Your Observer

Monica Roman Gagnier
October 16, 2023

How the arts power Sarasota's economy

Local growth in arts spending has outpaced national levels by 25% since 2015, a new study finds.

Arts + Culture

Lesley Dwyer
October 15, 2023

Hunsader Pumpkin Festival opens for its 32nd year

The pumpkin festival runs every weekend through the end of the month in east Bradenton.

East County
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
October 15, 2023

Braden River Library hosts rock painting class for adults

Participants spread joy to others through messages and images on painted rocks.

East County
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
October 15, 2023

University Park duo works to raise money for American Cancer Society

Ronni Loundy and Eileen Cantarella's team, Answer to Cancer SRQ, is working to raise $100,000 this year for cancer research.

East County
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
October 15, 2023

Stand-up paddler celebrates the sport at Benderson Park

Seychelle Webster, a Guinness World Record holder, won sprint and distance events at the 2023 ICF World Cup.

East County
Sports

Ryan Kohn
October 14, 2023

High school football roundup: Week eight

As programs prepare for the regular season's final stretch, area teams head in different directions.

Sarasota
Sports

Ryan Kohn
October 14, 2023

Riverview High football loses to Clearwater Academy International on last-second score

The Rams held a 33-14 lead in the fourth quarter but lost 35-33 after the Knights' comeback.

Sarasota
Sports

James Peter
October 13, 2023

Rebranded cafe opens downtown, rolling out 50 new ice cream recipes

Rise Up Cafe challenges New Yorkers to put the Sarasota eatery’s bagels to the taste test.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
October 13, 2023

Selby brings Halloween to Little Sarasota Bay with Lights at Spooky Point

Spooky scenes are all around at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
October 13, 2023

Will Manatee County commissioners' wetlands decision impact 2024 election?

One commissioner suggests that it is mostly Democrats who oppose decision to decrease wetland buffers.

East County
Opinion

Lesley Dwyer
October 13, 2023

Jewelry store Uniquely Yours opens in Myakka City

The shop sells handcrafted jewelry, hats, bird feeders and anything owner Lynn Meder is inspired to create.

East County
Business

Andrew Warfield
October 13, 2023

Planning Board rejects One Park amendment request

A 3-1 vote recommends City Commission denial of a change that would allow the condo tower to span Quay Commons.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
October 12, 2023

Eat, drink, dance at The Bay's upcoming anniversary party

The park's five-day lineup includes former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri and cuisine from premier Sarasota restaurants.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
October 12, 2023

Deadly cost of appeasing

Because of Presidents Obama and Biden’s evasion of the facts — e.g. Putin’s stated objective to retake Ukraine and Iran’s objective to destroy Israel — we now have what we have: death, destruction and war.

Sarasota
Opinion

Lesley Dwyer
October 12, 2023

Some Manatee County voters say they won't forget wetlands decision

The Manatee County Commission voted 5-1 to cut additional wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
October 12, 2023

How should you handle wildlife encounters in Lakewood Ranch?

Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office share information on local wildlife.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
October 12, 2023

Haile Middle School in east Bradenton begins new choir program

Students are preparing for their first concert in December.

East County
Schools

Andrew Warfield
October 12, 2023

Request to demolish historic Sarasota house tabled by City Commission

Developer Orange Pineapple LLC wants a permit to take down the historic McAlpin House if it can't find a place to move it.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
October 12, 2023

Baltimore Orioles show off long-term plan in 2023

The team might make a fast exit from the postseason — but this year is only the beginning.

Sarasota
Sports

Adam Hughes
October 12, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 25-29 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Casey Key home tops the week's sales at $8.53 million.

Siesta Key
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
October 12, 2023

Meeting produces two conceptual options for county admin building

Three days of collaborative work with Benderson Development and Laurel Park residents provided a starting point for redevelopment planning.

Sarasota
News

Andrew Warfield
October 11, 2023

Site cleared for rebirth of Bath & Racquet Club

Rebranded as Bath + Racquet Residences & Club, the mixed-use development is expected to be a catalyst for south Sarasota.

Sarasota
News

Jay Heater
October 11, 2023

UTC event at The Green features dogs in costume

Barks and Boos drew hundreds of dog-friendly patrons and vendors.

East County
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
October 11, 2023

Cardinal Mooney High volleyball has record-setting season

The Cougars' 18 regular season wins are the most in program history — and they're not done yet.

Sarasota
Sports

Ian Swaby
October 11, 2023

Firefighters prepare for chili cook-off

The 23rd annual Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off will be held Oct. 15.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
October 11, 2023

Lakewood Ranch couple takes on 'The Rocky Horror Show'

The show opens at the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 5.

East County
Neighbors

Carter Weinhofer
October 11, 2023

Sarasota Bay's water quality is the best it's been in 8 years. Can we keep it that way?

Area scientists are hopeful that the bay’s water quality will continue to improve but warn it’s not time to slow efforts.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
October 11, 2023

Woman calls police on gun-wearing neighbor

A long-running feud boiled over when a woman saw her neighbor with a gun in his waistband during an argument. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.