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Your Observer

Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods are among those most prone to flooding during high tide.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 29, 2023
Grants continue to be town priority moving into new fiscal year

Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton says grant funding has been running smoothly under the new grants coordinator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The proposed resort project on Bridge Street and Third Street South on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 29, 2023
Bradenton Beach Bridge Street resort passes first approval

Longboat Key officials raised awareness of potential traffic impacts and opportunities for future collaboration between the municipalities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Richard Mandell's work at Bobby Jones Golf Club included creating 22 acres of wetland as part of an adjacent nature park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 29, 2023
Golf course architect honored for Bobby Jones environmental achievements

Richard Mandell is among nine winners of the 2023 American Society of Golf Course Architects Environmental Excellence Award.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former SMA rifle shooter Mary Tucker, now at West Virginia University, won the individual smallbore national title and was named the Most Outstanding Performer at the 2024 NCAA Division I Rifle National Championship.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 29, 2023
Collegiate winter sports athletes represent Sarasota area well

TKTKKTPlus, a former area coach turns a struggling college program around in year one.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
All of the tennis center courts are being used for the tournament.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 29, 2023
20th Longboat Key tennis tournament attracts players countrywide

The Senior Men’s United States Tennis Association Tournament will be played from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 and is dubbed one of the "Triple Crown" Florida tournaments.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ray Grace reads a children's book to the three who attended the Nov. 21 Pop-up Library children's activities.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 29, 2023
Network of mothers strives to make Longboat Key more kid-friendly

Elise Kidd Slansky says there are plenty of ways to create more children-oriented community events. It just takes a little work.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Booker High senior wide receiver Josiah Booker.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 28, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Josiah Booker

The Booker High football senior helped his team to a 38-32 win over Bishop Verot High in the regional finals Nov. 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, Concession owner Bruce Cassidy, PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady, Intersport founder Charles Besser and former PGA Tour star Peter Jacobsen announced the new World Champions Cup in April.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 28, 2023
World Champions Cup to throw block party in Lakewood Ranch

The inaugural PGA Tour Champions event is going all out to thank The Concession and the region.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Deborah Murphy started her commissioner role March 20.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 28, 2023
Debbie Murphy resigns from Longboat Town Commission

Debbie Murphy, who began her commission term in March, said new state requirements were too "intrusive."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The newly renovated Lazy Lobster
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 28, 2023
Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key gets a makeover

The restaurant recently finished renovations providing a coastal, modern atmosphere for customers to enjoy a nice dinner out.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The home at 8477 Pavia Way sold for $3.04 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 28, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 13-17 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3.04 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center remains structurally sound, but new plans may be discussed in the future.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 28, 2023
Conceptual planning nears for Longboat rec center replacement

Money is set aside to begin preliminary planning for the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, but the question remains as to whether the idea will stick.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Some examples of how the Luxe Flex garages can be customized.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 28, 2023
More luxury garage condos gear up for Lakewood Ranch

Luxe Flex Garage is a more budget-friendly version of the original Luxe Dream Garage, which held its groundbreaking in August 2022.

  • East County
  • News
Joaquin Garcia Argibay, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, raises money through the Sister School Project to support a school in Argentina.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 28, 2023
Student brings sister school in Argentina into ODA's family

Joaquin Garcia Argibay, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, raises money to purchase supplies for students in Chaco, Argentina.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sushi burritos are one of the signature items at Pacific Counter.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 28, 2023
Sarasota restaurant puts fast-casual spin on sushi

Pacific Counter recently opened a location in The Landings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Manatee Admirals hockey team combines players from Lakewood Ranch High and Parrish Community High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 28, 2023
High school ice hockey in Florida still on ice

However, the Manatee Admirals team gives students the chance to experience similar opportunities.

  • East County
  • Sports
Woman seeks police assistance for ‘life-threatening’ dog situation
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 28, 2023
Woman seeks police assistance for ‘life-threatening’ dog situation

A woman feared for her life when she saw two dogs off leash in a park. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Brandin Galloway is a freshman on the Braden River High boys soccer team.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 27, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Brandin Gallaway

The Braden River High boys soccer freshman has three goals in three games for the 3-0 Pirates.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rev. Juila Piermont
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 27, 2023
Christ Church of Longboat Key chooses first full-time pastor

The Rev. Julia Piermont shares her excitement of being the new pastor for Christ Church and her admiration of its foundation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River junior Marcus Schade shoots over Lakewood Ranch senior Trey Holweger (24) during the 2022-23 season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 27, 2023
After 2022-23 breakout season, Braden River boys basketball wants more

Head Coach Dwight Gilmer's Pirates believe they have a district title in their sights.

  • East County
  • Sports
Whitney Barazoto, Dan Barazoto, Elizabeth Barazoto, Lisa Barazoto and Magally Ramsaier
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 27, 2023
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosts Light Up Longboat

Local residents and organizations gathered to mark the beginning of the holiday season with the fifth annual Light Up Longboat tree-lighting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
After 22 years, the owner of Dakin Dairy Farms, Jerry Dakin, is selling the Myakka City dairy farm.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2023
Dakin Dairy to sell farm in Myakka City

After 22 years, Jerry Dakin is selling his 350-acre farm.

  • East County
  • News
Nearly 500 donated shoeboxes fill one of two vans at the Holiday Shoebox Drive at the Lakewood Ranch Elks on Dec. 4, 2021.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2023
Meals on Wheels Plus prepares for annual Shoebox Collection

Helping out Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee with shoeboxes has become a tradition for Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lake Manatee provides drinking water to more than 300,000 residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Its dam is shown here.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 27, 2023
Dry summer leads to water shortage in Southwest Florida

Manatee and Sarasota County residents are prohibited from "wasteful and unnecessary" water use through July 1, 2024.

  • East County
  • News
Construction of the Mote SEA is begining to take its distinctive ship-like shape.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 27, 2023
New Mote aquarium secures $20 million from Sarasota County

The $132 million Mote Science Education Aquarium project near University Town Center expects to open to the public at the beginning of 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The original master plan and approved updated master plan for The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 27, 2023
Updated master plan approved for The Bay park

Changes proposed by the Bay Park Conservancy include plans for three restaurants, more boat ramps and a food village.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key 43th annual Interfaith Service
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 26, 2023
Religious congregations of Longboat share in fellowship with interfaith service

Christ Church of Longboat Key hosted six congregations for the 43rd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service to remind everyone the meaning of giving thanks and sharing in community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 26, 2023
Siesta Key welcomes Santa Claus in annual Holiday Parade

The parade featured numerous businesses in Sarasota and ended with the arrival of Jolly St. Nick.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Construction takes place on the farmland beside McIntosh Middle.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 26, 2023
Renovation of McIntosh Middle School's farmland underway

The $6 million project is designed to reimagine the farmland at the Sarasota County school and enhance its educational mission.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A new art installation at Resilient Retreat was donated by East Sarasota resident Alan Yaruss.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 25, 2023
Art installation causes a double take at Resilient Retreat

East Sarasota resident Alan Yaruss donated his artwork to the Sarasota nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 25, 2023
High school football roundup: FHSAA regional finals

Two Sarasota-area teams advanced to the state semifinals Friday night, while one saw its season end.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Superintendent Jason Wysong has loved talking to students like R. Dan Nolan Middle School eighth graders Bryce Newman and Hutch Jeanise.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 24, 2023
Manatee schools must react to loss of federal emergency funds

After 100 days in new post, Superintendent Jason Wysong must evaluate positions funded by COVID grants.

  • East County
  • Schools
Neighbors meet daily at the Greenbrook Adventure Dog Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 24, 2023
Greenbrook residents have a ball at dog park

A group of Lakewood Ranch residents meet every morning at the park, and it's not just for the dogs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bia Candle Co. was among the 20 recipients of the Business Assistance Funds Program.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 24, 2023
Grants awarded to minority-owned businesses in Sarasota-Manatee

The Opportunities For All initiative named 20 local companies recipients of its 2023 Business Assistance Funds Program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Venice's Adam Pennell celebrates like a pilgrim at the finish line of the Florida Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Nathan Benderson Park. Pennell, who weighs 215 pounds, says he is thankful he has lost 175 pounds.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 23, 2023
Participants give thanks for Florida Turkey Trot

The Thanksgiving morning event at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota drew a record 4,000 runners.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Cardinal Mooney defensive front digs in against Lakeland Christian prior to a snap.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 23, 2023
Playoff football tests ahead for Cardinal Mooney, Riverview and Booker

A breakdown of all three programs' matchups and what each must to do advance to the state semifinals.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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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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