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Your Observer

Updated town budget lowers millage rate, increases revenue, expenses
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 8, 2023
Updated town budget lowers millage rate, increases revenue, expenses

Town Manager Howard Tipton presented the Longboat Key Town Commission with slight changes to the anticipated budget, which is set to be adopted in September.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Police refuse to take resident's unwanted ammunition
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 8, 2023
Police refuse to take resident's unwanted ammunition

Longboat Key Police were called by a resident to take possession of unwanted ammunition. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Commissioners Jason Bearden and Kevin Van Ostenbridge spoke to the crowd about the importance of the 44th Avenue Extension project on Aug. 7 as the bridge over the Braden River opened.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 7, 2023
Manatee County opens 44th Avenue Bridge over Braden River

Commissioners and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the 44th Avenue Extension project's penultimate phase.

  • East County
  • News
April Glasco lines up children to get a free Kona Ice.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 7, 2023
Committee at Temple Beth Israel donates $1,000 worth of school supplies

The Social Action Committee brought three cars full of school supplies to the Second Chance Last Opportunity back-to-school drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key golden retriever befriends a manatee
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 7, 2023
Longboat Key golden retriever befriends a manatee

The two friendly animals got to know each other during a fishing excursion.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barb Torrence has been working at the Longboat Key Library for about seven years, since she retired from being a librarian in Michigan.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • August 7, 2023
Town Center Phase 3 on horizon — with focus on new library

The Sarasota County-led project will take off next fiscal year, aimed at providing a new public resource on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This three-piece modular building will serve as the temporary clubhouse at Bobby Jones Golf Club. A permanent structure is currently under design.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 7, 2023
Bobby Jones clubhouse delivered as project manager retires

The three-piece temporary modular unit marks another milestone in the restoration of the city-owned golf complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Sue Carlton had just had dinner at Good Liquid Brewing at Waterside Place Aug. 5 when she heard the music and decided to have some fun with singer Sheri Nadelman.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 6, 2023
Stay tuned for musical growth at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

Singer Sheri Nadelman says the crowds at the entertainment hub will continue to grow.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Scarlett Hafner, a fifth grader at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, her mother, Cassie, brother Preston, a seventh grader, and father, Mark Hafner, at the 80th parallel just north of Svalbard, Norway.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 6, 2023
Lakewood Ranch-area teachers, students take the summer to travel the world

From Tennessee to Peru to Japan, teachers and students on break traveled to five of the seven continents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 6, 2023
Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within

Crystal Bailey joined the organization in January as chief administrative officer and general counsel.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Bradenton's Nicole Figueroa, who is 11, and Abdiel Figueroa, who is 8, show off the school supplies they received during the Back to School Bash.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 5, 2023
Mall at UTC's Back to School Bash prepares students for a new year

Character greetings, free school supplies, face painting and more get students excited about school starting.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarah Orcutt, a second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School, loves the book nook she's created in her new classroom. She says the new addition is a fresh start.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 5, 2023
Freedom Elementary teachers move into school's new addition

Teachers in the eight new classrooms begin decorating with a blank slate.

  • East County
  • Schools
Spearheading the fundraising effort for the Stage at Payne Park: Brian McCarthy, William Skaggs, Bill Porter, Bill Rusling and Steven Butler
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 5, 2023
The Players raises curtain on fundraising for Payne Park theater project

The theater will match up to half of the $8 million in community donations that The Stage hopes to raise for the project.

  • Arts + Culture
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 4, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park hosts national paddling event

ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships ended its four-day run in Sarasota on Friday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paul Reubens appeared at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, in 2016.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 4, 2023
Pee-wee Herman's big adventure started in Sarasota

Remembering Paul Reubens, 1952-2023.

  • Arts + Culture
Mayor Erik Arroyo speaks at an event in February 2022.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 4, 2023
State finds no wrongdoing in investigation of One Park, Erik Arroyo

The Florida Division of Law Enforcement has closed its investigation into a city commissioner regarding a donation his charity accepted from a One Park investor.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nine-year-old Estella Stroth reaches great heights.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 4, 2023
Circus Summer Camp lets kids enter the big-top spotlight

The camp, which teaches circus acts, allows kids to perform for their families at the end of each session.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rendering of the new Research and Education Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2023
SMH earns publication's annual Top 50 Hospitals status

U.S. News & World Report ranks Sarasota Memorial Hospital among the nation's best in two specialty areas and high-performing recognition in 13 procedures.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cold case murder victim in Sarasota identified after 16 years
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2023
Cold case murder victim in Sarasota identified after 16 years

The investigation into the 2007 death of Jeana Lynn Burrus has been reopened after advanced DNA testing made a positive ID. She was never reported missing by her husband.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 3, 2023
Motorcyclist, 76, injured in two-vehicle crash on SR 70 in Bradenton

A 91-year-old Bradenton man turned his car into the path of a motorcyclist while making a U-turn.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County names a new acting administrator
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 3, 2023
Manatee County names a new acting administrator

Longtime Manatee County employee Charles Bishop takes over the role after the resignation of Lee Washington.

  • East County
  • News
A condominium in VUE Sarasota Bay tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $2.25 million. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,810 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,129,600 in 2017.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 3, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 17-21 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in Vue Sarasota Bay tops the week's sales at $2.25 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Rick Walker swims the 100 breaststroke at the 2022 USMS Summer Nationals 2022. Walker is the head coach of the Sarasota Sharks Masters.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 3, 2023
US Masters Swimming Nationals come to Sarasota

For local swimmers, the event is a celebration of the sport and what it allows them to feel.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Michelle Posey speaks in opposition to the budget.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 3, 2023
Sarasota Schools budget revises language on social-emotional learning

The tentative budget’s language was revised, with Superintendent Terry Connor and board attorney Patrick Duggan stating that the new language reflects the budget’s compliance with state law.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The orange block is the current parking lot for the Sarasota County government center and is the only portion of the site owned by Benderson Development that is within the neighborhood.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • August 3, 2023
Laurel Park calls Benderson plans for county building an 'incursion'

More than 100 residents voiced concern over Benderson Development’s land reclassification request for a corner of Laurel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County seeks input on comprehensive development plan
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 3, 2023
Manatee County seeks input on comprehensive development plan

Residents can provide feedback at various community workshops.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant has been honored for its wine program by Wine Spectator magazine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2023
Sarasota's Sage Restaurant honored by Wine Spectator magazine

The restaurant won the 2023 Award of Excellence for its wine selection and service.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Former Sarasota High quarterback Alexander Diaz will play for Booker High in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 2, 2023
Sarasota football players find new homes for their talents

A breakdown of the notable football players who changed high schools for the 2023 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
John Skeen, once a World War II U.S. Army infantry soldier, visits with Anne Lancelle, an Honorary Consul representing France, during a veterans meeting July 27 at Bob Evans restaurant in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 2, 2023
Painful but historic memories recounted by WWII infantry soldier

At 104, former infantry soldier John Skeen of Bradenton says our nation can't forget those who fought in World War II.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
While in Colorado for the NPL Finals, the Lakewood Ranch Chargers U16 boys team went on hikes near Red Rocks.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 2, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Chargers U16 boys reach national playoffs

The team traveled to Denver for the NPL Finals, held July 6-12, where it finished 1-1-1.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 2, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Ahmad Hunter

The Booker High rising senior running back ran for more than 1,200 yards as a junior.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Trump II? Think about it
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 2, 2023
Trump II? Think about it

Humpty Dumpty would be better than what we have. But for all of the diehard Trump supporters, here’s a thought: What makes you think a Trump II will be any different and better for the U.S. than Trump I?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jake Parsons, 26, said he'll spend up to three hours playing pickleball with friends if he has the time, and tries to play three to four times a week.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 2, 2023
Manatee is the 14th healthiest county in Florida

The Manatee HealthCare Alliance, along with agencies all over the country, conduct health assessments every few years that inform the Community Health Improvement Plan.

  • East County
  • News
This County Club East home at 16116 Kendleshire Terrace sold for $2.3 million. It has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,182 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 2, 2023
Manatee County home sales increase as prices drop

Single-family home prices decreased by 4.5% to $525,000, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

  • East County
  • News
Manatee Technical College career counselors Nancy Beltran, Cecilia Navarrete, Rafaela Carrillo Casique and Gwen Smith-Warzyk and case manager Linda Silva can't wait for the adult education building to be constructed.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 2, 2023
MTC plans main campus expansion

Designs are being finalized for a building to house adult education programs on Manatee Technical College's Bradenton campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Jan and Tim Solmon sail onwards.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 2, 2023
Key Sailing wants to change the world one voyage at a time

The Sarasota sailing charter supports local charities while its owners offer a message of hope.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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