with entitled dog owners who expect someone else to clean up the mess.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam uptick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2024
Sarasota Sheriff's Office warns of phone scam uptick

Callers tell victims to pay up to avoid arrest for skipping jury duty.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pools, a lagoon and 800 feet of beach access will be available at the St. Regis Longboat Key, a rendering of which is pictured.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 20, 2024
St. Regis Longboat Key now accepting reservations ahead of opening

Although the barrier island resort may not be open yet, people can make their reservations now.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Principal Rachel Shelley greets Maximiliano Lopez Zapata
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Booker High grads share advice as they prepare for their next steps

Commencement speaker Annabelle Truong had an optimistic appraisal of the moment to share during the graduation ceremony for Booker High School on May 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The moment of graduation arrives
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Sarasota High School grads look forward to forging a new path

Sarasota High School students took to the Cleland Stadium on May 18, but it wasn't for a game. It was for the last moments of an era.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Charlotte White, 15, Andrew and Katy White and Kay Chandler
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2024
Riverview High students graduate with big dreams ahead

Students at Riverview High School left graduation on May 18 at Robarts Arena with a long journey ahead but with big shoulders to stand on.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Stolen school bus recovered in Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2024
Stolen school bus recovered in Sarasota

State troopers arrest man in Sarasota who allegedly stole a Hillsborough County bus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Sarasota and Braden River high schools running back Brian Battie played for Auburn University in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 19, 2024
Sarasota football star Brian Battie injured, brother killed in shooting

The brothers were shot at Tallywood Centre Plaza in the early hours of May 18. Their connections to the Sarasota community run deep.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • May 19, 2024
How to take care of your bone health

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Here's what you need to know to be your healthiest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Christy James and Art Conforti
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 19, 2024
Longboat Key Flower Shop readies for in-person shopping

The shop will hold an open house throughout the month of July complete with giveaways.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Areas of the Village in Longboat Key will be repaved starting June 10.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 18, 2024
Longboat Key Village repaving set to begin mid-June

The weeklong project will address some critical areas of need to "buy time" until future drainage projects address the Village’s roads.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle's Nancy Lepain, Hope Family Service's Tiffany Ogline and Daviana Ferrer, Lake Club Artist Guild founder Margie Meyer and Lake Club Women's Giving Circle's Barbara Najmy work together to donate artwork to Hope Family Services.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2024
Lake Club Artist Guild donates paintings to Hope Family Services

The artist guild works with the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle to donate at least 45 pieces to the Bradenton nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Natural gas leak reported in Gulfstream Avenue condo complex
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 17, 2024
Natural gas leak reported in Gulfstream Avenue condo complex

Closed lanes of U.S. 41 were reopened Friday evening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fourth grader Annabelle Wendell loves showing off her skills to her teacher, Jackie Blue, and her classmates.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Myakka City Elementary students don't horse around with academics

Students achieved three of four quarterly goals in order to attend or participate in a rodeo.

  • East County
  • Schools
Back: Mike Frashier, Svetlana Ivashchenko, Deborah DiCarlo, Chris Sachs, Lynn Larson, Jim Larson and Michael Garey. Front: Ed Krepela and Jim Whitman
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 17, 2024
Public Works manager updates Kiwanis Club on undergrounding

Guy Matricciani explains that communication with residents is the key to completing town projects efficiently.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 17, 2024
Controversial condo tower receives partial DRC sign-off

The luxurious Obsidian still faces administrative decisions on street-level adjustments while the Lofts on Lemon II public housing project faces scrutiny.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plymouth Harbor residents treated firefighters at Sarasota County Station 3 to lunch on May 15, 16 and 17.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 17, 2024
Plymouth Harbor shows appreciation to firefighters with annual lunch

Residents visited Sarasota County Fire Department Station 3, toured the facility and dined with the firefighters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jenny Ann Magarelli, 1937-2024
    In Memoriam |
  • May 17, 2024
Jenny Ann Magarelli

Jenny Ann Magarelli passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida, on May 7, 2024, at the age of 86.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Dustin Dahlquist, the principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, congratulates Karina Lee.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High School graduates look to the future

After four years of making memories in high school, graduates are ready for the next chapter.

  • East County
  • Schools
A picture of Greer Island from the beach volunteer program.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 16, 2024
LBK North residents transition from beach cleanup to education efforts

Longboat Key North began a beach volunteer program in 2021. Now the group is moving from formal patrols to education.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bradenton woman dies in rear-end collision on SR 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 16, 2024
Bradenton woman dies in rear-end collision on SR 70

The crash happened May 15 on State Road 70.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Dudley navigates the pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
Swim school helps adults overcome fear in the water

Adults travel across the country to visit the Sarasota-based Miracle Swimming School for Adults and gain confidence in the water.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mayor Liz Alpert, Addy Domian, Lizzy Mopps, Marco Vegh, Hayden Wilding, Nishalle Uthuppan, Ayla Edwards, Ethan Hylwa, Margaret Toth, Danielle Vassos and Scholarship Chair Susan Warmington
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
Sarasota students earn nearly $75K in scholarships

The financial assistance came from Sarasota County Schools, Chorus of the Keys and Military Officer Association of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
This home in Southpointe Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $5.1 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,797 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 16, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Southpointe Shores home on Cove Terrace tops sales at $5.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Paul Caragiulo is part of the winning team that reinvented Owen’s Fish Camp for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2024
Owen's Fish Camp co-owner shares the secret sauce behind the second location

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Paul Caragiulo shares how he and his brothers brought one of Sarasota's favorite restaurants to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Morgan Bettes Angell co-founded Independent Jones, while Antonio Hernandez is the chief events officer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Big plans are afoot to bring the blues to Lakewood Ranch

The thrill is far from gone for a few music lovers determined to bring a rocking blues festival to Lakewood Ranch by the end of 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The study area for the Main Street Complete Street visioning extends from U.S. 41 east to Lime Avenue and Fruitville Road south to Laurel Street.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 16, 2024
Vision for Main Street face-lift will require parking compromise

Sarasota city staffers tell DID board members "we have to be able to meet people halfway" when it comes to eventual complete street design.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission releases a female Florida panther that had been rescued as a kitten in 2011 at the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Florida panthers, still a rare sight, are seeking suitable territories to survive

Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, has devoted much of his adult life to the preservation of the endangered feline.

  • East County
  • News
Seth Mahlmeister (orange) has been a top offensive threat for the Sarasota Paradise.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2024
Sarasota Paradise seeks on-field improvement in year two

The team's goal: Make the postseason — and bring in more fans in the process.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Herndon, Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group plans course improvements at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club's new owners come with a fresh vision

Virginia golf course company Heritage Golf Group believes it picked up a trophy asset in buying the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Significant enhancements and improvements are on the docket.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A dramatic mix of colors enlivens the open concept living area, with equally dramatic views of the lake and golf course out past the swimming pool.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 16, 2024
The spirit of Shanghai enlivens a home in Lakewood National

Including influences from the years Bill and Cheri Clever's spent in China, this home dazzles with one-of-a-kind flair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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