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Your Observer

Grant's Gardens has a two-bay garage at 525 Gulf Bay Road, and is proposing to build an office building on the lot across the street at 524 Gulf Bay Road.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 23, 2026
Landscaping company seeks expansion in Longboat Key

An office building proposed on Gulf Bay Road came before the Planning and Zoning Board for review Tuesday, prompting pushback from a neighbor and former employee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 23, 2026
New town clerk hired for Longboat Key

Outgoing Town Clerk Trish Shinkle will retire on June 19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Oceane Visa, who says she has waited years to walk across the stage for graduation, is congratulated by Head of School Debra Otey.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 22, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy graduates showed up for the moments that matter most

Seventy-nine graduates from the Out-of-Door Academy walked the stage at Grace Community Church to receive their diplomas May 22.

  • East County
  • Schools
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

The Pirates, who won district and regional titles this season, dropped a 2-1 decision to Niceville.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Bruce Stamm says residents in District 1 are being denied due process because of a lack of representation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 22, 2026
Felts' Manatee County Commission seat remains empty

The district has lacked representation since Commissioner Carol Ann Felts died in February.

  • East County
  • News
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year

Noah Moise was recognized for his work as safety patrol captain, believed to be the first student in the district to receive the honor.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Riders set out on the ride.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short

Sarasota Housing Authority is pledged $3 million from the county to close a funding gap for McCown Towers. Another $8 million from the city still requires a commission vote.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zach Zeller co-owns three restaurants in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 22, 2026
A high-flying spirit has led Lakewood Rancher to adventure, in business and life

Lakewood Ranch restaurant owner Zach Zeller, be it on the ground or in the sky, emphasizes hard work — and helping others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
A visitor points in wonder inside Mote SEA’s expansive habitat, where sharks, rays and reef life glide through a luminous underwater world.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 22, 2026
Summer's hot. Here's a list of activities that don't require SPF.

Lakewood Ranch and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to step inside, cool down and make the most of the season.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home’s exterior is a carefully balanced geometric composition.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 22, 2026
The Florida lifestyle is glorified in a lavish new home in Waterside

A showstopping model home in Waterside marks a milestone: Modern has arrived at The Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Michael Saunders & Company
  • May 21, 2026
For Sale: 10921 Bluestem Circle, Lakewood Ranch

Set against peaceful lake and preserve views, the home creates a tranquil backdrop with no shortage of outdoor living space to enjoy it all.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Nevriye Yesil, the founder of the Lakewood Ranch Happiness Circle, is glad to share her wisdom with friends and strangers alike, including Lisa Lieberman-Wang.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
Happiness Circle helps find light at the end of the tunnel

The newly formed club is led by Nevriye Yesil, who has a Master's degree in happiness studies. It is meant to help members embrace what life has to offer every day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Molly Reichenbach, Caio Menegardo and Brian Scanlon cheer for their classmates as they receive their diplomas from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy May 20.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
First class of seniors ready to soar from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy

In the inaugural commencement ceremony, 66 seniors from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy walk the stage at The Ora in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2026
Sarasota gunfire remains under investigation

Police looking into a Wednesday shooting into an unoccupied vehicle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sheila B. Barach
    In Memoriam |
  • May 21, 2026
Sheila B. Barach

Sheila B. Barach, of Longboat Key, Florida, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 93. Sheila

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The 7-Eleven planned for 44th Avenue West and White Eagle Boulevard will look similar to the 7-Eleven on University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
7-Eleven planned for Lakewood Ranch fuels outrage

A gas station and convenience store on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard is anticipated to be under construction before the year's end.

  • East County
  • News
A new fire pit area awaits campers, along with the playground that was moved from Camp Flying Eagle, where camps used to be held.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
Dream Oaks Camp opens near Rye Preserve just in time for summer

Manatee County gave the Foundation for Dreams a 10-year lease for $10, but the campus needed an overhaul.

  • East County
  • News
Elizabeth Arnold is transitioning from citizen activist to commissioner candidate. She's running for the District 1 seat.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 21, 2026
Parrish resident steps up to protect rural Manatee County in District 1 race

As a citizen, Elizabeth Arnold fought beside the late commissioner Carol Ann Felts. Now, she's stepping into the race to fill her vacant commission seat.

  • East County
  • News
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

With a time frame for completion in 2029, planning has begun for Phase 3 projects to expand boater access, build a parking deck and convert acres of asphalt into green space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A floating day dock has been built along the refurbished south seawall in the 10th Street boat basin as part of The Bay park Phase 2.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
No fees for day docks at The Bay park

Use of federal funds to build day docks at The Bay means the city cannot charge boaters, but a time limit remains in effect.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new Kompose Hotel at SRQ Airport will be built behind this Hampton Inn along University Parkway.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 21, 2026
New hotel will complete three-facility campus at SRQ airport

The Sarasota Planning Board has approved a new Kompose Hotel to bring the total number of rooms on SRQ airport property to 300.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A black skimmer incubates its eggs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2026
Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

Averaging around 1,100 adults as of May 15, the colony is nesting on a spot along North Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Zoë Buller began pole vaulting as a sixth grader. One year later, she's a regional and district champion, ultimately placing eighth at the FHSAA Class 1A track and field state championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 21, 2026
These Longboat Key family members have spring in their step

ODA pole vaulter Zoe Buller looks to follow in the footsteps of her parents, who were accomplished track and field athletes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Dustin Dahlquist, the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of Rangeland High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High principal named Rangeland High's first leader

Dustin Dahlquist, who is the current principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, will be the founding principal of the newest high school under construction.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Sarasota County side of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in 2027 or 2028, Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman said.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Longboat repaving projects planned

Side roads will get fresh asphalt over the next few months, and Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in the coming years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Take a long look at contributions
  • By Letter to the editor
  • May 20, 2026
Take a long look at contributions

East County Observer Editor writes fiction

  • East County
  • Opinion
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michelson Fleurant places a rose on a plaque at the Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service May 14 in Bradenton.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 20, 2026
Law enforcement officers' calling demands our attention

The Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service is a reminder that men and women place their lives at risk for our safety.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'

Four-hundred and twenty graduates receive diplomas and now will chase their dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This truck was driven by 67-year-old Edward O'Neil when he was arrested on charges of attempting to lure two minor girls into the vehicle.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2026
Sarasota man charged with luring minor girls

Police say Edward O'Neil, 67, attempted multiple times to lure a 12- and 13-year-old into his truck.

  • Sarasota
  • News
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote

Sarasota leaders agree to pay 2% commission on school tax while legal action plays out between school district and tax collector.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail

The city of Sarasota has entered into a local agency program agreement with FDOT to repave 1.24 miles of U.S. 41 north of Myrtle Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

Florence & the Spice Boys Chef Collin Blakeman explains why Middle Eastern cuisine is the spice of life.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
5
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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