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Your Observer

The Lakewood Ranch library is located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Library aims for January opening

Forty-two pallets of books have arrived in anticipation of the library opening in January.

  • East County
  • News
Members of the Venice High School marching band offer a performance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 12, 2023
Sarasota's annual Veterans Day Parade honors those who served

This year's procession might have been the largest yet, said the parade marshal.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gary Michel participates in a toast.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 12, 2023
Marine Corps luncheon celebrates 248th birthday of USMC

The annual luncheon drew Marines from age 32 to 93.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nik Wallenda puts a charge into the crowd as well as the 50-foot Christmas Tree at University Town Center by crossing Cattlemen Road on the high wire Nov. 11, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 12, 2023
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade thrills thousands in Sarasota

A bevy of floats entertained the crowd at UTC and raised awareness on issues.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alison Cossetti Clough and Allison Boccaccio are seated in the VIP area.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 11, 2023
Suncoast Food & Wine Fest sizzles at Premier Park

The 21st annual Rotary Club fundraiser was another hit in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A generic concept of a complete street with dedicated bike lanes and center median, similar to plans for 10th Street.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 11, 2023
Public input sought on making downtown streets more bike friendly

Residents can share their thoughts via surveys for 10th Street and Boulevard of the Arts conversions as design work moves to the second phase of the complete street project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Heidi Stenberg, Caymen Corscadden and Calli Phillips, seniors at Lakewood Ranch High School, are ready to take on the Big Bank Theory to see if they can balance the budget of their fictional lives.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 11, 2023
Financial literacy program gives Manatee students look at real world

Manatee Chamber of Commerce offers high school seniors an exercise in balancing a budget with the Big Bank Theory program.

  • East County
  • Schools
Teri Hansen, at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's 103rd annual meeting Oct. 27, 2023, is president and CEO of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 11, 2023
Barancik Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants

In addition to several nonprofits, the foundation is investing in its own workforce housing initiative.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 11, 2023
High school football roundup: Week 12

One East County team captures an SSAA title, while the postseason begins in the FHSAA.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Thunder football team beat LPCA 33-14 on Nov. 10 to win the SSAA Class 4A championship.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 11, 2023
ODA football captures SSAA Class 4A title

The Thunder (6-5) won 33-14 over Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (4-6) at home to capture the championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Terry Segal and Andrew Warren
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 10, 2023
Longboat Key Democratic Club holds first meeting of the season

The club hosted a former state attorney to discuss "The Crisis of Voter Suppression and What We Can Do About It."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Peg Stanton, Karen Kurgan, Nicole Huot, Fanny Younger, Chris Goodwin and Allison Byrd
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 10, 2023
Tennis team celebrates season's start at Public Tennis Center

The "Zebras" bonded over fun games, friendly competitions and Champagne.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Abbey Steele, a producer of "The Jayar Show" on The Joy FM, collects donations as cars drive through the T-shirts for Turkeys event at Woodland Community Church on Nov. 9.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 10, 2023
Manatee residents pay it forward for Thanksgiving

Woodland Community Church hosts a food collection drive-thru on Nov. 9.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ted Lindenberg (second from left) celebrates his 2023 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award with his daughter, Michele Olson, wife Susan, and grandson Ryan Olson.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 10, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund takes it to higher level

The nonprofit's Soirée at the Ranch, its main fundraiser of the year, was a sellout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of St. Barbara Philoptochos Society gather to make dolmades, which are stuffed grape leaves, for Autumn Fest.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 10, 2023
St. Barbara Philoptochos Society prepares for Autumn Fest

The group of women spends hours baking and cooking homemade dishes and pastries to sell at the annual Autumn Fest, which will be held Nov. 17-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Whitney Plaza Community Center would be located at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 10, 2023
Contracts, full remodel needed for Whitney Plaza Community Center

A few pieces still need to fall into place before the remodel and opening of the Whitney Plaza Community Center on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Affordable housing cannot be produced for over 40% of Sarasota County households, says Gulf Coast Community Foundation Director of Community Investment Jon Thaxton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota's affordable housing crisis dissected at business summit

Most respondents to a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce survey said their ability to do business has been negatively impacted due to a lack of housing for workers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Connie Lyke-Brown in 2022
    By
  • James Peter
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota woman sets NYC Marathon record

Connie Lyke-Brown, 80, has run 44 consecutive New York City marathons and won her age group this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The new Selby Gardens Welcome Center will include a ticketing pavilion, welcome gallery and welcome theater.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 10, 2023
Selby Gardens will debut new facilities in January

New features from Phase 1 of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' master plan include an open-air welcome center, a parking structure and a plant research center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nonprofit director Betsy Friedman presents a grant to Kinsey Robb, executive director of Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 9, 2023
Impact100 SRQ awards $763,000 to local nonprofits

The organization selected seven out of 10 finalists to receive $109,000 grants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Madison Huffman was crowned Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
Raising funds for charity looks good to pageant winner

Lakewood Ranch High freshman Madison Huffman will raise funds and awareness for Hope Family Services during her reign as Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Cynthia Sullivan was welcomed back to Longboat Key by her dolphin friends.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 9, 2023
Pair of dolphins welcome back Longboat resident

Longboat resident Cynthia Sullivan, nicknamed the "dolphin whisperer," has gotten daily visits from local dolphins.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2023
Two stops added to Bay Runner trolley route

Suspended service resumed at Golden Gate Point, and a new stop was added at Bird Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
7340 Point of Rocks Road
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch

A White Beach Fruit Co. property on Point of Rocks Road tops the week's sales at $5.35 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Booker senior receiver Joshua Burrows can be a threat on the outside for junior quarterback Jordan Johnson and the Tornadoes offense.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 9, 2023
Sarasota football teams prep for playoff runs

Three area teams qualified for the postseason, and two begin their journeys this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Luke LaGorin (yellow shirt) and Frank Martinelli tie off one of two Private Custom Charters boats at Nora Patterson Island Park on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 9, 2023
Whose parking space is it anyway at Sarasota County public boat ramps?

With limited parking at Sarasota County parks' public boat ramps, commercial charters come under scrutiny from the County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield, James Peter
  • November 9, 2023
Here's the Sarasota news you might have missed this summer

The long, hot summer saw a "perfect storm," soaring construction costs and record-setting real estate sales.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Owner Bruce Cassidy has turned The Concession Golf Club into a major player on the world stage.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
The man putting The Concession Golf Club on the elite level

Bruce Cassidy has used his coal industry work ethic to bring major golf events to the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of a boardwalk at the Nature Park at Bobby Jones.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2023
Have your say on the Bobby Jones nature park

City of Sarasota residents can share their thoughts Nov. 15 about amenities to include in the newly created wetlands and nature park next to Bobby Jones Golf Club.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This vacation rental property at 234 Grant Drive is one of three on Lido Key involved in a Bert Harris Act claim against the city for alleged devaluation resulting from a city ordinance that caps overnight capacity.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 9, 2023
City won't make exceptions to vacation rental policy for Lido Key houses

The Sarasota City Commission's ordinance to expand the vacation rental restrictions citywide could resolve possible lawsuits and balance costs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Previously known as Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Buddy's Bagels will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
Brooklyn Bagel & Deli shops in Sarasota reopen as Buddy's Bagels

The two Sarasota locations will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mayor Kyle Battie introduces Greg LeMond.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 8, 2023
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond partners with Sarasota bike shop

Wheel Street USA, which offers custom designs and complimentary coffee, recently opened in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
  • By Ronto
  • November 8, 2023
Ronto Reports Brisk Sales at The Owen Since Board Approval

The building’s amenities and common areas are being designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Nicolas Bencomo had a strong junior season for Cardinal Mooney High boys golf.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 8, 2023
10 overlooked Sarasota athletes who posted big numbers and strong finishes

Team success or not, these athletes made the most of their 2023 seasons.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Can you match the character pumpkin to the book title?
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 8, 2023
Can you match the character pumpkin to the book title?

McNeal Elementary first graders decorate pumpkins to look like characters from fictional books.

  • East County
  • Schools
In memoriam: Remembering the Longboat friends we lost
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
In memoriam: Remembering the Longboat friends we lost

This offseason, Longboat Key said goodbye to several friends, family and community members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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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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