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Your Observer

Senior forward David Young (33) dribbles up the court with two defenders on him during a Jan. 9 game between Sarasota and Riverview. The Sailors have leaned on Young, among others, with Johnny Lackaff unavailable.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 14, 2026
Life without Lackaff: Sarasota boys basketball digs deep in star's absence

The Sailors' leading scorer has been sidelined, forcing the defending state semifinalists to adapt quickly.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club members Mike Mulwani and Greg Pogue lost their first scrimmage 11 to nothing in 2023, but that didn't stop them from pursuing the sport to better their skills.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 14, 2026
At 2,300 members, Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club continues to grow

The club, which provides opportunities for novice to advanced players, was founded by Bob Haskin in 2018 with 40 members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tal Siddique is this year's chair of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 14, 2026
Manatee County explores idea of adopting a charter

New Commission Chair Tal Siddique says a charter can give residents more control of their county.

  • East County
  • News
Hotel, credit card holder fall victim to illicit fraud
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2026
Hotel, credit card holder fall victim to illicit fraud

A stolen credit card used to rent two hotel rooms for illicit — likely prostitution — activity runs up a $1,500 unpaid tab. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Kelly Shrout, one of the main coordinators of the Friendship Garden at Longboat Island Chapel, takes a look at one of the butterfly plants in the garden. Volunteers recently helped spruce up the community garden that holds the memories of many residents who have contributed to rebuilding since hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 14, 2026
New year brings renewal to Friendship Garden

The overseer of the community garden at Longboat Island Chapel shared her pride in seeing it flourish post hurricane with residents' support.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jordan Guerrero, a 29-year-old former MiLB pitcher, is the new ODA baseball coach. He takes over for Mike Matthews, who served as coach in 2021-25 and guided the Thunder to the 2021 FHSAA Class 2A state title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 14, 2026
Former minor league player will lead The Out-of-Door Academy baseball program

Jordan Guerrero, a right-handed pitcher in the San Diego Padres' organization, brings a "contagious" energy to the Thunder.

  • East County
  • Sports
All appears back to normal in some areas of St. Armands Circle, such as the sidewalk and landscaping aside Columbia Restaurant. Many storefronts, however, remain vacant 15 months after Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 14, 2026
St. Armands resilience allocation brings 'sense of accomplishment'

As planning begins on how to best spend $13.5 million in Resilient SRQ funds, St. Armands Key businesses and residents celebrate a sense of relief from years of flooding events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 355 W. Royal Flamingo Drive was built in 1964 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,273 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 14, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A condominium in Condominium Residences at Longboat Key tops the week's sales at $6.4 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Clayton McCurry is a senior ranger at Duette Preserve.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 14, 2026
Prescribed burns are a hot topic in Manatee County

The county's burn team set fire to 13,950 acres of preserves last year to safeguard residents and wildlife.

  • East County
  • News
Steven Mark plays the drums.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 14, 2026
Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering

The monthly gathering of the Over 50 meetup group, held at Casey Key Resort in Osprey, aimed for a percussion energy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Misdee Miller won the four-in-hand division of the 2025 Combined Driving at TerraNova event but has decided not to defend later this month.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 14, 2026
Top Lakewood Ranch equestrian athlete changes her competition focus

Misdee Wrigley Miller has decided not to defend her "four-in-hand" title at the upcoming Combined Driving at TerraNova event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cyclists utilize the bike lanes on Gulf of Mexico Drive along the newly completed Country Club Shores turn lane project portion of the street. The 0.84-mile segment marks the first example of the town’s Complete Streets vision.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 14, 2026
Longboat Key approves short list of transportation projects

Two roundabouts, Complete Streets vision (under a new name) and expanded multiuse path are priorities for the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioner George Kruse says adopting a county charter is worth exploring. "Anything we can do to have a say, is a good thing," he says.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 14, 2026
Charter for Manatee County is an interesting prospect

In wake of a $40 million veterans project, residents might want more impact on major financial decisions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport served more than 4.5 million passengers in 2025.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 13, 2026
Sarasota airport smashes passenger count record at 4.5 million

More than twice as many fly through SRQ than in 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David and Ruth Beliles were married on Valentine's Day in February 1953.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 13, 2026
Observer Media Group chairman dies at 95

David Beliles lived a life of grit and guts, and grace and generosity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A group of 13 veterans and volunteers met at Ken Thompson Park on City Island where they embarked on kayaks for a guided tour of Sarasota Bay led by Wayne Douchkoff of Wayne Adventures and sponsored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 13, 2026
Veterans enjoy peace of Sarasota Bay through guided kayak outing

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program-funded tour was led by Wayne Douchkoff and included a guided meditation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Carter Evans has hit his stride as a scorer for Riverview boys basketball with three games of 26-plus points in his last four, as of Jan. 12.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 13, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Carter Evans

The junior forward has exploded offensively as of late for Riverview boys basketball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Third graders Silas Swor and Misha Reus perform in "Button Up Your Overcoat," celebrating the 1930s.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 13, 2026
Student performances span the decades as Southside Elementary celebrates 100 years

The school has made an impact during its time, including advocating to make the orange the official state fruit.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota's Alyssa Freniere, Beate “Mama G” Goldstein and Blair Sellers are the people behind the new Mama G's location at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 13, 2026
New German bakery, coffeehouse rises at University Town Center

Mama G's opened its doors of a new Sarasota-Bradenton location on Dec. 15 under the leadership of two 26-year-old managing partners.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ryan Neuzil started all 17 games at center for the Atlanta Falcons this season. The 2016 Braden River High graduate was ranked No. 7 out of 40 graded centers by Pro Football Focus.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 13, 2026
Ryan Neuzil's success is a case study in hard work

The Atlanta Falcons center and Braden River High graduate earned the right to be a full-time NFL starter — and proved he belongs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Seaward Development is seeking a parallel facade administrative adjustment for its frontage along South Palm Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 13, 2026
Mira Mar project moves forward with partial sign-off

The project to rehab the Mira Mar building augmented by two residential towers has received partial sign-off from the city of Sarasota, but some adjustment requests remain.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Local author Lydia Zorzi Scotti recently published her first children's book, "Sir Knight and His Boy," held up by local artist Medge Jaspan at the book's local December launch.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 13, 2026
Grandson's paper knight inspires local author's first children's book

The adventures of Sir Knight take him to the beaches of Lido Key and beyond in this heart-warming tale of love and acceptance.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Man finds neighbor in home after hardware store run
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 13, 2026
Man finds neighbor in home after hardware store run

A trespassing neighbor and a woman being illuminated without her permisson. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Heidi Scott, Bob Simons and Laura Cole make up the panel Jan. 9 during a launch party for the new book, "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land."
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 13, 2026
Lakewood Ranch hosts a launch party for book on local history

Ghostwriter Heidi Scott said readers can turn to any page in "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land" and find a golden nugget about Lakewood Ranch history.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rotary Club of Longboat Key President Terri Driver presents awards to members Ellen Greenberger, Carol Erker and Belinda Bauer for not only contributing their hours, but also offering financial support to the Rotary's mission over the years. Driver presented the awards at their Jan. 6 meeting, which featured guest speaker Charlie Mopps from Public Works.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 13, 2026
Public Works looks to past and future of storm management

Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps appeared as the Rotary Club's latest guest speaker, giving insights into how the department operates.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This River Club South home at 7003 River Club Blvd. sold for $1,345,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,421 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 13, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 in Lakewood Ranch

A Reserve at Harbour Walk home on Regatta Way topped the week’s sales at $3 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The town of Longboat Key will soon mail out envelopes with a QR code and unique access code to fill out an online survey to guide the town’s priorities.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 12, 2026
Town surveys will hit mailboxes soon

The town of Longboat Key is surveying residents and business owners on a variety of topics to guide the town's priorities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mike Newhams began teaching science at the Out-of-Door Academy in 1997 and was known for helping anyone and everyone with anything they might need. This included staying extra hours to provide academic support and attending clubs and events.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Beloved Out-of-Door Academy teacher dies

Mike Newhams, who began teaching at ODA in 1997, died due to complications from his cancer treatments.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tara Maffei, executive director of Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee, accepts a check from Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding as part of the funds raised through last year's pancake breakfast.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 12, 2026
Pancake proceeds generate $4K for Family Promise

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key presented the second of two checks to Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee at a Jan. 8 meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Danielle Dube of Lakewood Ranch girls basketball, as of Jan. 5, stood less than 50 points away from 1,000 in her high school career.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 12, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Danielle Dube

Lakewood Ranch's junior guard/forward has been one of the state's most prolific scorers this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
St. Petersburg's Bob Boguslaw has been in the music business for 50 years with 22 of them being an active member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He said muscle memory comes into play and it brings back an array of memories.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to host 2026 debut concert

The concert will feature pianist Bob Boguslaw, who spent 22 years in the United States Marine Band.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bandleader and clarinetist Michael Drapkin said he connected with his fellow band members while performing with The Venice Symphony. The Yiddish Cowboys performed on Jan. 11 at The Education Center.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 12, 2026
Yiddish Cowboys kick off Sunday Performing Arts lineup

The quartet of classically trained musicians delighted audience members with favorite tunes from childhood at The Education Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The mobile Sarasota Learning Center can be deployed anywhere in the city, and can even be used as emergency shelter if needed.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 12, 2026
Police department debuts mobile Sarasota Learning Center

Sarasota Police Department's new tech-rich trailer will be deployed by the Community Relations Division to take technology to many who don't have access.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crooked River Ranch sits along the Manatee River and is the first property that was recommended by ELMAC and also purchased by the county.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2026
Conservation, parks referendum could return to Manatee County ballot in 2026

Nationwide nonprofit Trust for Public Lands is exploring the county's financial options to make additional land purchases.

  • East County
  • News
Missing Longboat Key teen found safe, police say
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 11, 2026
Missing Longboat Key teen found safe, police say

Anyone with information on the 14-year-old girl is asked to call the town's police.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mark Garland, Theresa Andrews, Ann Palmer and Denise Costa prepare for the race.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 11, 2026
Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive

Held in honor of the late Riverview High senior, the 13th annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Run/Walk helps provide scholarships to Riverview seniors who are soccer players, JROTC Cadets and track athletes.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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