• 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

Lakewood Ranch High alumna Taylor Gould will take over the Lakewood Ranch High softball program from Todd Lee.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 16, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High softball makes Gould-en hire

Former Mustangs star Taylor Gould, formerly Taylor Newton, will take over the program from Todd Lee.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tennis Coach Dickie Herbst and Cornell Professor Emeritus Joe Novak formed a friendship after Herbst read a story about Novak in the East County Observer. Novak died in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Former Cornell professor lends education theories to sports training

Lakewood Ranch's Joe Novak, 92, works as a consultant for NXT Athletics Institute for Learning and finds that his learning theories are still in demand.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Matt Ballew prefers getting the trash run done before the sun rises and other cars at the access points get in the way.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 16, 2023
Dawn patrol: The town workers who take out the beach trash

Public Works staff battle overflowing garbage cans, discarded furniture and lazy litterers to keep Longboat beach access points tidy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
About time they give back
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 16, 2023
About time they give back

Sarasota County officials say they’ll use county money to build a public library on Longboat. They also should fund a community center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Alexia, Suzanne and Juliana Mattes perform together for the first time at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 16, 2023
'Something Rotten' a family affair for Lakewood Ranch mom, daughters

Suzanne Mattes and her two daughters, Juliana and Alexia, appear in the ensemble cast at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Breaking and exiting apparent at medical office
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 16, 2023
Breaking and exiting apparent at medical office

An investigation into a damaged door reveals someone may have broken out of a locked building. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Captains Bill Brooker and Charlie Schmitz
    By
  • James Peter
  • August 16, 2023
Sailing lessons you won’t soon forget

The instructors of Sara-Bay Sailing School have loads of experience and plenty of punchlines.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Richard and Martha Barone, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, sold their Unit J603 condominium at 435 L’Ambiance Drive to David Rayner and Wendy O’Neill, of Longboat Key, for $3.85 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 16, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 31 to Aug. 4 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club tops the week's sales at $3.85 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
A new home at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive is one of the properties listed as new construction for 2023, valued at $6.5 million.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 16, 2023
New residential construction on Longboat increases in quantity, value

According to new permit data, the residential units being built on Longboat Key have been increasingly expensive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Breiner's Peculiar Pub on Lakewood Main Street will offer a large selection of draft beers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Peculiar Pub set to open on Lakewood Main Street

Former Ed's Tavern owner John Breiner returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with another restaurant/pub.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
As executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Rhonda Leiberick has found work that is deeply meaningful.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 16, 2023
Get-it-done attitude put to work for Meals on Wheels of Sarasota

Rhonda Leiberick, a Lakewood Ranch resident and the executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, finds her calling creating meaningful connections.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Morgan Barton.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 15, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Morgan Barton

The Lakewood Ranch High girls lacrosse player is committed to Berry College.

  • East County
  • Sports
Garden Club at the 1980 celebration of Longboat's 20th anniversary
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 15, 2023
Garden Club helps community, beautification bloom on Longboat Key

The history of the club is intertwined with beautification and community-building efforts on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2023
7 indicted for meth distributing operation in Manatee County

A multi-agency investigation resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of 1 pound of methamphetamine and other drugs.

  • East County
  • News
This Country Club East home at 16334 Castle Park Terrace sold for $2 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,163 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 15, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 31 to Aug. 4 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club East home on Castle Park Terrace tops the week's sales at $2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
A rendering of the future aquatic and racket center at Premier Park. Plans could change as the design is only 30% complete.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 15, 2023
Planning at Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch progresses slowly

Manatee District 5 Commissioner Ray Turner said he would like county staff to "step on the gas" in building the Premier Park aquatics and racket center.

  • East County
  • News
Don’t miss the vegan heirloom tomato tarts at Owen's Fish Camp.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • August 15, 2023
New restaurants await your tastebuds in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch region is attracting a host of new restaurants, including those with popular followings in downtown Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
New Longboat Key Police officers Adam Swinford and Mike Rizzo recite the oath led by Chief of Police George Turner.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 15, 2023
Two new officers join Longboat Key Police Department

The officers arrived from Indiana and New York and were drawn to the community's culture.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Gabriel McDerment has been working on his musical, "Acceptance Pending," since his freshman year at New York University where he is now a junior.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 15, 2023
Braden River High alum to produce musical for Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Gabriel McDerment will debut his musical, "Acceptance Pending," in the international performing arts festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
ODA senior Blake Neumann, senior Blaine Bentley, senior Charlie Tack, junior Chase Polivchak, junior Jackson Roth, junior Marvin Palominos and sophomore Max Polivchak will be contributors to the football team in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 15, 2023
Huge offensive line key to ODA's 2023 football season

The Thunder hopes to build off a 9-1 season in 2022.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ella Rose Sherman teaching Mote visitors about the Strandings Investigation at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 15, 2023
Mote volunteer program gives high schoolers taste of marine science

The fall volunteer program at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is tailored to busy high schoolers' schedules.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Police officer helps citizen locked in public restroom
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 15, 2023
Longboat Police officer helps citizen locked in public restroom

An officer responded to a call about someone locked in a public restroom. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Country Creek's Mila Goetting always keeps her eyes on the next obstacle. In this case, she's thrusting herself from one hopscotch to the next.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 14, 2023
Ninja courses no obstacle for Bradenton 12-year-old

Country Creek's Mila Goetting grew to love such competitions by watching "American Ninja Warrior."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Commander Steven Bowers of the School Safety Division in Nashville speaks to the attendees.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 14, 2023
Nashville police visit Sarasota school to discuss active shooter responses

Commander Scott Byrd and Captain Steven Bowers visited Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences to discuss how to utilize the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events system.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The chambers are standing room only on August 10 for the Manatee County Planning Commission meeting.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 14, 2023
Manatee to consider development plan changes that will affect wetlands

Manatee County's planning commissioners voted 4-2 against making changes that would lower wetland protections to align with state standards.

  • East County
  • News
Almost all Florida manatees have propeller scars from past collisions with boats. Complying with “Idle Speed No Wake” speed limits for boats helps protect manatees from harm.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 14, 2023
Florida manatees find food and shelter at Myakka

Efforts to protect these imperiled mammals at the state park include removing dams that can leave them stranded and increasing awareness about boat speed limits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
7340 Points of Rocks Road in Siesta Key
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 14, 2023
Siesta Key listing voted overall winner in HGTV Ultimate House Hunt

Three listings by Michael Saunders and Co. placed in the annual online luxury home competition.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
5131 Jungle Plum Road in Siesta Key
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 14, 2023
Longboat Key Realtor's listing places in HGTV contest

Cindy Fischer of Michael Saunders and Co. discusses her Siesta Key listing that won best Waterside Home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lori Goldmeier, dressed as Harley Quinn from DC Comics, and Ryan Jacobson
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 13, 2023
SarasotaCon showcases comics and local community of enthusiasts

The experience hosted memorabilia, legendary comic book artists and cosplay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Adrian Olivo brings his canoe to shore after competing in the Men's Masters B 200 meters of the ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. He finished third in 57.911.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 13, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park exec says local rowing/paddling talent will surface

The Sarasota park will continue to host world class events with a new staff in place.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Seagrass is one of two U.S. 41 roundabout sculptures that will be placed in a different location on city property.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 13, 2023
New homes sought for roundabout sculptures

The more than $1 million cost of pouring concrete pads exceeds the budgeted amount. Locations on city property are under consideration.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An aerial shot of The Bay shows its position alongside Sarasota’s iconic bayfront.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2023
The Bay wins pair of landscape architecture awards

The Frederic B. Stresau Award honors project innovation and design excellence by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Creative Contractors Inc. and Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors is working with the School District of Manatee County to renovate Tara Elementary School and construct an addition.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2023
Construction continues at East County schools with students on campus

Tara Elementary and Haile Middle are undergoing campus-wide renovations and additions.

  • East County
  • Schools
The potential Longboat Key Community Center would be located in Whitney Plaza's largest building, at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 12, 2023
Longboat Key Community Center nears necessary interlocal agreement

The next steps in the community center project rely on conversations between Manatee County and the school district.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A new cellphone lot is now open at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2023
SRQ airport opens new cellphone lot

The new passenger pickup lot offers paved parking and restrooms.

  • Sarasota
  • News
SRQ announced Thursday new service to Delaware and that a seasonal flight to Cleveland would return later this year.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • August 11, 2023
Sarasota-Bradenton airport adds nonstop flight to Delaware

The service is expected to begin in November.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 »
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
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

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