• 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

Bill and Judy Carman
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 5, 2011
Business Observer

RVA named manager of Beach Castle Resort; Carman's Shoes closes after 45 years on the Circle; PFG Asset Management Group to open Key office

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2011
Our View

First job for Scott: Derail the train

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Donna Swan
  • January 5, 2011
Deal Us In

South is beyond careless here

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Sunset Strip

Stanley L. Brown submitted this sunset photo, taken at Beachplace. Enter your sunset or sunrise photos for The Observer's weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. Each week's winner will receive a $50 restaurant gift card. Please send your photos to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228, or e-mail them to [email protected].

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Landau hopes the inaugural "A Taste of the Keys" event will become one of the Longboat Key Garden Club's biggest fundraisers.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 5, 2011
7 in 11: Susan Landau

The self-proclaimed foodie plans to spice things up with a new event this season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association President Jay Yablon believes Colony unit owners should not rush into a renovation of the historic resort that shuttered its doors in August.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 5, 2011
7 in 11: Jay Yablon

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association President Jay Yablon believes a historic renovation of the resort can be accomplished.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key resident Jim Eatrides is confident a cellular tower will fix the communication issues that exist on the north end of the island. The tower he proposes would sit behind the Longboat Island Chapel, which is visible in the background.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 5, 2011
7 in 11: Jim Eatrides

The Longboat Key resident and business owner must face a group of citizens this year who are against placing a cell tower on the north end of the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub owner Ed Chiles is investing in Longboat Key's future by adding a second story to his Longboat Key restaurant.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 5, 2011
7 in 11: Ed Chiles

The longtime Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key restaurant owner thinks a pro-business attitude will bring a sense of community to the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Brian Kenney hopes to secure both national and local tenants for Whitney Beach Plaza.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 5, 2011
7 in 11: Brian Kenney

His company purchased the struggling Whitney Beach Plaza for $3.7 million. Now, Brian Kenney will work to bring traffic back to the north end of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: New year, new leadership

From the political arena and local business to religion and even the movie industry, these seven leaders will impact all facets of East County life in the new year.

  • East County
  • News
"I'm looking forward to getting a chance to build an installation that will be a statement," Bob Whitford says. "You can consider this the Rose Bowl of rowing."
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Bob Whitford

After spending 22 years as the rowing coordinator and facilities manager for the California State University Aquatics Center, Bob Whitford is bringing his expertise to the East County as Sarasota County's new park manager, where he will oversee the implementation of a new world-class rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Randy Bezet

In March 2010, Bayside Community Church Pastor Randy Bezet welcomed the East County community to his church's new home - a 54,000-square-foot behemoth on State Road 64. Despite its size, Bayside already has reached capacity. Rather than launch another campaign to expand, Bezet and his Bayside team are planning to open a campus in West Bradenton in February. In doing so, Bayside will become the first East County-based church to expand into another area.

  • East County
  • News
"It's a very important time, and we need strong leadership, and most importantly, the people in Manatee County need to be listened to by their commissioners," Vanessa Baugh says. "People feel like they're not being heard."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Vanessa Baugh

If Vanessa Baugh runs for the District 5 Manatee County Commission seat - a decision she says she will make by February - she may be the first person with enough connections and grassroots momentum to seriously challenge incumbent Donna Hayes since she was elected in 2004.

  • East County
  • News
"Anything we're allocating money to, we need to look at," says Julie Aranibar
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Julie Aranibar

Lakewood Ranch resident Julie Aranibar has more than a decade of volunteer work with Manatee County Public Schools. Now, she'll use that experience to affect policy as a member of the Manatee County School Board.

  • East County
  • News
"I think Sarasota-Bradenton is one of the few communities in the area that embraces and supports the arts, theater and film," says Ken Sanborn. "This area is more arts friendly than anywhere in Florida."
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Ken Sanborn

In September 2010, Longboat Key resident Ken Sanborn formally unveiled plans for Miami 24/7 - a movie-studio project intended for Lakewood Ranch. In mid-May, Sanborn Studios LLC will begin filming the first 13 episodes of its first TV series, "Miami 24/7."

  • East County
  • News
"It's been great to be able to transition into what you are campaigning for," says Greg Steube. "It's truly an honor to be one of the few people in the state to represent somebody."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Greg Steube

After more than two years of campaigning, 32-year-old Greg Steube finally can put his ideas into action as the District 67 representative in the Florida House of Representatives.

  • East County
  • News
"(Knowing) your involvement directly impacts something bigger than we are is exciting," Bobbi Larson says of her work at the American Red Cross.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 5, 2011
SEVEN in 11: Bobbi Larson

Four years ago, Bobbi Larson joined the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance as a way to bring recognition to the American Red Cross-Manatee Chapter. This month, the ARC CEO will begin serving her third year on the alliance's board of directors - this time as chairman.

  • East County
  • News
This home in the Country Club of Lakewood Ranch features five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,775 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 5, 2011
Lakewood Ranch CC home tops transactions

Daryl and Nancy Brown, Sarasota, sold their home at 6915 Westchester Circle to Brian and Ailish Murphy, Lakewood Ranch, for $950,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The opening class, which begins at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 5, will be held at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 4, 2011
Registration still open for goverment class

Longboaters still have time to register for the Academy of Government, which begins tomorrow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2011
Mustangs win Smoothie King Classic

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team defeated Gulf High, Braden River and Pinellas Park to win the Smoothie King Classic Dec. 28-30 at Bradenton Christian.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Lakewood Ranch High varsity wrestling team won first place at the Bulldog Duals Dec. 28-29.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2011
Mustangs win Bulldog Duals

The Lakewood Ranch High varsity wrestling team won first place at the Bulldog Duals Dec. 28-29 at Toombs County High in Georgia.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2011
Registration set for Miss Manatee Softball

Registration for the Miss Manatee Softball spring 2011 season will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 8, 15 and 22 and 6-8 p.m., Jan. 12 and 19 at the Miss Manatee Softball Complex located at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 4, 2011
Buffalo Creek Little League Softball registration upcoming

Registration for the Buffalo Creek Little League Softball, formerly known as North River National Little League, spring season will be held from 6-8 p.m., Jan. 7 and 14 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Jan. 8 and 15 at the Buffalo Creek Sports Complex, 8100 69th St. E., Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 against the River Club tower proposal in 2009.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 4, 2011
Judges sides with county in tower dispute

U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich on Monday issued a summary judgment favoring Manatee County in a dispute with Vertex Development over the construction of a telecommunications tower in River Club.

  • East County
  • News
The new parking meters will not be the traditional coin-only models.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • January 4, 2011
Parking meters to sprout by spring

The city will pay $510,000 to have more than 600 high-tech meters installed downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Phillip Younger proposed a new $15 million beach referendum question that will be reviewed Thursday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 3, 2011
Commission delays beach decision

The Town Commission will meet again 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, to consider a new beach project option.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The FC Sarasota U17 boys team won the 33rd Sun Bowl Soccer Tournament Dec. 27-30.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 3, 2011
FC Sarasota U17 boys end 2010 with win

The FC Sarasota U17 boys soccer team added another championship title to their growing list of accolades, capturing the 33rd Sun Bowl Soccer Tournament Dec. 27-30.

  • East County
  • Sports
The commission also will approve $41,000 in funding for the Manatee portion of the island's trolley route.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 3, 2011
Commission makes beach decision tonight

The Town Commission must approve March 15 ballot questions for its island-wide beach project tonight.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The event will include an introduction to Key beaches, design principles, strategy and more.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 3, 2011
PIC to host beach forum

The Longboat Key Public Interest Committee's event will provide a discussion of current beach issues.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lee Wright and his dog, Sailor Duvall, attended Thunder By the Bay last year.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 3, 2011
Thunder By the Bay revs up for Sarasota

The 13th annual Thunder By the Bay Motorcycle Festival rolls into town this weekend to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The bayfront-connectivity plan will cost $53 million.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • January 3, 2011
City to request congressional earmarks

Requested funds would help pay for $100 million in improvement projects citywide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Jazzercise instructor Sue Encke, center, performed with her customers Cindy Palmer and Cindy Gruenier.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 3, 2011
Jazzercise teachers a hit on NFL stage

Lakewood Ranch Jazzercise instructor Sue Encke, along with two of her students, performed with 300 other Jazzercise instructors and students during the Miami Dolphins halftime show Dec. 19, 2010.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Taylor Emmons was a pitcher for The Out-of-Door Academy. He graduated in 2009.
  • By Pam Eubanks and Jen Blanco
  • January 3, 2011
TOP STORY, DEC.: ODA honors Tayor Emmons

The former pitcher, a 2009 graduate, was killed in an accident in Coral Gables.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 3, 2011
TOP STORY, DEC.: The Sand Man

On the eve of the Town Commission's decision on which beach renourishment project to choose, both the town manager, beach engineer and consultants back the town's decision to dredge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lem Sharp, left, Walter Mills, middle, and Tim Hensey, right, are executives at Lakewood Ranch-based construction firm W.G. Mills.
  • By Pam Eubanks and Mark Gordon
  • January 2, 2011
TOP STORY, NOV.: W.G. Mills sold

Rhode Island-based Gilbane Inc. on Nov. 15 announced its acquisition of East County contractor W.G. Mills.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 2, 2011
TOP STORY, NOV.: Longboat Ranks No. 2

For the first time, Longboat Key made Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Readers' Choice Survey. But Kiawah Island, S.C., still holds the top island-destination spot.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 1755 1756 1757 1758 1759 1760 1761 1762 1763 1764 »
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 cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
2
Artist JC Wayne hangs the ninth and final piece in her series "Atomic Universe," the latest installation at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. The display will be up throughout the holiday season.
  • December 19, 2025
Artist delves into ideas of existence at Longboat exhibition
3
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
4
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
5
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

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