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Your Observer

A rendering of the playground being built at Tom Bennett Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 6, 2024
Upgrades to Bennett Park in Bradenton create destination playground

The ADA-accessible playground in east Manatee County is under construction and planned to open by early May, with a splash pad to follow.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High senior Zackary Groth (23) leaps for an attempted header against Parrish Community High. The attempt would sail wide of the net and Braden River would lose 1-0.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 6, 2024
Parrish-Braden River match proves a one-goal game can be thrilling

The boys soccer district title game featuring Braden River High (12-2-1) and Parrish Community High (10-8-1) showed the kind of effort teams need to get even one goal.

  • East County
  • Sports
Vennie Hotchkiss sews a boot.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 6, 2024
Take a trip to the 1800s at Myakka River Rendezvous

The pre-1840s living history event showcases Florida’s history through exhibitors dedicated to the process of reenacting the past.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Woman unable to locate her car in parking lot asks for police assistance
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 6, 2024
Woman unable to locate her car in parking lot asks for police assistance

The responding Longboat Key officer went on the hunt for the citizen’s vehicle in the public parking lot. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Longboat couple brings back safety awareness program
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 6, 2024
Longboat couple brings back safety awareness program

Mike and Lynn Madden will teach a three-part series at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, to help retirees protect themselves in unexpected situations.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rick Piccolo
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 6, 2024
CEO of SRQ updates Kiwanis Club on the airport's growth

Rick Piccolo's presentation highlighted the area's recent growth and future plans for expanding and improving the airport.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stray dog is on the run in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 6, 2024
Stray dog is on the run in Lakewood Ranch

A King Charles spaniel mix nicknamed Rascal was first spotted in early November. He was caught once and is back on the run.

  • East County
  • News
Boaters anchor near Jewfish Key.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 6, 2024
Jewfish Key files petition for removal from town of Longboat Key

The town of Longboat Key must now conduct a feasibility survey to consider the petition for contraction or deannexation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High softball senior Grace Shaw-Rockey hit .345 with 21 RBIs in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 5, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Grace Shaw-Rockey

The Lakewood Ranch High senior will be a leader on the school’s softball team.

  • East County
  • Sports
Co-chair of Taste and Tunes of the Key Lynn Hancock and Susan Phillips
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 5, 2024
Longboat Key Garden Club puts new spin on annual fundraiser

Tastes and Tunes of the Keys skipped the fashion show to highlight the delish dishes from local vendors and create casual atmosphere for mingling.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant is now the largest ultrafiltration plant in Florida.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 5, 2024
Manatee promises improved water quality after treatment plant upgrades

Manatee County spent $53 million to retrofit the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant with ultrafiltration membranes.

  • East County
  • News
Conductor Joe Martinez guides the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble through the National Anthem to begin the "Song and Dance" concert Feb. 4 at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 5, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble concert packs Peace Presbyterian

The band plays its final local concert of the season on May 5 in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Christ Church of Longboat Key installs first full-time pastor
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 5, 2024
Christ Church of Longboat Key installs first full-time pastor

Longboat Key church leaders recognize the Rev. Julia Piermont during the installation ceremony at Christ Church.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Liaison Lisa Boggs.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 5, 2024
Longboat Key Fire Rescue welcomes new support team member

After a career in construction, the department's new fire rescue liaison, Lisa Boggs says, is ready to serve the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Madeline Walker painting
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • February 5, 2024
Seaplace Condominium residents share their art with the community

The resident artists exhibited paintings, cards and clothing, along with a handful of authors selling their books.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Bequest
  • February 5, 2024
Bequest Platinum Event: How To Solve Your Income Challenge in 2024

Join us at Art Ovation Hotel on Feb 22nd 2024, 6-8pm EST, Live Event

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Although they did not arrive in time for the costume contest, Noel, Misty, Olivia and Tico, who belong to Flora Rodriguez of Tampa, drew attention from guests.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 4, 2024
Costume contest raises awareness for pet charities

"My Furry Valentine" brought together the community for a showcase of local pet rescues and vendors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 4, 2024
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO

Jennifer Bitner will bring 24 years of nonprofit experience to the organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Town Center Green will continue on to Phase 3, which includes a new public library in town through Sarasota County.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2024
First public meeting set for new Longboat library

Sarasota County’s first meeting about the Town Center Green public library project will be held Feb. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Out-of-door students and staff wear bell bottoms, head bands and John Lennon's signature sunglasses to stay on theme with the 1960s music.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 3, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy raises money for Manasota BUDS

The orchestra played a 1960s-themed concert at Woodland Community Church in East County on Feb. 2.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch 6-year-old Aurlyn Esler holds on as tight as she can to see how long she can last on the bull.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Music on Main provides entertainment for all ages in Lakewood Ranch

Whether it's riding a bull, petting a mini horse or dancing to Kettle of Fish, Music on Main was fun for all.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Hager, a water conservation compliance officer with Manatee County Utilites, takes fifth graders through an interactive watershed model to help students understand the importance of water conservation.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2024
Tara Elementary students learn about water conservation

Manatee County Utilities put on presentation about the importance of water conservation.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota man sentenced to 15 years for defrauding seniors
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • February 3, 2024
Sarasota man sentenced to 15 years for defrauding seniors

A federal judge in Tampa sentenced a 67-year-old insurance agent for a scheme that stole millions from elderly clients.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The penthouse at 415 L Ambiance Drive has floor-to-ceiling windows.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 2, 2024
$11 million penthouse sale breaks Longboat Key condo record

The penthouse of the L'Ambiance condominium complex sold for $11 million, the highest recorded condominium sale on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SOTA residences will be on floors 11-16 above a 120-room boutique hotel.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2024
SOTA adds virtual concierge for condo buyers

The virtual service will provide a dedicated "lifestyle curator" upon contract to buyers at the downtown Sarasota luxury condo and hotel complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
17-month-old Jayvyn DeVore, while visiting Sarasota from New Jersey, had the chance to enjoy playing with the streams of water on the splash pad.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Bayfront Park's new splash pad and playground officially open

The new and improved playground and splash pad at Bayfront Park held its grand opening ceremony on Feb. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Jodi and Ron O'Toole, and Craig and Susan Belesi have formed a bond as the husbands fight Parkinson's disease.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch couples bond to face Parkinson’s

Parkinson Place Center of Sarasota is key to their sustaining their quality of life.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Fred Rogers
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Authors document method behind Mister Rogers' magic

Greg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, the authors of book "When You Wonder, You're Learning," were the special guests of a Sarasota book circle event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident says: 'They paved our paradise'
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 1, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident says: 'They paved our paradise'

Another Lakewood Ranch resident is not happy with Manatee County's split with the American Library Association.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Unit 1502 condominium in The Tower Residences has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,751 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 1, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 15-19 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Tower Residences tops the week's sales at $3.83 million

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Temple Beth Sholom raised funds to purchase a mobile ICU for Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota synagogue buys vehicle for Israeli ambulance service

Temple Beth Sholom raised $300,000 in three weeks to purchase a replacement vehicle to aid in the war with Hamas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hazardous household waste drop-off set for Feb. 3
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2024
Hazardous household waste drop-off set for Feb. 3

Materials will be accepted at downtown Sarasota location.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Booker High girls basketball Head Coach Ty Bryant said he switched from a man-to-man defense to a zone defense this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 1, 2024
Tough schedule sharpens Tornadoes girls basketball for postseason

Booker High started the season slow but remains confident that it can "make noise" in the playoffs.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
In this art piece, multiple shells are used to create a wave design.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota Shell Show will combine arts, crafts and science

The event will showcase rare shells and artisanal creations by members of the Sarasota Shell Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Indian Mound Park in Englewood has 28 boat trailer spaces and 22 vehicle parking spaces.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota wants quick fix for illegal use of county boat launches

A task force will have two months to solve a problem decades in the making: illegal charter boat use of Sarasota County water access parks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gary Kompothecras and his family live in one of the largest houses on Siesta Key — a three-story, 13,560-square-foot estate on Point of Rocks Road.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2024
Gary Kompothecras may be larger than life, but he’s also down to earth

Siesta Key resident and entrepreneur Gary Kompothecras has been called many things. “Creator” is his favorite.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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