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Your Observer

The Out-of-Door Academy is opening a third campus, which will be a lower school located on Clark Road in Sarasota.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 10, 2023
The Out-of-Door Academy to open third campus in Sarasota

The Out-of-Door Academy lower school on Clark Road will open in August 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Ruth's Chris Steak House is the first of several restaurants to open before the end of the year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 10, 2023
New restaurants opening in Lakewood Ranch, East County

Ruth's Chris Steak House was the first of several new restaurants set to open before the end of the year.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
This Lake Club home at 16404 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3,199,000. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,678 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 10, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 25-29 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sheriff's deputy shot, killed driver who tried to ram him, according to report
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 10, 2023
Sheriff's deputy shot, killed driver who tried to ram him, according to report

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reports a shooting took place overnight in which a deputy shot and killed a driver who tried to ram him with a vehicle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
  • October 10, 2023
Great Futures KAPOW Here!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been shaping superheroes for over 50 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sarasota County Library hosted an open house for its new pop-up library.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 10, 2023
Pop-up library to bring books and services to Longboat Key

Sarasota County's mobile library visits area communities to make library resources more accessible.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clayton Reagan, an eighth grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, looks at the way a pig walks, its bone structure and whether the pig has a drop in its belly before selecting a pig to show at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 10, 2023
What makes a perfect show pig for the Manatee County Fair?

East Bradenton students and FFA advisors talk about the qualities they seek in a show pig.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Sarasota County School Board will vote on a redistricting proposal aligned with the Sarasota County Commission district boundaries.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 10, 2023
Sarasota School Board to vote on redrawing district boundaries

The school board agreed to hold a vote on aligning the school district boundaries with those of the Sarasota County Commission districts.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The animated film "Lucy" promotes Southeastern Guide Dogs' Skilled Companion program.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 10, 2023
Southeastern Guide Dogs' animated film promotes companion program

The short film "Lucy" tells the story of a Skilled Companion dog finding her forever companion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key is making efforts to inform car hauling companies about the no tolerance policy for parking along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 10, 2023
Longboat continues no tolerance policy for unloading trucks on GMD

The town and police department are amplifying efforts to inform the public and car-hauling companies about where deliveries can happen safely.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Intoxicated man wanting to drive causes dispute with responsible bystander
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 10, 2023
Intoxicated man wanting to drive causes dispute with responsible bystander

Police responded to a late-night dispute in which a man was trying to stop another person from driving while intoxicated. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Alexandre Sicre (25) puts a shot on net against Sarasota Football Club.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 10, 2023
LWR Soccer Club's over 50 team isn't telling the same old story

The players on the new team in Lakewood Ranch have the enthusiasm of younger athletes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Grayson Tullio and Monika Oberer have built a friendship on trust, honesty and a passion for helping others.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 10, 2023
Unconditional friendship raises money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research

Monika Oberer and Grayson Tullio's 10-year friendship has meant not only supporting each other but also raising funds to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Phoenix Award was presented to a crew that successfully resuscitated an unconscious patient using CPR. From left to right: Firefighter Paramedic Trey Bowlin, Firefighter Paramedic Andre Hoefer, Firefighter Paramedic Chase Bullock and Lieutenant Jose Rivera.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 10, 2023
Longboat Fire Rescue awards honor distinguished crew and citizens

An observant citizen took quick action to avert a maritime blaze.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dr. Daren Spinelle offers accessible health care for the residents of Longboat Key at the Paradise Center Medical Suite.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 9, 2023
Doctor at The Paradise Center provides medical care for snowbirds

Dr. Daren Spinelle wants to make health care accessible for all residents even while living in Longboat part time.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • October 9, 2023
Robert J. Simmons

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Robert J. Simmons.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The Longboat Key Foundation is in the process of raising $175,000 to replace the remaining 25% of the big dog park and all of the small dog park in Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 9, 2023
Longboat Key Foundation raises money for dog park artificial turf

Jim Brown, chair of the Longboat Key Foundation, says $175,000 is needed to cover the remainder of the Bayfront Park dog parks with artificial turf.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Senior Andrew Scott, junior Vicente Rivera, junior Jonathan Leatt, junior Dylan Johnson and junior Vayle Johnson have the Lakewood Ranch High boys cross country team in the state meet hunt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 9, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High boys cross-country team makes positive strides

Lakewood Ranch High has a shot at its first team state meet appearance since 2016.

  • East County
  • Sports
Homes for rent for less than six months will now be required to register as rentals with the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 9, 2023
Residential Rental Registry takes effect, aimed at organizing town rentals

The new registry that went into effect on Oct. 1 applies to residentially zoned properties that are rented to vacationers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 9, 2023
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser

Michael Ayres will lead the effort to raise capital and develop partnerships for the renovation and expansion of Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Layla Collis and Hannah Noake, 10, hold a piglet.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 8, 2023
Annual Pumpkin Festival celebrates fall and supports the community

The festival entertained families with activities and a menagerie of animals, all while supporting local vendors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Although Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Kenny Van Slyck, 3-year-old Carmela Van Slyck, 5-year-old Angelina Van Slyck and 6-year-old Vincent Van Slyck love seeing the first responder vehicles, they also love the free snacks.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 8, 2023
Safety Town teaches children about first responders in Lakewood Ranch

Children explored first responder vehicles as they learned about what local emergency services do for the community..

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 8, 2023
Sarasota among top cities for senior singles

Sarasota ranks third among 600 cities analyzed for seniors who find themselves back on the market.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • October 8, 2023
New study suggests common cancers are preventable with lifestyle changes

Adopting healthy dietary and exercise habits is a cornerstone of prevention.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
A rendering of the exterior view of The Ora.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 8, 2023
Jewish Federation receives $6 million grant to redevelop campus

The grant will allow the organization to introduce an events hall, a Holocaust education center and a summer camp.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rex Jensen
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 7, 2023
SMR CEO/president earns Builder magazine 'Legend' award

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen was honored for leading Lakewood Ranch to its standing as the No. 1-selling, multigenerational, master-planned community.

  • East County
  • News
Del Webb's Valerie Heyer was diagnosed in 2011 with stage four sarcoma. She says it means a lot to her that the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk is supporting people who are impacted by all types of cancer.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 7, 2023
Del Webb hosts Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk in east Bradenton

The Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk supports those impacted by all types of cancer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amy Cyr, Grant Rhea and Domine Clemons perform with The Brett Foreman Band.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 7, 2023
Fresh Fridays makes a comeback with 'Paint the Town Fresh'

The event kicked off its third season with an event featuring The Brett Foreman Band.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A young rider catches air on a scooter at Payne Skatepark.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 7, 2023
Sarasota group looks to expand skate parks countywide

City commissioners heard from Skate City SRQ about the shortage of parks for riders of all sorts of wheels from skateboards to wheelchairs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Elma Felix's office in the Planning, Zoning and Building Department gets a lot of sun, perfect for the plants that add to the vibrant space.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 7, 2023
New planning manager appreciates Longboat's passion for preservation

Elma Felix was able to find her footing relatively quickly and knows how passionate residents are about Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 7, 2023
High school football roundup: Week seven

A light week on the Sarasota and East County schedules was tough for two of the three teams that did play.

  • East County
  • Sports
ODA sophomore Allen Clark gets tripped by the Bell Creek defense after a positive gain.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 7, 2023
ODA football falls to Bell Creek Academy at home

After scoring on its opening possession, the Thunder offense was stymied in an 8-6 loss.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cornerstone and Company serves craft cocktails including a spicy mango margarita.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 6, 2023
Ranch Nite Wednesdays returns to Waterside Place

Ranch Nite offers shopping, dining, live entertainment and cornhole in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rick Hinkson keeps watch from a lifeguard tower.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 6, 2023
Sarasota beach lifeguards require special set of skills

Sarasota County lifeguards performed 100 rescues this year. A lifeguard shares what it takes to be an open-water first responder.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 6, 2023
Commissioner proposes act to require registration for paid lobbyists

Sarasota City Commissioner Erik Arroyo wants full disclosure of individuals paid to lobby elected officials and staff.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Melody Reedy is one of several Manatee County residents to hold up signs during the land use meeting Oct. 5, 2023 in an attempt to stop commissioners from cutting wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 5, 2023
Manatee County Commission cuts wetland protections

In a vote of 5-1, the commission approved removing additional protections from the Comprehensive Plan.

  • East County
  • News
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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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