• 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

"We have an extraordinary talent for finding the right people," Colin Baenziger said.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
IDA banks on Baenziger's experience

Colin Baenziger, of Colin Baenziger & Associates, has begun the process for recruiting a new executive director for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Stepleman and Gary Berns will lead the discussion for the Friends of Lakewood Ranch's forum next week.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
Sides prep for incorporation debate

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch and Incorporation Study Committee both have agreed to debate. Until then, both groups will continue educating the public.

  • East County
  • News
Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson took time to educate local firefighters, including East Manatee Fire Rescue Training Officer Tim Hyden, about safety features on racing vehicles while he was at the Bradenton Motorsports Park for winter testing last week.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
PEDAL TO THE METAL

Drivers also lent their expertise to assist in the training of local firefighters.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
Stingray's Grill closes Lakewood Ranch doors

The seafood restaurant on Lake Osprey Drive closed earlier this month.

  • East County
  • News
Cardel Homes, a new builder to Manatee County, introduced the Gulfstream model at Central Park in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
Sneak Peek

The Home Builders Association's annual Parade of Homes runs Feb. 19 to March 6. More than 30 models in the East County are featured this year.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2011
Town center deemed priority

The adoption of the Vision Plan has allowed the Planning and Zoning Board to help plan Longboat's future in regard to the revitalization of its shopping centers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Observer sales executive Wendi Simons
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
Advertising executive leaves after 30 years at Observer

Wendi Simons was the first full-time advertising sales executive at the Longboat Observer and was its top producer for 25 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Walgreens sets sights on plaza

The drug-store chain has held quasi-judicial hearings with the town about the possibility of anchoring Whitney Beach Plaza.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lenny Landau, who bikes daily, said the report only looks at bicycle accidents that have occurred. The report does not evaluate the effect of removing bicycle signs on the Key.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2011
Key resident compiles bicycle crash data

Longboat resident Lenny Landau used police reports from the last four years to calculate bicycle accident statistics on the Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An e-mail survey of residents in blocks 1 through 300 of North Washington Drive found that those residents supported placing a no-left-turn sign at the intersection of North Washington Drive and North Boulevard of the Presidents.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
St. Armands residents seek to stop traffic

The Key's residential side streets are a frequent shortcut for drivers who want to avoid the Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Library checks out options for monetary assistance

The Longboat Library will make a presentation at the Town Commission's Feb. 17 regular workshop meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
News Briefs

Volunteer Lew Simon appointed to state boards; Dredging project near Jewfish Key in the works; Commissioner Whitmore proposes mayoral meeting; Corrections

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2011
First park project hurdle addressed

A Bayfront Park concept plan that includes a 15,000-square-foot building will require additional administrative work.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2011
Longboat trolley group considers slogan change

A Longboat Key trolley working group discussed new ways to promote the service and revealed a tentative new schedule for the route Monday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
Letters to the editor

Editor is 'clueless'; License plate cameras would add to safety of the island; Signs draw focus away from roadway; No-growth advocates win

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Gabe Rosica, right, listens to Watson’s presentation.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Physical energy explains group's momentum

The 30 physics enthusiasts of the Longboat Key Physics Club meets once a month at Bird Key Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 16, 2011
St. Armands Circle Association to host 'Weddings in Paradise'

The inaugural "Weddings in Paradise" bridal event will take place Saturday, Feb. 26, on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch senior Marco Padilla scored the Mustangs' lone goal off an assist from Zach Reda.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2011
Lakewood Ranch falls in regionals

The Lakewood Ranch boys soccer team saw its historic season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to Cape Coral in the Class 4A-Region 3 finals Feb. 12.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Gulf Coast United Cheer All-Star cheerleading squad captured the Superior Award at the Official Florida Cheer and Dance Championships Feb. 13.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2011
Gulf Coast Cheer squad competes in Tampa

The East County-based team is led by gym co-owners Felice Flammia and Terri Harrington.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Real Estate Reports

Smedley named manager of Prudential Realty offices; Wagner Realty announces top producers for January; Michael Saunders & Co. opens Boca Grande office

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Business Observer

ScoopDaddy's opens in University Park; Longboat Publix to host centuries-old ceremony

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarah Miller, with her parents Gene and Tina Miller and brothers: Moriah, Zachariah and Noah, will play for USF.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2011
Lakewood soccer stars ink college choices

Lakewood Ranch's Sarah Miller and Taylor Jo Salmon both signed letters-of-intent Feb. 9 to play college soccer.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Building Permits

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 4 through Feb. 10, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Steven Ross finished with 10 points as the host Pirates won their first district title.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Steven Ross

Braden River junior Steven Ross hit a game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation of the Class 4A-District 10 championship Feb. 11 to send the game into overtime.

  • East County
  • Sports
Unit S-202 at La Firenza, 4125 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has 3,582 square feet, three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. It sold for $2,635,000.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 16, 2011
Sales spike to 18 during first week of February

A total of 18 sales were recorded on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses during the week of Jan. 31 through Feb. 4 - a total that surpassed every other week thus far in 2011.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Joe Griffith became a state certified fire investigator about three years ago.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
Firefighter launches Lakewood business

East Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Joe Griffith will provide classes and certifications for firefighters and others from his new venture in Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
Joe Griffith currently is finishing his fire science engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 16, 2011
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Joe Griffith

East Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Joe Griffith recently opened his new safety and health training and consulting business on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Learn more about him in our candid Q&A.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
Business Observer 02.17.11

O'Brien Family Farms celebrated its grand opening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 12, at the farm, 16505 S.R. 64 E.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
Scoreboard

Check out the latest bridge and golf scores.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Green
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 16, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: David Green

David Green has been playing tennis competitively for about 10 years and plays often - rain or shine.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
...
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 16, 2011
SPORTS PHOTO OF THE WEEK: In sync

Marilyn and Andy Vandermeer try out their kayak for the first time Monday, Feb. 14, on the bay near Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
It's read everywhere: Brazil

BRAZIL. Now the Longboat Observer has really crossed the line: It traveled over the equator with Key residents Yolanda and David Noyes, who brought their newspaper on a 23-day cruise of the Amazon River. Here, the couple is pictured standing on the equator in Macapa, Brazil.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Donna Swan
  • February 16, 2011
Deal Us In

How to secure a difficult win

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
News Briefs 02.17.11

Design work on the future Fort Hamer Bridge will be halted as engineers reexamine an environmental study for the project.

  • East County
  • News
Joanne Sheehan submitted this sunset photo, taken near Beach Harbor Club in the 3800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Inner Glow

Joanne Sheehan submitted this sunset photo, taken near Beach Harbor Club in the 3800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This home in Riverdale features four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and a pool. It sold for $575,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 16, 2011
Riverdale home sells for $575,000

Larry and Shelley Stewart, of Goshen, Ind., sold their home at 4766 Mainsail Drive to Michael and Nancy Storey, Bradenton, for $575,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
« 1735 1736 1737 1738 1739 1740 1741 1742 1743 1744 »
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
Traffic snarled in Sarasota, Longboat Key
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic snarled in Sarasota, Longboat Key
2
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
3
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
4
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables
5
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north Sarasota park draws major collegiate softball tournament

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