• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Geordie Rauch (1980—2026)
    In Memoriam |
  • March 31, 2026
Geordie Rauch

George Washington Rauch IV, known to everyone as Geordie, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida, after suffering a sudden cardiac event. He was 45 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Gabriella Martinez Reyes, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been named president of the Florida Future Business Leaders of America. This makes her the first of Manatee County.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
LRHS junior named president for Florida's Future Business Leaders of America

Gabriella Martinez Reyes will lead 11,000 members of Florida Future Business Leaders of America.

  • East County
  • Schools
Late Commissioner Carol Ann Felts will be honored April 18 at Crane Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 31, 2026
Manatee County names Myakka preserve after late commissioner Carol Felts

The Carol Ann Billberry Felts Preserve at David J. Crane Park Dedication and Public Memorial Service will be held April 18 at Crane Park in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Jacobey Mobley's speed isn't just on the track. He was Booker football's leading rusher in 2025 en route to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacobey Mobley

The senior won two races at the Hurricane Invite for Booker High boys track and field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Coquina Beach parking lot has dozens of free spots for beachgoers. There were plenty of open spaces Monday, March 30 as rain began to fall.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Paid parking considered on Anna Maria Island

Manatee County Board Chair Tal Siddique said the idea is to reduce the tax burden of lot maintenance away from those who don’t utilize the beaches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Indigo's Amber Hanratty, who was in the building industry for 25 years, now has her own business called Dirty Sara-Soda.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 31, 2026
Dirty Sara-Soda hopes to clean up with a new beverage

The "dirty soda" mobile business is owned by Lakewood Ranch's Amber Hanratty, who saw an opening in the market.

  • East County
  • Business
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam (left). Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
SB 538 will improve pay for some coaches but leave many behind

The bill, which has already passed the Florida Legislature, is poised to benefit booster-friendly programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Easter Bunny offers encouragement to the families joining the egg hunt at Longboat Key Club Resort.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 31, 2026
Hop to it this Easter weekend on Longboat Key

From Easter services to egg hunts, check out these Longboat Key events happening next weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique speaks with community group Longboat North at Longboat Island Chapel Thursday, March 19.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 31, 2026
Some north-end community center details emerge, others remain unknown

Manatee County will invest hundreds of thousands, Longboat Island Chapel will provide space, and The Paradise Center will provide programming. Other details are less clear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Country Club Village home at 7028 Portmarnock Place sold for $4.55 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-three-half baths, a pool and 7,072 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 31, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 16-20 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Portmarnock Place tops the week's sales at $4.55 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
  • By Gulf Coast Community Foundation
  • March 30, 2026
Navigating Philanthropy with Clarity & Confidence

You don’t need to be an expert to explore these options; your trusted advisor or Gulf Coast Community Foundation can help guide you through what makes the most sense for your situation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The white shell median on Bay Isles Road near Town Hall will be refreshed in a landscaping project set to wrap up before Independence Day.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 30, 2026
Landscaping work planned on Bay Isles Road

Saltwater tolerant plants will be used on the medians, and the project is expected to wrap up in time for the Fourth of July parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

The Ranch Scramble draws 140 golfers and 40 businesses to Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • March 30, 2026
Burton S. Rosenfield

Burton Sheldon Rosenfield, 94, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away February 16, 2026, Presidents’ Day. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah and his four children.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Jeff Smith, president of the Landings Management Association, and Judi Smith, display two tanks into which they dumped phytoplankton, one with oysters and one without, to show the work the oysters do in keeping the water clean.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 30, 2026
The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Nature Day by the Bay allowed the public to explore the neighborhood's trails, which run through its 78 acres of mangroves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Regime change in Iran is best outcome
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 30, 2026
Regime change in Iran is best outcome

The United States' actions are justified because of the malevolence presence ruling the Islamic country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota's Alderman MURT includes a rest area with a shade shelter, drinking fountain, benches and tables, and a bike repair station as well as landscaping. This view looks east, toward School Avenue.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 30, 2026
City's latest transportation link opens Tuesday

Sarasota's Alderman Multi-Use Recreational Trail connects south of the park from School Avenue to Payne Parkway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Traffic often backs up from the Cortez Bridge intersection onto Longboat Key during peak season.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 30, 2026
Manatee looking for MPO citizens advisory committee members

The Metropolitan Planning Organization develops plans, policies and priorities that guide transportation decision making.

  • East County
  • News
Mickey Cohen is the leading scorer for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse this season. He surpassed 100 career goals as a junior in 2025.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 30, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Mickey Cohen

The senior has been on a scoring tear for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse.

  • East County
  • Sports
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 30, 2026
City works to add parcel to workforce housing project

At its April 6 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission will be asked for input on a staff proposal to purchase a third parcel on First Street for a city-led workforce housing project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, speaks with Indigo’s Suzanne Henke following the Envision Manatee presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library March 28.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 30, 2026
Workshops seek feedback on Manatee County's comprehensive plan updates

Engineering firm Kimley-Horn has been working on the comprehensive plan update for three years.

  • East County
  • News
  • By One Park Sarasota
  • March 30, 2026
A New Standard of Wellness Living Arrives in Downtown Sarasota

As the definition of luxury continues to evolve, so too does the expectation of how we live each day. Today’s most sought-after residences are no longer defined solely by finishes or location, but by how thoughtfully they support overall well-being.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Kellen Dorsch and his wife Alanna Giuliani sit with Velly.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 29, 2026
6th annual Get Your Mutt Movin' helps get support moving for rescue animals

The annual event, a fundraiser for Satchel's Last Resort, raised about $45,000, according to the rescue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pam Yulke, modeling an outfit by J. McLaughlin at the "Lights, Camera, Legacy" fashion show, is a past president and has been in the University Park Women's Club for 23 years.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 29, 2026
A fashionable event for the University Park Women's Club

Held at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch, the fashion show celebrated 25 years of the club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Longboat Pass drawbridge opens anywhere from 100 to 300 times per month, according to an FDOT engineering study.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 29, 2026
Town reiterates stance against fixed-span bridge

About two years after Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier sent a letter to FDOT advocating against a fixed-span bridge, newly picked Mayor Debra Williams has done the same.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Roland Nyarfadi, 7, finds an egg.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 28, 2026
Kids make a splash for Easter egg hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

The Aqua Egg Hunt provided a refreshing twist on a typical Easter egg hunt.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch sisters Jade Lowrey, 5, and Hazel Lowrey, 3, had fun collecting eggs and getting their faces painted at Eggstravaganza.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 28, 2026
It's no yoke! 600 children scoop 10,000 eggs at Eggstravaganza

The annual event is hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and sponsored by Grace Community Church in Waterside.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sue Wertman and Ann Quackenbush join their sister-in-law, Molly Quackenbush, in enjoying a pancake breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. Chris Sachs and fellow Kiwanians volunteers to raise support for Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 28, 2026
Kiwanians support Family Promise chapter at pancake breakfast

Volunteers with the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key helped raise funds to support local families facing homelessness.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tennis pros Robert Jendelund and Tomasz Borucki face off in a doubles match against Jhonathan Gonzalez and David Pfister at the Longboat Key Tennis Center's end-of-season party March 25.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 28, 2026
Tennis pros face off at end-of-season bash

Tennis Center players closed out their season with their annual friendly tennis match with the pros and fond farewells.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Steven Ball in front of the organ at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, where he directs organ and choral music for the parish’s principal services.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • March 28, 2026
St. Boniface's new leader starts on a high note

Organist and educator Steven Ball takes the helm of one of Southwest Florida’s most respected church music programs.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Together, John and Shannon Barton make the "Roaring '20s" at the Great Gatsby-themed annual dinner for members of the Friars Club. Attendees shared their favorite memories from the season and gave out awards at the March 24 celebration at the Harbourside Ballroom.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 27, 2026
Friars golfers throw back to Roaring '20s

The annual dinner recognized longtime members of the golfer social group.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 27, 2026
Second suspect charged in 2024 Sarasota homicide

21-year-old woman was notified of new charges while serving an unrelated prison sentence.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 27, 2026
Longboat families connect with first responders

Visitors of all ages got the chance to check out new first responder equipment and the big rigs at the Station 92 open house.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Umbrella House was built in 1953.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 27, 2026
An architectural landmark receives recognition

The World Monuments Fund honored Anne and Bob Essner with its inaugural Stewardship Award for Modernist Homes, recognizing a restoration that helped preserve a Sarasota icon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tenants at the Stickney Point property range from a wealth planning firm to a boat club.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Mark Gordon
  • March 27, 2026
The details behind Sarasota County's Stickney Point land deal

Sarasota County leaders, looking to add park space and water access for residents, have zeroed in on a site just off Siesta Key. The $21 million project, to some, is a gem-like opportunity. For others, it's ripe with questions.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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

Sponsored Content
1
  • April 2, 2026
Images of Dance
2
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
Sponsored Content
3
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton
Sponsored Content
4
  • April 2, 2026
P7 - Foundations of Royalty
5
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

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 © 2026 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