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Your Observer

Below-freezing weather expected in inland Manatee, Sarasota
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 27, 2026
Below-freezing weather expected in inland Manatee, Sarasota

The wider region is expected to see wind chills in 20s Tuesday night.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Medford has moved up the ladder with her Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Med Spa business by opening a location in Waterside. The new location will include a boutique.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2026
Sirius Day Spa opens new location in Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub

Owner Karen Medford says it has been a dream for her to own a spa at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Elizabeth Lawson of Sarasota was recently crowned the FHSAA Class 3A-District 11 champion for the 169-pound weight class in both styles.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 27, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Elizabeth Lawson

The senior for Sarasota girls weightlifting swept her weight class at districts.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Pass Bridge was originally constructed in 1957 and reconstructed in 2005 and 2020.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 27, 2026
Hearings planned for north-end Longboat bridge project

The Longboat Pass Bridge was built in 1957 and will need to be rebuilt, according to FDOT.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Muriel Klosterman of Longboat Island Chapel presents Carolyn Nielsen, Turning Points' volunteer and events coordinator, with a check for $3,000 at the church's Gather and Give charity drive on Jan. 20.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 27, 2026
Chapel gifts $3K, supplies to Turning Points

Attendees at this month's Gather and Give filled Turning Points' guest speaker's car with donated cleaning supplies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Commander David Siesel; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Perry Page; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Lois McKenzie; Secretary, Lt. Commander Domini Wood; Executive Officer; Lt. Commander Samuel Doak; and District 22 Comander Ron Jones.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 27, 2026
Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron completes 74th Change of Watch

David Siesel replaced Barbara Warshaw as commander of the Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron as the organization held its annual Change of Watch ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vern Buchanan has announced his retirement following 20 years in Congress.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2026
Longtime local legislator announces retirement from Congress

Vern Buchanan, who represents Florida's 16th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced his retirement following 20 years in Washington.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Only commercial properties will be assessed if House Bill 4091 passes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 27, 2026
Legislators to decide if a taxing district could solve UTC's stormwater problems

If passed, House Bill 4091 will make the University Town Center area a special district that can pay for infrastructure using bonds.

  • East County
  • News
Yahaira and Adam Shimer operate Crust N' Crumb out of their Heritage Harbour home.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 27, 2026
Baking hobby turns into a hot business for Manatee County couple

Baking racks and equipment have taken over this Heritage Harbour household over the past year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The town of Longboat Key is looking into potential impacts from a changed flight path from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport that took effect in 2024.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 27, 2026
Longboat Key evaluates impacts of new flight path

Residue found on patio furniture may be connected to a new flight path, and the town is hiring an engineering firm to look into it.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Senior Taylor Ford competes at the FHSAA Class 2A-District 12 Championship Jan. 24 at Braden River High School. She won silver in Olympic style for the 139-pound weight class as the Pirates claimed their fourth straight district title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 27, 2026
Braden River High girls weightlifting team builds with belief

By undergoing a culture reset, the Pirates have become a powerhouse.

  • East County
  • Sports
This year's New to You art sale promises some unique, larger finds for art enthusiasts, according to Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator. Torres showcases a Grecian-style, three-dimensional piece of art.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 27, 2026
Big surprises await at New to You art sale

The popular Longboat Key art sale begins Feb. 2 at All Angels by the Sea and benefits Turning Points of Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Esplanade home at 4719 Cabreo Court sold for $1.26 million. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,875 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 27, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 12-16 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Parkstone Terrace topped the week’s sales at $2.88 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Police respond to man who left door open to enjoy weather
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 27, 2026
Police respond to man who left door open to enjoy weather

Longboat Police were called on a man who left his door open on a pleasant Sunday evening. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Jay Poon holds a container of takoyaki, with his wife, Sadie Poon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2026
Saigon Night Market brings a taste of Asia to Sarasota

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival drew a large turnout with a Pan-Asian selection of street foods.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gavin Moore has allowed just nine goals, as of Jan. 22, for Lakewood Ranch boys soccer in 2025-26 en route to the Mustangs' first undefeated regular season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 26, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Gavin Moore

The senior has been a standout in net for Lakewood Ranch boys soccer.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya (left) and Public Works Director Nikesh Patel presented the federal offshore oil and gas leasing opposition resolution to the City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 26, 2026
Sarasota joins Florida communities to oppose renewed offshore oil drilling

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a resolution against a new federal offshore oil and gas leasing program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Randy Clair
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 26, 2026
Former Town Commissioner Randy Clair loved the water, Longboat and family

An avid sailor, loving father and husband and two-time town commissioner, Randy Clair made an impact on Longboat Key in his 29 years living on the island. He died Jan. 17 at age 86.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rotarians Gene Luca, left, and President Terri Driver, right, thank Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services' Margie Genter and Randy Wright for offering insights into how it benefits community members. Representatives joined the Rotary Club of Longboat Key on Jan. 20 at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 26, 2026
Goodwill Manasota Veterans Services helps those who served get back to work

From coffee socials to job placement services, staff assist those who served in a variety of ways, as they detailed to Rotarians.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bella Grace, a 3-year-old Weimaraner, is a German hunting dog who works for Manatee County Search & Rescue. Kevin Vreeland, her owner and K-9 handler, described her as a "scent monster."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 25, 2026
Search and rescue dogs attract a crowd at free Lakewood Ranch presentation

K-9 team members show what they can do during an event presented by Lakewood Ranch CERT.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Navigator Gary Yeager balances the cart as driver Kami Landy goes into a turn during the Combined Driving at TerraNova marathon event Jan. 24.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 25, 2026
World champ among competitors at TerraNova's Combined Driving event

A field of 111 competitors came to Myakka in an event expected to grow in prestige.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Reed Medical Group and Longboat Key Fitness both celebrated their grand reopenings on Jan. 22 at the Shoppes of Bay Isles complex, introducing visitors to their expanded facilities. Dr. James Reed, owner of the concierge medical service, wields the big scissors.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 25, 2026
Longboat Publix plaza celebrates grand openings

Reed Medical Group and Longboat Key Fitness held their grand reopening festivities on Jan. 22 at The Shoppes of Bay Isles complex.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
While construction abounds around The Marketplace at Heritage Harbour, Portillo's is not among the businesses preparing to move into the shopping center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 25, 2026
Chicago hot dog eatery reverses course on Manatee County location

Portillo's is no longer planning to open a restaurant in The Marketplace at Heritage Harbour.

  • East County
  • News
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 25, 2026
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy

The new policy specifies a three-day window for Sarasota County parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence, while outlining clearly what counts as an excused absence.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch's Douglas Grierson said he is amazed by how talented the artists, including painter Thomas Legault, are at the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Artists showcase their talent during Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival

Those strolling Lakewood Main Street appreciate the event for several reasons.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe singer Michael Mejia-Mendez belts the opening note of Harry Belafonte's iconic "Day-O" during a tribute performance on Jan. 21 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 24, 2026
'King of Calypso' tribute singer gets Christ Church grooving

Singer Michael Mejia-Mendez brought to life the tunes and tales of Harry Belafonte for a special performance.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The School District of Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin, School Board Chair Cindy Spray, Vice Chair Richard Tatem, and School Board Members Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy were among the group of people to break ground on AAA High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 24, 2026
Manatee School District breaks ground for new Lakewood Ranch high school

AAA High School, located at Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch, is set to open to ninth and 10th graders in August 2027.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ringling College names new president
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Mark Gordon
  • January 24, 2026
Ringling College names new president

Davis Schneiderman will be the globally known arts college's seventh president in 95 years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
About $12,000 in small bills was seized as part of the investigation.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 23, 2026
Investigators make cocaine-trafficking arrest near Sarasota park

$12,000 in small bills and more than 400 grams of drugs were seized, police say.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • January 23, 2026
Randall T. Clair (Randy)

Randall T. Clair (Randy) aged 86, of Longboat Key, Florida, formerly of Lake Bluff, Illinois, passed away on January 17, 2026.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Harry Ronald Northington (1939-2026)
    In Memoriam |
  • January 23, 2026
Harry Ronald Northington

Harry Ronald Northington, of Germantown, Tennessee and Longboat Key, Florida, Certified Public Accountant, died January 6th, 2026, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after eighty-six years of a full and eventful life.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
  • By The Sarasota Ballet
  • January 23, 2026
Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

The Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "The Waiting Room" January 30 to February 2 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Food truck regulations were a topic of discussion at the Tuesday, Jan. 20 Longboat Key Town Commission workshop meeting.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 23, 2026
Are food trucks allowed on Longboat Key?

Whether a coffee trailer would pave the way for other mobile businesses to follow suit concerned Commissioner BJ Bishop.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is at 6320 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • January 23, 2026
New sandwich shop opens in south Sarasota

Capriotti’s, known for its submarine sandwiches, is located on South Tamiami Trail and Stickney Point Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In will open this spring at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • January 23, 2026
Hob Nob to reopen in Sarasota with new owner

The Original Hob Nob Drive-In will be operated with support from The Breakfast Company founders.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Couch LBK joined neighboring Brista Commons businesses in celebrating their official opening on Jan. 20.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 22, 2026
Meet the people behind Brista Commons' new opening

Longboat's new "one-stop shop" for homeowners officially opens at the mid-Key plaza, covering realty, flooring, furniture and windows.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
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