• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Riverview High senior quarterback Braxton Thomas is coming off a two-touchdown performance through the air against Palmetto High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 15, 2023
Three Sarasota teams still alive in FHSAA football playoffs

How Riverview High, Booker High and Cardinal Mooney High stack up against their next opponents.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The holidays are alive in many Lakewood Ranch venues, including Waterside Place.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 15, 2023
A complete itinerary to keep you and your guests happy this season

Want to be the host with the most? Fill your guests with holiday cheer with this short list of Lakewood Ranch experiences.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
East County veterinarian Margaux Buchanan with mother-and-daughter leopard Appaloosa horses, Pigpen and Safari.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 15, 2023
Veterinarian’s love of polo runs through everything she does

Dr. Margaux Buchanan, an equine veterinarian and polo player, raises Appaloosas on her 12-acre Menagerie Farm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As Lakewood Ranch has grown over the last two decades, Albert Myara has had his fingerprints on many business deals, both in real estate and restaurants.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
The secret behind Albert Myara’s success isn’t so secret: It's hard work

Lakewood Ranch’s Albert Myara excels at business, but his No. 1 priority is his family.

  • East County
  • Business
The town's 81 canals were split into seven groups.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 15, 2023
Canal maintenance update leaves town commissioners confused

Longboat Key is in need of a canal management program, but the system to pay for it is complicated.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Zoe Sommers only works the evening shift at Forked.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Forked at Night expands into a nightclub at Waterside Place

The popular breakfast eatery is now a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • East County
  • News
Booker High girls basketball senior guard Jakai Peterson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 15, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jakai Peterson

The Booker High girls basketball guard is ready for a big senior season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Peg Green stands beside “Leadership: Vickie Oldham, Newtown Alive."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 15, 2023
Sarasota artist celebrates history of Newtown with new quilt

The quilt is part of Peg Green’s exhibition, titled “Witness!” at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greg Para cares for 72 parrots of all different varieties through his nonprofit, the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Myakka City conservatory is for the birds and veterans

Greg Para started the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory after returning from Afghanistan in 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Man accuses hair stylist of having an affair with his wife
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 15, 2023
Man accuses hair stylist of having an affair with his wife

Both customers of a salon, a man confronted a hairdresser over a late-evening phone call to his wife. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Built in 1991, 3572 Fair Oaks Way has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,052 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 15, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Queens Harbor tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is one of a dozen commercial and residential projects being developed along State Road 64 East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Restaurants, apartments and more planned for State Road 64 East

Publix, Seasons 52 and Wendy's are among the retailers planning to open in the once-barren S.R. 64 corridor east of I-75.

  • East County
  • News
Mike Sales
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 15, 2023
Musician plays the soundtrack of paradise for events on Longboat

The local performer's comforting, peaceful and positive music sets the tone at Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce events.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rick Schuknecht said a sander from the 1930s actually works better than the new brands.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
Panther Ridge woodworker carves out his niche

The Fall Art Show and Sale on Nov. 18 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall is Rick Schuknecht's next stop.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A small, old watercraft sits partially deflated and collecting sand.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 15, 2023
Abandoned boats are cluttering Longboat’s north end, residents say

Some town residents believe that old boats near the public dock, including one that has sat for two years, are becoming an eyesore.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Sarasota Philanthropy Center is on State Street in downtown.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 15, 2023
Training program for nonprofit board members seeks applicants

Candidates must be active or prospective nonprofit board members in the Gulf Coast region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Biden botches again: On AI
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • November 15, 2023
Biden botches again: On AI

The president’s executive order to regulate AI is the wrong path. It will create new bureaucracies and stifle positive innovation.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
It was a good day for Longboat Key
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 15, 2023
It was a good day for Longboat Key

The Karon Family Pavilion signifies progress, another positive step forward.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Drone footage captured Aug. 5, 2021, by Manatee County crews shows the Gulf of Mexico's red tide conditions right across from Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The darker areas tend to show where concentrations of the red tide algae may be present.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 14, 2023
Local experts search for red tide answers

Red tide blooms are like chili: Everyone’s recipe is different, said one panel member at the "Red Tide in the Gulf Coast" discussion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Braden River High Marching Band of Pirates finished fifth at the Florida Marching Band Championships on Nov. 11.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 14, 2023
Parrish, Braden River High marching bands place high at state championships

Pride of Parrish Marching Band finished third while Marching Band of Pirates earned the fifth-place trophy.

  • East County
  • Schools
This home at 8495 Lindrick Lane in The Concession sold for $3.6 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,314 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 14, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Lindrick Lane tops the week's sales at $4.23 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The home of author Glenn Cooper at 749 Freeling Drive on Siesta Key is listed at $6.95 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 14, 2023
Bestselling author's Siesta Key home listed for $7 million

The 6,827-square-foot residence sits on a canal with bay and Gulf access.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Racelle Weiman
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 14, 2023
How to confront hateful speech? With 'brave talk'

A former Temple University professor led a workshop on Longboat Key about how to find the courage to speak up.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lorraine Vitale, Dick Vitale, Sherri Vitale Krug and Thomas Krug surround Ava Krug as she signs with Duke University for women's tennis.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 14, 2023
Lakewood Ranch tennis player Ava Krug signs with Duke University

Krug is a five-star, Blue Chip player according to the Tennis Recruiting Network.

  • East County
  • Sports
Martina Long, Maicy Powell, Brandon Wardell perform alongside Hermitage fellow Zoe Sarnak at Benderson Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 14, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park hosts Hermitage Sunsets

The three-part series will run through March and offers audiences a sneak peek of works in progress.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Duane Chapman speaks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 14, 2023
Dog the Bounty Hunter partners with local anti-sex trafficking nonprofit

Selah Freedom, a faith-based organization, hosted "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and his wife, Francie Chapman, at its Light the Path gala on Nov. 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Police investigate reported suspicious man talking to himself on a bicycle
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 14, 2023
Police investigate reported suspicious man talking to himself on a bicycle

A caller reported the suspicious cyclist, but officers were unable to find him. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
El Melvin on Main Street has in the past opened its folding glass doors late at night, drawing complaints from nearby residents of loud music. That practice would be classified as a nightclub under proposed zoning changes.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 14, 2023
What makes a bar a nightclub? The City Commission seeks answers.

Restaurant and bar zoning changes need more digestion, Sarasota city commissioners tell staff.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amanda Bolduc from Maine, USA, works on her sculpture.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 13, 2023
Master artists turn Siesta Beach into temporary sand sculpture gallery

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival hosted a roster of international master sand sculptors.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Man sentenced to 15 years for 2021 Sarasota vehicular homicide
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 13, 2023
Man sentenced to 15 years for 2021 Sarasota vehicular homicide

Jordan Schopfer of Bradenton pled guilty for striking and killing a motorcyclist on North Beneva Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota Orchestra Brass Quartet played the inaugural performance for Longboat Key's Karon Family Pavilion on Nov. 11.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 13, 2023
Longboat Key unveils Karon Family Pavilion at Veterans Day ceremony

The Veterans Day ceremony included a $35,750 donation to SRQ Vets and the space’s inaugural musical performance.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High sophomore Max Colby Bendixen, junior Parker Severs, sophomore Josh Orgen, junior Henry Burbee and junior Luke Wilson sit with the FHSAA Class 3A boys golf runner-up trophy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 13, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High boys golfers earn silver medal at state tournament

Mustangs junior Parker Severs finished tied for second in the individual standings, while junior Henry Burbee finished fourth at the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Gulf Islands Ferry is expected to be running by the end of 2023.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 13, 2023
Gulf Islands Ferry launches Nov. 20, with potential for Longboat stop

The ferry will take its first trip on Monday, Nov. 20, and county officials are already looking at ways to improve the service in the future.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sue Wertman, Bob Weingartner and Kathy Pendleton
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 13, 2023
Christ Church of Longboat collects carloads of food for charity

New Pastor Julia Piermont and nine other volunteers ran a food drive collecting donations for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Man died while in custody of Sarasota Police Department
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 13, 2023
Man died while in custody of Sarasota Police Department

The death of a man in custody of the Sarasota Police Department early Sunday morning is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Upcoming wayfinding improvements will enhance accessibility to Myakka River State Park's backcountry.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • November 13, 2023
Improved backcountry access coming soon to Myakka

Trailhead kiosks and markers will enhance safety and accessibility thanks to a Two for the Trails grant.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

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

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now