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Your Observer

Sanaa Jackson talks with Fayth Jenkins
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 16, 2024
SSIS becomes candidate for IB program

Suncoast School for Innovative Studies continues to expand its offerings to students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 16, 2024
Freedom, Braden River elementary schools to have new principals

The current principals are taking on new positions within the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Amy Kwakye-Amoah has worked with fellow teens on addressing body image, cyberbullying and other common issues.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rich and Susan Lomas have dedicated their lives to caring for their son, Sammy.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2024
Sammy's Run founders take a final lap but remain resolute in their cause

The story of Sammy’s Run is similar to the race’s namesake: a gritty mix of togetherness and toughness. Not to mention the unending love a determined couple has for their son.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • May 16, 2024
This is an Experience I Want to Share

"The quality of care was second to none," said Robert Smithson, ER at Fruitville Patient.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Cary Spicuzza has owned the Hob Nob Drive In since 1991.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Hob Nob officially closes after 67 years in Sarasota

Co-owner Cary Spicuzza cites several reasons for Hob Nob Drive In's closure, including the post-pandemic economy. But a forthcoming food truck could keep the brand alive.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Braden River High graduate Adanna Wharton hugs Principal Carl Auckerman. Wharton will go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
Braden River High graduates say farewell to high school

The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but 395 students celebrated receiving their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota's Roman Solomon committed to the University of South Florida for golf on May 2.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota golfer makes his own path

Roman Solomon, the son of MLB star Bobby Bonilla, committed to the University of South Florida on May 8.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Emily Rowley graduated from Southern New Hampshire University and now will pursue her master's degree in forensic psychology.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 15, 2024
East County woman tells those with disabilities to set their goals sky high

Emily Rowley was born without arms due to phocomelia, a rare condition that causes limb malformations. At 22, she puts herself outside of her comfort zone to chase her goals.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
“Mom How Do I Work These Wings”
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 15, 2024
Photography club lends snapshots of local life to Lakewood Ranch Library

A collaborative partnership between the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club and the new Lakewood Ranch Library fosters engagement, education and artistic expression.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Otterness has been on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance board since 2021.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance thrives as it turns 20

As the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance readies to shed itself of its teenage years, a leader with a steady hand helps guide the organization on some big goals and aspirations.

  • East County
  • Business
M/I Homes joins LWRCF's Builders Give Back program
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 15, 2024
M/I Homes joins LWRCF's Builders Give Back program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation now has 10 builders participating in the program, which will boost grants given to local nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Katelyn Fulghum and Vanessa Sloman, who are third grade teachers at Tara Elementary School, loved seeing Jennifer Klein, Nathan Klein, Christian Klein and Catherine Klein cheering them on during their run.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
Two Tara Elementary teachers join coast-to-coast Florida running team

The teachers wanted to challenge themselves by joining their fitness club friends in a unique effort.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program

The three students' plays will be performed at the Florida Studio Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Unit 1001 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,194 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 15, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Beach Residences condominium tops the week's sales at $5.7 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Longboat Key Garden Club officers Susan Loprete, Sharon Meir, Susan Mason, Melanie Dale, Lyn Haycock and Susan Phillips at the 2023 club's Arbor Day Picnic & Annual Meeting.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 15, 2024
Longboat Key Garden Club plans member cookbook

Next fall, a Garden Club cookbook will be available for purchase with members' favorite nature-themed recipes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cristal Aguillon, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the second in her family to graduate high school and the first to go to college.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2024
After family tragedy, LRHS senior refocuses to graduate

Cristal Aguillon doesn't let hardships stop her from becoming the first in her family to attend college.

  • East County
  • Schools
Officer takes 'bewildered' bird for a ride
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2024
Officer takes 'bewildered' bird for a ride

A jaywalking sparrow was taken to Save Our Seabirds, the invasive species chose flying away over euthanasia. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A bench at Bayfront Park looking toward Ringling Bridge on Aug. 30, 2023, following Hurricane Idalia.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 15, 2024
New hurricane graphics better explain the dangers of approaching storms

CEO and Chair of the Climate Adaptation Center Bob Bunting stressed the importance of understanding hurricane forecasts and what they mean for hurricane seasons that are increasing in intensity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Redevelopment may lie ahead for the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, formerly known as Southgate.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota mall redevelopment with 848 apartments inches forward

The city's planning board grants approval that marks next step toward revitalizing the former Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zoning: Killer of creativity
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 15, 2024
Zoning: Killer of creativity

Truth is, zoning has created a disaster in the U.S. — unaffordable housing and high-rise columbariums.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Red tide and you is a great place to START
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • May 15, 2024
Red tide and you is a great place to START

If you are not familiar with the local nonprofit Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, you should be.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Riverview High junior linebacker Landon Marsters.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Landon Marsters

The Riverview High junior linebacker is racking up collegiate offers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo is overseeing the largest expansion in the airport's history.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2024
SRQ CEO rebuts FAA's claims in New College land sale denial

Rick Piccolo sends documents to the Federal Aviation Administration that prove it knew of and approved the lease of 31 acres it now wants to sell to New College of Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Customers pack the counter at the Hob Nob Drive In in Sarasota after it was rumored the popular eatery was closing.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Hob Nob Drive In, a Sarasota landmark, rumored to be closing

The drive-in restaurant on U.S. 301 has been a staple of the city since 1957.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Cuba 1958 is set to open in mid-June on Main Street in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • May 14, 2024
Authentic ‘old-time’ Cuban restaurant coming to downtown Sarasota

Cuba 1958 will replace Flavio’s on Main and eyes an early summer opening date.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
This Lake Club home at 16730 Verona Place sold for $2,272,500. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,023 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 14, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for April 29 to May 3 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Verona Place tops the week's sales at $2.27 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lorenzo Liberti holds one of his hand carved flags.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 14, 2024
Teen tenaciously chases goal to end veteran homelessness

Lakewood Ranch's Lorenzo Liberti started the Give-A-Buck Foundation to build housing for veterans.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Police evict man found sleeping on a resident’s balcony
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 14, 2024
Police evict man found sleeping on a resident’s balcony

The man, a former caretaker for the property, was found sleeping on the balcony without permission. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Linda Velazquez
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 14, 2024
Longboat resident leads international green roof media company

Linda Velazquez shares her lifelong love for plants, benefits of green roofs and her tips on starting your own living architecture on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High softball's Grace Shaw-Rockey hit .444 as a senior in 2024. She will play for the University of North Florida next season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High softball saves seemingly lost season with district title

Junior pitcher Lexi Meneely keyed the Mustangs' district title run.

  • East County
  • Sports
Agriculture and dairy farming have been a way of life for Jerry Dakin and his nephews Jason Dakin, Garrett Dakin, Grant Dakin and Ethan Dakin.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 14, 2024
Ownership of Myakka's Dakin Dairy to remain in the family

Jerry Dakin sold his farm to his four nephews who will continue to operate the dairy farm.

  • East County
  • News
The Longboat Key Police Department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 14, 2024
Longboat Police expansion stalls amid funding gap

The Longboat Key Police Department is looking for grants to fund a $1.3 million expansion that would add a 1,300-square-foot training facility onto the existing building.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The building located at 540 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 13, 2024
Tidewell Foundation property on Longboat Key to list for $3M

Empath Health, the parent company for the Tidewell Foundation and Tidewell Hospice, announced the listing on May 13 but said the company is committed to continuing partnerships with the Longboat Key community.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Meet Longboat Key's 'Happy Hour' dog
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • May 13, 2024
Meet Longboat Key's 'Happy Hour' dog

Randy Newman's dog, Daisy, is greeted more than him as he brings her to different restaurants and staples of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Blancato speaks at Senior Friendship Centers.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2024
Senior Friendship Centers hosts advocate for the needs of older Americans

Bob Blancato, the national coordinator of the bipartisan 3,000-member Elder Justice Coalition, spoke at the organization during Older Americans Month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Squeaky Wheel Fringe runs June 2-7.
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