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Your Observer

Keith Pandeloglou, the owner of UTC Venture Group and President and CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, won the Best Rancher award at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Sandies event Friday at the Grove.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 23, 2023
Work in background propels Keith Pandeloglou to the forefront

The executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities earns "Mr. Lakewood Ranch" title.

  • East County
  • Opinion
12th graders Tanner Isaacs, Tanner Daminh Tran and Hana Knowlton work on the ignition.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 23, 2023
Student-led rocketry club aims for 10,000-foot launch

The Team True Fire Rocketry Club, an initiative of Faulhaber Fab Lab, is building a 12-foot-tall rocket for a 2024 launch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Blue Sky communities is planning 96 affordable apartments on county-owned land along North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 23, 2023
Two affordable apartment buildings headed for Tamiami Trail

Sarasota's Development Review Committee is working with developers planning 132 affordable housing units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A condominium in Plaza at Five Points tops all transactions in this week's real estate at $3.6 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 23, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 6-10 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch

A condominium in Plaza at Five Points tops the week's sales at $3.6 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The proposed Bobby Jones Golf Course clubhouse features Old Florida architecture reminiscent of the original Gillespie Clubhouse.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 23, 2023
New 17,000-square-foot Bobby Jones clubhouse closer to approval

If approved by the Sarasota City Commission, the building will boast an Old Florida-style architecture that evokes the original Gillespie Clubhouse.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 22, 2023
Resident golfers discount quadrupled for Bobby Jones Golf Club

Sarasota officials pressed the Bobby Jones course management company to increase the greens fees discount for city residents from 10% to 40%.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students from the Booker High School Law Academy were gifted iPads from philanthropist Deb Kabinoff while on a tour of the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 22, 2023
Booker High School Law Academy students receive surprise iPads

Philanthropist Deb Kabinoff provided the iPads while the students were on a tour of the Sarasota Police Department.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • November 22, 2023
Drop the guilt this holiday season and indulge in moderation

Embrace life. It’s not about what you do during the holidays. It’s what you do during the rest of the year that counts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Braden River Elementary School kindergartners Andrea Savevska, Keira Cramer and Cody Stutzman present what they've learned about fire safety to fifth graders.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 22, 2023
School choice boosts enrollment at East County schools

Some East County schools that have dwindling enrollments due to aging neighborhoods depend on school choice to boost enrollment and offer more programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
James and Susan Davis, of Mequon, Wisconsin, sold two properties at 477 McKinley Drive to Marc Gerard Preininger and Renee Rochelle Preininger, of Lakewood Ranch, for $6,305,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 22, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 6-10 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in John Ringling Estates tops the week's sales at $6.3 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Police called on ex-girlfriend failing to make plan to 'get her life back on track'
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 22, 2023
Police called on ex-girlfriend failing to make plan to 'get her life back on track'

Instead, a woman whose ex took her in falsely accused him of battery. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Affordable housing plans unveiled for commercial areas in Sarasota
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 22, 2023
Affordable housing plans unveiled for commercial areas in Sarasota

Density and height bonuses in new mixed-use zoning districts are designed to incentivize affordable housing development.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A new pedestrian crosswalk being installed near Broadway Street.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 22, 2023
5 Longboat crosswalk improvement projects ahead of schedule

The FDOT-led project spans the entirety of Gulf of Mexico Drive, with five crosswalks being installed or upgraded on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A ruddy turnstone searches the wrack line.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 22, 2023
Seaweed line on beach is important commodity for birds, shore health

Environmental stewards explain why the wrack line is an important part of the beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 22, 2023
Historic designation, flood-proofing suggested for Van Wezel

Sarasota’s Purple Ribbon Committee reviewed a draft request for proposals to address structural issues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball forward Kevin O'Donoghue.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 22, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kevin O'Donoghue

The Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball senior is primed for a strong 2023-2024 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
George Kruse
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 22, 2023
Manatee commissioner says impact fee delay will harm residents

Commissioner George Kruse said the vote to scrap the just-completed impact fees study could cause the county to lose more than $100 million in funds that would have been mostly put into infrastructure.

  • East County
  • News
The Downtown Duchess takes passengers on its inaugural ride along the Manatee River.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 22, 2023
Gulf Islands Ferry expected to officially start service Dec. 8

Longboat Key will likely be the first stop to be added in a potential ferry expansion, says a Manatee County commissioner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Tidewell Foundation
  • November 21, 2023
Tidewell Foundation Brightens Lives in Our Community

Tidewell Hospice, a not-for-profit organization, offers care provided by expert care teams wherever patients call home – a private residence, assisted living care facility, nursing home, hospital, or Tidewell care facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
John Sprague ended his 30-year head coaching career at Riverview with a 209-103 record.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 21, 2023
Riverview High, local football communities remember John Sprague

The respected Rams coach, who held a 209-103 record over 30 seasons, died Nov. 17 at age 75.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Thanksgiving dinner at the Lazy Lobster.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 21, 2023
What dishes make Thanksgiving complete for Longboaters

Oyster stew, pasta and rice stuffing? These are area residents' unique spins on the typical Thanksgiving meal.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Shoreview home at 7865 Mainsail Lane sold for $1.7 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,993 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 21, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 6-10 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3.5 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Through increased training and a cohesive effort between all departments, Town Manager Howard Tipton hopes to push the town toward the Florida Governor Governor's Sterling Award.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 21, 2023
Town staff gears up for performance excellence award journey

The Longboat Key Town Commission planning retreat included a presentation about how the town will progress toward the Governor’s Sterling Award.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch senior Tommy Bisordi said he'll hold himself back at his family's Thanksgiving celebration as he's trying to lose 10 pounds by Dec. 1.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 21, 2023
For wrestlers, Thanksgiving can be feast or famine

Some are encouraged to indulge themselves on the food spread, while others must resist temptation.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River High sophomore girls soccer midfielder Maddie Baehr.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 21, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Maddie Baehr

The Braden River High girls soccer sophomore has had a fast start to the season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Myakka City Elementary School kindergartners Alexandre Arciniega-Aquino, Madalyn Meza-Pureco, Matthew Diaz-Alvarado, Valeria Luis-Martinez and Rosendo Najera love the crochet dolls they received at the Migrant Tea.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 21, 2023
Church Women United provides support to migrant families

The annual Migrant Tea brightens the holiday season by providing quilts, school supplies and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
Boaters waving to friends on shore are mistaken for distress signal
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 21, 2023
Boaters waving to friends on shore are mistaken for distress signal

Longboat Key PD’s marine patrol unit was sent to investigate a possible vessel in distress. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Bill Waddill will leave his position as COO of the Bay Park Conservancy at the end of November.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 21, 2023
Bay Park Conservancy's chief operating officer to step down

Bill Waddill plans a return to development consulting after six years of leading the planning and construction of The Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Jake Baer takes over the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball program after two years at Durant High, where he went 26-26.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 20, 2023
New head coach sparks hope for LRHS boys basketball turnaround

Jake Baer comes to the Lakewood Ranch High Mustangs from Durant High, where he went 26-26 over two seasons.

  • East County
  • Sports
Commissioners Deborah Murphy (beck left) and Gary Coffin (back center) were sworn in on March 20. Also pictured: Penny Gold, BJ Bishop, Debra Williams, Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 20, 2023
Gold, Williams secure second terms in uncontested Town Commission race

Because the Longboat Key Town Commission race is uncontested, no election will take place, and the two commissioners will retain their seats for three more years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jonathan Dekel-Chen (left), father of Hamas hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen is joined by wife Gillian Kaye in leading Sunday's March Against Hate.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 20, 2023
Hundreds march across Ringling Bridge in support of Israel

The local parents of an Israeli-American hostage lead Sunday's March Against Hate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 20, 2023
Sarasota County Toys for Tots seeks a new warehouse

The nonprofit, which collects toys for children, must find storage space in order to continue its programs next year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 20, 2023
Debate ends with a traffic light at Lorraine Road, Players Drive

The Manatee County Commission voted 7-0 on Nov. 14 to move away from a roundabout and to build a traffic light instead.

  • East County
  • News
John and Karen Henry celebrate their win of the $20,000 raffle prize with Bill and Susanne Weber at the 2019 Lawn Party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 20, 2023
Longboat Key Kiwanis Club gears up for annual Lawn Party

The biggest Longboat Key Kiwanis event of the year raises money for the Children's Guardian Fund.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jenny Caras of Cartersville, Georgia, gives her horse Trendy Fernhill a hug after winning The Event at TerraNova Nov. 19 in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 19, 2023
Georgia rider claims title at The Event at TerraNova

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill narrowly win the Myakka City equestrian competition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Existing sea wall surfaces at Bayfront Park will be reenvisioned with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's new project that addresses habitat loss and sea level rise.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 19, 2023
Longboat Key maps out 5 years of environmental initiatives

The town’s first cohesive environmental action plan sets the groundwork for years of initiatives and education campaigns.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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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