Your Observer

Jay Heater
November 1, 2023

East County Observer thrives at 25 in the Lakewood Ranch area

The local newspaper, which celebrates a quarter century on Nov. 3 at Music on Main, has grown up with its readers.

East County
News

Observer Staff
November 1, 2023

Double trouble at a bail bond business

A man was refused a refund from a bail bondsman after learning a relative had already been bonded out. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Andrew Warfield
November 1, 2023

Sarasota Chamber packs the house for 103rd annual meeting

About 600 attended the event as the gavel was passed to Teri Hansen of the Barancik Foundation.

Sarasota
Business

Carter Weinhofer
November 1, 2023

New regulations aim to protect Florida’s stone crab population

With 99% of stone crab landings coming from Florida, the fishery is critical to many local businesses.

Longboat Key
News

Carter Weinhofer
November 1, 2023

FPL still investigating Idalia outages with Longboat underground utilities

While the company still hasn't provided an answer, representatives look to maintain regular communication with the town.

Longboat Key
News

By Llewellyn Rockwell Jr.
November 1, 2023

Parallels to 1930s Nazis

The Nazis' demonic evil began long before the Holocaust. It began with policies similar to what we see in the U.S. today.

Sarasota
Opinion

Ryan Kohn
October 31, 2023

Inline skaters keep the wheels turning at Nathan Benderson Park.

A national event in Sarasota brought interest to a sport that has faded in interest since the 1990s.

East County
Sports

Carter Weinhofer
October 31, 2023

Country Club Shores asbestos pipe replacement begins

The multiphase project on Longboat Key will start with Country Club Shores IV and V and will wrap up by early 2025 before proceeding to the final two phases.

Longboat Key
News

Carter Weinhofer
October 31, 2023

FDOT keeps Longboat Key in mind with new five-year work plan

The Florida Department of Transportation's tentative plan includes three major infrastructure projects for Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
News

Adam Hughes
October 31, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 16-20 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3.46 million.

East County
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
October 31, 2023

Adult softball, funding strategy approved for 17th Street Park

Sarasota County commissioners authorized an additional $8 million spend for the now $65 million first phase of the regional park project.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
October 31, 2023

East County resident takes over as Manatee Development Services director

Nicole Knapp has worked for Manatee County for the past eight years.

East County
News

Jay Heater
October 31, 2023

Willis Smith CEO receives major economic award

David Sessions was honored with the Rick Fawley Economic Development Award of Distinction.

East County
News

Petra Rivera
October 31, 2023

Pastor at Christ Church retires after nine years

The Rev. Norman Pritchard served the Presbyterian Church for 50 years and made a mark in service and worship.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
October 31, 2023

Manatee County promotes safe transportation for Mobility Week

A special event at McNeal Elementary School presented information on various transportation topics.

East County
News

Carter Weinhofer
October 31, 2023

Small dogs playing in large dog area of Bayfront Park sparks citizen dispute

Two dog owners at Bayfront Park got into a yelling match over not keeping their dogs on the right side of the park. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Ryan Kohn
October 30, 2023

The Out-of-Door Academy makes big push in football playoffs

The Thunder used a touchdown run by a lineman to beat All Saints' Academy on Oct. 27.

East County
Sports

Carter Weinhofer
October 30, 2023

Florida League of Cities strike team takes on DC to lobby for local issues

Longboat Key Commissioner at-large BJ Bishop was one of about 50 Florida elected officials that participated in the lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.

Longboat Key
News

Jay Heater
October 30, 2023

Empty Bowls fundraiser takes a bite out of hunger

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee's annual event, which will be held Nov. 3, provides funds for The Food Bank of Manatee.

East County
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
October 30, 2023

Founding CEO returns to helm of Bay Park Conservancy

AG Lafley replaces Stephanie Crockatt, who stepped down after five months on the job.

Sarasota
Business

Mark Gordon
October 30, 2023

Sarasota has a YMCA again, behind nonprofit merger announcement

A no-quit group of volunteers and deep-pocketed donors, paired with some like-minded nonprofit executives, rejoice over the news Sarasota is no longer a city without a Y.

Sarasota
News

Petra Rivera
October 30, 2023

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church celebrates Oktoberfest

The church threw this annual event filled with dancing, food and authentic German traditions.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
October 30, 2023

Local students to display artwork at Manatee River Artists Guild show

Freedom Elementary and Haile Middle students will present their work in the annual art show for the first time.

East County
Schools

Petra Rivera
October 30, 2023

Local chef teaches Longboaters the importance of eating clean foods

Kimberly Knox hosts a luncheon at the wellness center demonstrating a recipe from her cookbook and the science behind why what ingredients we put in our bodies matters.