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Your Observer

    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 11, 2023
Self-help author, age 94, encourages seniors to embrace their stage of life

Author and former University of Maryland professor Nancy Schlossberg's most recent book was published in May.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 10, 2023
Longboat Key Police officer charged with armed trespassing

Rafael Martinez Jr., 27, of Bradenton is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Oct. 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Shawna Hicks-Cranston, the owner of PostNet, says Mentor Connect benefits both the mentors and mentees that participate.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Young professionals, mentors connect through LWR Business Alliance

Mentor Connect, an LWRBA Young Leaders Alliance program, brings mentorship opportunities that benefit anyone in the business community.

  • East County
  • Business
Second graders Wyatt Hill, Zachary Choibekov and Hendricks Perez
    By
  • James Peter
  • August 10, 2023
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies welcomes students for new year

Principal Fayth Jenkins said the school located near downtown Sarasota is offering a number of new and enhanced programs to serve students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Ainsleigh Herbert, 5, Katie Herbert, and Anniston Herbert, 8
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 10, 2023
A new year begins at Southside Elementary School

The first day of school saw students led by their families into the start of a new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Nico Bencomo takes his second shot on the No. 9 hole at Laurel Oak Country Club's Jones course. Bencomo is one of Cardinal Mooney's top boys golfers in 2022. (Photo by Ryan Kohn.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 10, 2023
Beyond the gridiron: Sarasota-area fall sports packed with big storylines

With returning state champs and rising talent, swimming, golf, cross-country and volleyball deserve time in the spotlight.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Luke Langan, a pre-K student at Gene Witt Elementary School, says another goodbye to his father, Sean Langan.
    By
  • Jay Heater, Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Students across Manatee County head back to school

The new school year brings new beginnings for teachers, students and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
With 41 maintenance personnel on staff, the Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department maintains some 700 acres of parks and non-park city property.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 10, 2023
Proposed city spending up $33 million for fiscal year 2024

Inflation, pensions and salaries cited for increase in overall budget. Parks and Recreation looks to add four new positions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Located at 8377 Midnight Pass Road, this home recently sold for $2.9 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,777 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 10, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 24-28 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Ocean View home on Midnight Pass Road tops the week's sales at $2.9 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Jaiden Johnson and Sharon Preston-Folta
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2023
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative adds two new team members

Sharon Preston-Folta and Jaiden Johnson are joining the nonprofit.

  • Arts + Culture
Residential developments containing attainable housing units may soon rise among the luxury condominium towers in the downtown Sarasota zoning districts.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 10, 2023
Downtown attainable housing ordinance approved on first reading

Sarasota takes a step toward achieving affordable and attainable housing in the downtown zoning districts. Primary corridors are next on the list.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Charlie Bishop was named as Manatee County's interim administrator on Aug. 3. A new county administrator is expected to be named by Aug. 22.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 9, 2023
Manatee commissioners to meet with final four administrator candidates

Selection of the new Manatee County administrator will be made Aug. 18 or Aug. 22.

  • East County
  • News
Jacqueline Putrino finished third at the 2023 Florida Women's Open, her first event as a professional.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 9, 2023
Former Riverview state champion golfer sets sights on professional tour

Jacqueline Putrino will take part in the Epson Tour's Q School this month.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Dreamers Academy founder Geri Chaffee (center) cuts the ribbon at the Newtown campus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 9, 2023
Dreamers Academy holds ribbon-cutting for Newtown campus

The bilingual school’s new campus, located in Sarasota's Newtown, offers a dedicated space for learning.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Tommy Tyler.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 9, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Tommy Tyler

The Cardinal Mooney boys golfer believes the Cougars can win a state title in 2023.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
What is the benefit to us?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 9, 2023
What is the benefit to us?

Last week, we urged Republicans to think whether a second Trump presidency would be any different or better than the first. This week: Tell us, Joe Biden, how persecuting Trump will improve our lives.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Brothers tussle with a router during fight over gaming
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 9, 2023
Brothers tussle with a router during fight over gaming

A man frustrated with his brother's constant gaming started a tug-of-war over a router. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Averleigh Cross can't wait to start kindergarten at Freedom Elementary School. She's looking forward to learning how to read better.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 9, 2023
First day of kindergarten can be emotional time for parents

Parents often have a hard time deciding whether to cry or celebrate as they drop off their kindergartner on the first day of school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Charles Snowden Jones, trustee, of Bedford Hills, New York, sold the Unit L-207 condominium at 435 L’Ambiance Drive to Ronald and Margaret Roth, of Longboat Key, for $2.4 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 24-28 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The town of Longboat Key has had conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation about making improvements to six crosswalks along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 9, 2023
Visibility upgrades on the way for GMD crosswalks

A new FDOT project along Gulf of Mexico Drive will bring improvements to four crosswalks on Longboat Key and add a new one.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Michael DeWulf painting at his live art show at Wyland Gallery on Aug. 4.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 9, 2023
Sarasota artist draws audience with live show at Wyland Gallery

Sarasota-based artist Michael DeWulf paints for 10 to 14 hours to grow in his craft.

  • Arts + Culture
Mateo has had enough of pictures and is ready for his walk. He's accompanied by Shelter Director Dani Ziegler and Board and Executive Committee Member Cheryl Johnson.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 9, 2023
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch volunteers go above and beyond

The Myakka City nonprofit uses care and love to prepare pets for adoption.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
GreyHawk Landing's Raymond Turner took over as District 5 commissioner on Aug. 1, 2023
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 9, 2023
New commissioner wants to help Manatee be prepared for inevitable growth

Raymond Turner says proper planning can both prepare for growth and protect the environment.

  • East County
  • News
St. Armands Circle is among Sarasota's primary attractions for visitors and residents alike.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 9, 2023
Bid to renew St. Armands Business Improvement District falls short

The special tax district and its enhanced level of city services will end Sept. 30. Now the debate begins over what to do with unspent funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ruthie Ball, 7, looks at her "hall of fame" with her mom Jill.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 9, 2023
Families find benefits outweigh challenges of living on Longboat Key

Parents and their children have adapted to school commute and extracurricular challenges — and found communities that span generations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Alana Bjork and Chuck Wolfe
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 8, 2023
Chiles Hospitality awards student scholarships to nine employees

Employees at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub qualified for scholarships funded by Manatee Community Foundation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Henry Burbee.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Henry Burbee

The Lakewood Ranch High boys golfer is primed for a big 2023 season.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 17110 Verona Place sold for $1.85 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,767 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 8, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Aug. 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.3 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Gail Loefgren returned to the chamber in September 2013 after a five-year hiatus.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 8, 2023
Gail Loefgren reflects on 25 years of service as chamber president

After announcing her retirement, the president of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce recounts the impact that the island has had on her.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • August 8, 2023
Rosenberg, Michael

Rosenberg, Michael, 84, of Longboat Key and Sarasota, passed peacefully on August 2, 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Mayor Erik Arroyo speaks at an event in February 2022.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 8, 2023
State attorney office declined Arroyo case on grounds of 'insufficient evidence'

State records show that Arroyo's charity had been registered with state and federal governments. Arroyo's attorney called the FDLE investigation "wasted time and resources."

  • Sarasota
  • News
    A time to celebrate |
  • August 8, 2023
Sara Smuda and Kevin Hussey

Sara Smuda and Kevin Hussey are pleased to announce their marriage on June 9, 2023 in Longboat Key, which family and a few close friends joined in to celebrate.

  • Longboat Key
  • Celebrations
Lakewood Ranch High School junior Byron Simon, who launched Southernly Simon Apparel, hopes people like Parrish Community High's Makayla Chenard relate to his clothing brand.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch high schooler launches clothing brand

Southernly Simon Apparel encourages mental health awareness and addresses other topics.

  • East County
  • Business
Annabeth Howell and James Nicholson at the stingray touch tank at Mote Marine Aquarium in August 2023.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 8, 2023
Education coordinator leads her first redesigned summer camps at Mote

The summer camps at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium engage children in themed fun and education.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Payne Park Auditorium.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 8, 2023
Nonprofit CEO details mission for expansion, operation of Payne Park Auditorium

A subsidiary of The Players Centre for Performing Arts begins its work to raise capital and begin planning to create a venue for local theater groups.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River tight end Cody Kawcak and linebacker Micah Fedd are two players Coach Curt Bradley is designating as senior leaders.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 8, 2023
Braden River High football team has big holes to fill on offense

The Pirates' starting quarterback and running back both transferred, but coaches are high on the team's overall talent.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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