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Your Observer

Mary Schultz shows off the latest Lilly Pulitzer style on the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild spring fashion show March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 20, 2026
Spring fashion comes to life on Women's Guild runway

Members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild walked the runway in Lilly Pulitzer's seasonal styles.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

Swimming and rowing championships expected to attract more than 5,000 athletes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 20, 2026
Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled

The event where residents can show off their cars and meet and greet with officers while having a coffee will now be held in April.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 20, 2026
City parking scheme schemes hurting our tourism

The city of Sarasota should end its program to charge for parking to remain competitive with other tourism areas.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Dolores M. Stevens (2025)
    In Memoriam |
  • March 19, 2026
Dolores M. Stevens

Dolores M. Stevens died suddenly on November 27, 2025 in Ridgewood, NJ.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The the site of the proposed 1899 Fruitville apartment development is outlined in red.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 19, 2026
Proposed apartments would replace Breakfast House and more on Fruitville

Adjacent to Gillespie Park, a 324-unit building would cover an entire block on Fruitville Road between North Osprey and Gillespie avenues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Storytelling is one of the events planned at the Enchanted Gardens Family Festival at Historic Spanish Point.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2026
Selby Gardens sets dates for Enchanted Garden Festival

The event is planned March 28-29 at Historic Spanish Point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The property at 1690 Arlington St. was built in 2004 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,340 square feet of living area. The property at 1688 Arlington St. was built in 2004 and has one bedroom, one bath and 625 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 19, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Bay Island property on Norsota Way tops the week’s sales at $2.95 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Paul Dezzi is the fire chief of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department and the town's emergency manager.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 19, 2026
Longboat Key fire station to host open house March 25

Longboat Key Fire Rescue hosts an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station 92.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike Hutchinson repairs a laptop.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 19, 2026
Local nonprofit repairs over 25,000 laptops to help community members in need

The Sarasota Technology Users Group hopes to bridge the digital divide with its initiative to repair laptops for those in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Well Sarasota would include 28 condominiums and 72 hotel/condo units.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 19, 2026
Is the hotel/condo trend coming to Sarasota?

Two projects working through the city approval process would combine condominium and hotel uses, signaling a possible shift in the Sarasota condo market.

  • Sarasota
  • News
On Feb. 20, 2026, Florida Power & Light Company(FPL)volunteers beautify and conduct maintenance at The Ranch of Easterseals Southwest Florida. Volunteers removed posts, helped with landscaping and maintenance efforts–supporting the organization’s mission to help people with disabilities discover new strength, improve balance and unlock potential through therapy, learning and recreation on horseback. Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, FPL’s Power to Care week consists of more than 30projects led by hundreds of employees in over 10 counties across Florida.
  • By Devaney Iglesias, Manager of External Affairs for West-Central Florida, Florida Power & Light Company
  • March 19, 2026
Why year-round volunteer support matters for southwest Florida’s nonprofits

According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, about 40% of nonprofit organizations say they need more volunteers to meet current demand.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Pendry Residences Tampa
  • March 19, 2026
2026 Brings Exciting Progress at Pendry Residences Tampa

Pendry Residences Tampa's impressive tower is taking shape as one of Downtown's most anticipated residences.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Edward Lyon, Excel Empire's chief tax planner and the 'funniest tax guy in America,' shares tips with residents as they gear up for tax season at a March 10 workshop at Lido Beach Resort.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 18, 2026
America's 'Funniest Tax Guy' offers tips to Longboaters

Ahead of the approaching tax season, finance expert Edward Lyon held a workshop with book co-author Michael Jaspan.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cooper Jones is one of seven freshmen additions for Braden River this season. The third baseman/catcher leads the team in RBIs and ranks second in batting average, as of March 10.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Freshmen talent takes center stage for Braden River High's softball team

The Pirates were off to a fast start with seven freshmen having an immediate impact.

  • East County
  • Sports
Beachgoers set up near and rest on one of two concrete permeable adjustable groins on the north end of Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 18, 2026
Town eyes Gulfside Road for next beach groin project

Longboat Key spends a lot on beach renourishment but also uses engineering to reduce erosion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Esplanade residents have an assembly line to stuff Comfort Cases backpacks to be delivered to foster kids.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2026
Esplanade pulls together to support foster kids

The residents fill 1,000 Comfort Cases backpacks with basic essential needs for the foster care community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ted Lindenberg thanks students from Rogers Garden Elementary for singing a couple songs during the Books for Kids annual luncheon at Lakewood Ranch Country Club March 12.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2026
Books for Kids' passion runs cover to cover

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's reading program spells out success.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Condos and single-family homes for sale dot the map of downtown Sarasota and its adjacent neighborhoods.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 18, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag

Prices are up but not everywhere.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota's Tony Mullet, Dianne Gardner, Annelle Mullet, Dave Gardner and Denise Miller get their green on to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Lakewood Main Street on March 17.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 18, 2026
A green day on Lakewood Main Street to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Community members gathered to celebrate St. Patricks Day with music, beer, costumes and more on March 17.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior guard/forward Isaiah Jenkins (left) looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 7A boys basketball state championship between Sarasota and Miami Columbus. The Sailors fell, 53-50, on March 14 at Jacksonville's UNF Arena.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Learning to love transformed Sarasota boys basketball

As corny as it sounds, a culture of care lifted the Sailors to historic heights.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's John Calovich is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident enters competitive District 6 election

John Calovich will have to win the primary first because there are four other Republicans in the race.

  • East County
  • News
The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser

The tournament has raised $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation and the goal is to reach $150,000 with one last tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Concession Golf Club is hosting the Senior PGA Championship April 16-19.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Final preparations underway for The Concession to host Senior PGA Championship

The Lakewood Ranch golf club has officially begun its one-month countdown to the tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
Preston Bowers volunteers for TOPSoccer, and Chris Collins manages the program.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit soccer program is tops

TOPSoccer offers fun and camaraderie to children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This parking lot at Plymouth Harbor will be the site of its planned expansion.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 18, 2026
City Commission agenda includes citywide speed limit and parking fee discussion

In addition to discussions about speed limits citywide and parking fees, the Sarasota City Commission consider hiring a noise consultant and hear about possible impacts of property tax reform.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By One Park Sarasota
  • March 18, 2026
A Sarasota Townhome Collection Designed for Rooftop Living

The idea of lounging by a pool or taking a quick dip is always enticing, especially when that pool is in one’s private backyard or roof! This was the vision behind the development of One Park Sarasota’s Townhouse Collection. These three-story townhouses, located on the north side of the luxury condominium with views of The Bay, are redefining downtown Sarasota living.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Cathy and Dennis Kennedy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 17, 2026
Revelers head to Shamrock Pub to uphold their St. Patrick's Day tradition

The location remains a hot spot for celebrating the occasion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2026
Temple members encouraged to reflect at outdoor art exhibit

Members of Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key took a guided tour of the downtown Sarasota exhibit, 'Embracing Our Differences.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alex Bates of Riverview track and field is a reigning FHSAA regional and district champion for pole vault. Four meets into his senior season, he's already notched a pair of first-place finishes.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Alex Bates

The reigning state runner-up in FHSAA Class 4A for pole vault placed first at the Ram Invitational.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A Lake Club home at 16218 Daysailor Trail sold for $2,499,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Daysailor Trail tops the week's sales at $2.5 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Ava DiPasquale is ranked sixth in Florida among girls age 13-14 for the 2025-26 season, as well as 67th nationally in that regard, per Swimcloud.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava DiPasquale

The 14-year-old from Mill Creek won big at the Florida Age Group Swimming state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Life Time, an athletic country club, is slated to open in Lakewood Ranch in late 2026. This is the outdoor pool and waterslide at the Life Time in Winter Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 17, 2026
Entertainment district expands in Lakewood Ranch

Several entertainment options are under construction on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Moni, a yellow-naped Amazon and Amber, a Scarlet macaw, spend time in the Leonard Reid House.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 17, 2026
Historic Leonard Reid House hosts parrots in honor of family pets

Sarasota Jungle Gardens brought some feathered friends to the Leonard Reid House in an event that hosted kids from local schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key resident Cathy Ross looks at FDOT plans for a fixed-span bridge to replace the drawbridge currently connecting Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island at a public meeting at Christ Church Thursday, March 13.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 17, 2026
FDOT shares fixed-span Longboat Pass bridge plans, community shares feedback

Opinions varied on FDOT’s proposal to construct a 78-foot clearance fixed span bridge connecting Longboat to Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Two properties at 369 S. and 369 N. Polk Drive sold for $3.65 million. The property at 369 S. was built in 1948, and it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,703 square feet of living area. The property at 369 N. was built in 1948, and it has one bedroom, one bath and 728 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A two-property sale in John Ringling Estates on Polk Drive tops the week’s sales at $3.65 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
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Latest News

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No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
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3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
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James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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