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Your Observer

Christian Ziegler speaks at the 17th Street Park expansion groundbreaking Nov. 4 2022.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 6, 2023
Affidavit shows communications between Christian Ziegler and accuser

Sarasota police secured search warrants for state GOP chair Christian Ziegler’s cellphone and Google accounts in an ongoing criminal investigation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Team Europe captain Darren Clarke said he'll have to play smart while navigating the course at The Concession.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 6, 2023
World Champions Cup golfers impressed by The Concession

The PGA Tour Champions event begins Thursday and runs Friday and Sunday.

  • East County
  • Sports
This model home is located in Lakewood Ranch's first age-restricted community, Del Webb.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 6, 2023
1,300 more age-restricted homes headed to Lakewood Ranch

Home construction company PulteGroup doubles down with another Del Webb community for buyers 55 and older.

  • East County
  • News
The Buttonwood Harbour neighborhood is one of Longboat Key's neighborhoods most susceptible to flooding.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 6, 2023
New flood maps could discount Longboat homeowners insurance

With the adoption of Sarasota County’s new flood maps, the town of Longboat Key is considering new ordinances to improve its flood management and earn discounts for homeowners on their flood insurance premiums.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jake Ilardi and Skate City SRQ want to add onto the "street" section of Payne Park's skate park.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 6, 2023
Sarasota skateboarder Jake Ilardi wants to spread 'all-wheel' access

The Tokyo Olympian is on a mission to improve Payne Park and build new parks across the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Manatee County is replacing six ambulances with a budget of $2.4 million.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 6, 2023
Manatee County approves purchase of six new ambulances

The new ambulances will replace older models that are nearing the end of their life.

  • East County
  • News
Man wielding a two-by-four chases pranksters' getaway car
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2023
Man wielding a two-by-four chases pranksters' getaway car

A cul-de-sac showdown between man and car ends when a homeowner hits a moving vehicle with a piece of lumber. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Dakin Dairy Farms cows are mechanically milked. The farm is being sold and owner Jerry Dakin hopes the farm will remain in agriculture. It is one of the last dairy farms in Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 6, 2023
Dairy business in Manatee County faces uncertain future

With Dakin Dairy for sale, Cameron Dakin Dairy might not be far behind.

  • East County
  • News
Johnathan BySura, a science teacher, prepares a bottle rocket for launch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 6, 2023
The Out-of-Door Academy students' lesson reaches new heights

Sixth graders design, build and launch their own water-powered bottle rockets.

  • East County
  • Schools
Janice Newman
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 6, 2023
Sarasota artist displays rock-themed collection at All Angels Gallery

Janice Newman focuses on creating community around art to use it as a tool for discovery and meditation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Unit 201 condo at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $5.5 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 6, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 20-24 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Water Club I condominium tops the week's sales at $5.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 6, 2023
Longboat Key reaffirms infrastructure project priorities

Two roundabouts, turn lanes and the complete streets project are still priorities for the town moving forward.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2023
Sarasota Police take local kids holiday shopping Dec. 9

Shop with a Cop returns on Saturday, Dec. 9, to provide an opportunity for 150 underserved youth to shop for holiday gifts with the Sarasota Police officers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The menu at Le Mans Kitchen has a French accent.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 6, 2023
Sarasota Ford opens multimillion-dollar restaurant inside the dealership

Le Mans Kitchen, a high-end, French-style restaurant, is set to open inside the Sarasota Ford dealership — a move designed to increase brand and customer loyalty.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Consul General of Israel in Miami, says "this isn’t a war against Palestinians. This is a fight between good and evil."
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 6, 2023
What 'Never Again' means to me

Never Again. That phrase came to light worldwide after the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews were killed in Europe — at the hands of Nazi Germany. Will the phrase be a promise or a phony pledge?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Legendary golf instructor David Leadbetter (bottom) and World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price celebrate the groundbreaking at the site of the future Soleta Golf Club on Dec. 5 in Myakka City.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 6, 2023
Soleta Golf Club celebrates groundbreaking in Myakka City

The golf course, which is being designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price, is expected to take a year to complete.

  • East County
  • News
The day that should live in infamy
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 6, 2023
The day that should live in infamy

Fewer and fewer Americans can actually recall were they were on Dec. 7, 1941, the way most of can recall where we were on Sept. 11, 2001.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Riverview High girls soccer sophomore Rachel Paule.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 5, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Rachel Paule

The Riverview High girls soccer junior has three goals and seven points in five games in 2023-2024.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Friends Full of Giving Chair Lisa Napolitano, All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank and board Chair Terri Vitale.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 5, 2023
All Faiths Food Bank fundraiser nets $276,000

The Friends Full of Giving event helped All Faiths Food Bank distribute more than 13,000 turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Grand Bay is one of Bay Isles Association's 19 communities on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 5, 2023
Police patrols terminated within Bay Isles communities on Longboat

While policing will no longer occur within the gated community, the association requested enforcement on Bay Isles Parkway.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Brett Quigley earned a spot on Team USA and a chance to face the World's best PGA Champions Tour golfers at The Concession.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 5, 2023
Brett Quigley elevates his game to earn Team USA spot

Champions Tour player Brett Quigley was the final addition to the six-member Team USA for the World Champions Cup at The Concession Golf Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat Key to appoint new commissioner to fill vacant seat
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 5, 2023
Longboat Key to appoint new commissioner to fill vacant seat

Commissioner Debbie Murphy’s resignation will go into effect Dec. 24. The town will have 30 days to appoint a replacement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High sophomore Isaiah Allen.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 5, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Isaiah Allen

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball sophomore is averaging 18 points per game through three games.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Country Club East homes at 16531 Kendleshire Terrace sold for $2.4 million. It has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,434 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 5, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club East home on Kendleshire Terrace tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Carl Backman and Nancy Cunningham, members of Aloha Ukulele, perform with the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities club for Play Music on the Porch Day on Aug. 26, 2023.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 5, 2023
Lakewood Ranch clubs suit every interest

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers 66 clubs that range in interests and size.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of Girl Scout Troop 365 takes pride in their school so they decided to recreate Robert E. Willis Elementary School out of gingerbread.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 5, 2023
UTC's Gingerbread Festival gives Girl Scouts chance to express creativity

The annual event runs through Dec. 10 at The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Police sent to help woman locate her husband on a lunch date
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 5, 2023
Police sent to help woman locate her husband on a lunch date

A woman lost her husband after dropping him off at a restaurant. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Observer reporter Carter Weinhofer returns a ball.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 5, 2023
Longboat Observer reporter contracts a case of 'pickleball fever'

"I gave into peer pressure and now might have a new addiction."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Financial incentives make solar a smart choice
  • By Leonhard Korowajczuk
  • December 5, 2023
Financial incentives make solar a smart choice

A Longboat Key resident highlights tax exemptions and credits for installing solar panels.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Ava Kane, 7, looks at shark jawbones held by Alison Goldy, manager of community programs at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 5, 2023
Sarasota events encourage eco-friendly living

The Bay and Science & Environment Council partnered for environmental-themed events in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The roadway leading into the entrance of Waterfront is discolored due to an oil spill.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 5, 2023
Waterfront residents concerned over cooking oil spill

The spill in a parking lot near the Waterfront entrance is under investigation.

  • East County
  • News
The Flock SRQ, a social club and indoor playhouse for young children, will open Dec. 8.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 5, 2023
Indoor playhouse, children's social club opens in Sarasota

The Flock SRQ will offer a wide variety of classes, programs, toys, meet-ups and events for children ages 4 and under.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Tables of bowls lined the walkway around Ed Smith Stadium.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 4, 2023
Bowls of Hope combines crafts and cuisine to raise money

Featuring more than 30 vendors along with local artisans, Bowls of Hope is All Faiths Food Bank's largest fundraiser of the year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Louis Langley, Allison Byrd, Karen Tonnesen, Scott Tonnesen, Missy Erickson and Kathy Callahan
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 4, 2023
Longboat Lawn Party reaches raffle sales goal of $20,000

Longboaters enjoyed dishes from more than 25 local restaurants at the Kiwanis Club's biggest fundraiser of the year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Banko Doors
  • December 4, 2023
Banko Overhead Doors: Elevating Excellence in Garage Solutions

Banko Doors, your community’s door to service, selection and style since 1984.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sarasota recriminalizes marijuana possession
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 4, 2023
Sarasota recriminalizes marijuana possession

Due to noncompliance with fines, Sarasota Police will refer misdemeanor cannabis cases to alternative mitigation, such as the state's pre-arrest diversion program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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