• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner says singing is an uplifting experience for those of any age.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 19, 2023
Magic of Manatee singing group names new director

Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner will head the Sweet Adeline's group.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Kendall and Lynn Smith sold their home at 618 Owl Way to Robert Caine, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.88 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 19, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 3-7 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Owl Way tops the week's sales at $1.88 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Colton Gordon had Tommy John surgery in 2021, two months before he was drafted by the Houston Astros.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 19, 2023
Former Lakewood Ranch baseball pitcher a star in Houston Astros' system

Colton Gordon is the Astros' No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 1 pitching prospect, according to MLB.com.

  • East County
  • Sports
Woman finds her bag on a porch and then is paid $40 to leave
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 19, 2023
Woman finds her bag on a porch and then is paid $40 to leave

An evicted noisy short-term roommate kept calling police for help while an officer was on the scene. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Nate Kettler shares the mission of Save Our Seabirds.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 19, 2023
Save Our Seabirds rescuers wrangle ducklings, promote volunteering

New Outreach and Volunteer Manager Sarah Rubin has recruited an influx of volunteers who are passionate about the nonprofit's mission.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Soleta's Charles Duff and World Golf Hall of Fame player Nick Price talk about the design of the course at the site in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 19, 2023
Plans emerge for luxury golf community in Myakka City

After the Manatee County Commission's approval in June, builders plan to begin work on a Nick Price-designed course this fall.

  • East County
  • News
The potential Longboat Key Community Center would be located in Whitney Plaza's largest building, at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 19, 2023
Manatee County explores transforming commercial space in Whitney Plaza

Manatee County may soon enter a lease to create a community center in Longboat Key, a project that has been in talks for years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Bradenton Beach sewer line project is set to be completed late 2024.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 19, 2023
Bradenton Beach Sewer project continues through July

The latest project update says some traffic disruption may occur along Gulf Drive South.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Joe Ziegler.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 19, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Joe Ziegler

The Sarasota High running back is a big piece of the team's 2023 puzzle.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota County Mosquito Management patrols the entire county with a full-time crew of 20 and 11 more seasonal workers, treating for larvae and adult populations.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 19, 2023
No malaria on Longboat, but residents should take precautions

Residents should still try to stay safe from mosquitoes, said Town Manager Howard Tipton.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home at 8269 Grande Shores Drive for $1.5 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,718 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 18, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for July 3-7 in Lakewood Ranch

A Pomelo Park home on 65th Avenue East tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The new Gulf Island Ferry System utilizes two catamarans, providing residents with a new way to travel between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 18, 2023
Gulf Islands water ferries arrive, service expected in late summer

Coast Guard trial will help finalize ports and run times, with potential to expand port locations in the future.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hurricane Ian made landfall Sept. 28, 2022.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 18, 2023
Town officials: Prepping for peak hurricane season should be underway

Longboat Key officials and workers share insights into how to prepare for the 2023 hurricane season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cleeland Browns center Austein Reiter, a Lakewood Ranch High alumnus, is in town for offseason workouts.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 18, 2023
A look at the 5 East County high graduates who reached the NFL

The Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High alums have had varying levels of success in pro football.

  • East County
  • Sports
London's Jadie Metcalf grew up at Jiggs Landing on the Manatee River. He says his trip to Jiggs Landing the second week of July will probably be the last of his life.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 18, 2023
One final trip to Jiggs Landing in Manatee County

The 88-year-old nephew of founder Al "Jiggs" Metcalf visits the Braden River fishing camp one last time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 18, 2023
SPD investigates auto burglaries in north Sarasota

Police suspect a single group of people is responsible for targeting Kia vehicles. One victim was assaulted.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Police dispatched to investigate late-night repairs
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 18, 2023
Longboat Key Police dispatched to investigate late-night repairs

A resident called police to warn of hammers and loud power tools being used in the middle of the night. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Chief Medical Officer Jennifer Bocker, Skipper and Chief Operations Officer Kelly Malloy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2023
Guide dog-in-training brings joy to Sarasota Doctors Hospital

Skipper, a black Labrador retriever from Southeastern Guide Dogs, is being raised by the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Jennifer Bocker and Chief Operations Officer Kelly Malloy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gwyn Ingham, the owner of For the Love of Reading, uses Orton-Gillingham methods during her private reading instruction with Scarlett Samson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2023
Lakewood Ranch educator tries to make reading fun through new business

Summerfield's Gwyn Ingham uses her passion for reading and books to start For the Love of Reading.

  • East County
  • Business
Michele De Luce and Leighton Allenby made a beach mural on Bay Isles Beach expressing their love for Longboat Key.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 18, 2023
Love for Longboat inspires beach mural adored by tourists, residents

New residents Leighton Allenby and Michele De Luce created beach art out of more than 500 pounds of seashells.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The newly established, voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County focuses on boat strike hotspots and extends to 1.5 miles offshore.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 17, 2023
Sea turtle protection initiative asks boaters to be vigilant, slow down

The new Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County was designed to reduce the number of boats striking and injuring turtles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Men's Open division team in the July Independence Volleyball Tournament on Lido Key Beach.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 17, 2023
Lido Key hosts pro beach volleyball players from around the state

The July Independence Tournament was held July 15-17 on Lido Key Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Superintendent Terrence Connor talks with Administrator Roy Sprinkle and Communications and Community Relations Director Craig Maniglia.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 17, 2023
Terrence Connor sworn in as superintendent of Sarasota County Schools

Following his selection on June 14, Connor officially took over as superintendent.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Jan Ricard, a volunteer at Woodland Community Church's food bank, goes through fruits as they prepare for food distribution.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 17, 2023
East Manatee food pantries see consistent, growing demand

A Woodland Community Church food bank representative says that more grandparents raising children have been relying on the donations.

  • East County
  • News
Nancy Schneider, the publicity chair for Gardeners Out East, meets former HGTV host John Gidding in person. Schneider used to watch Gidding on Curb Appeal for the show's dramatic before and afters.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2023
Former HGTV star John Gidding offers gardening advice in Lakewood Ranch

About 125 people showed up to meet the former host of "Curb Appeal" at the Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Bradentucky Bombers play Saturday nights at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 17, 2023
Lakewood Ranch resident transforms into a roller derby robot

Bradentucky Bomber Jane Martin says she and her teammates try not to show the pain of the sport, like a robot.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dan Sidler is the Greater Sarasota Chamber’s vice president of CareerEdge and economic development.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2023
CareerEdge receives $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The workforce development program, led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will use the funds to support workforce development initiatives.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jackie Tamminga listens to tips before her first lesson from Ashlie Osburg at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 16, 2023
New Sirius Day Spa director saddles up for polo lesson

A lesson at the Sarasota Polo Club welcomes Jackie Tamminga to the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Representatives from PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and Building Homes for Heroes welcomes the Gaytan family to their new home in Sapphire Point of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 16, 2023
Army veteran is welcomed to new home in Lakewood Ranch

Veteran Lucio Gaytan and his family are ready to move into their new home provided by Pulte, Building Homes for Heroes, and SMR.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Sessions, left, and Anand Pallegar have been elected chair and vice chair of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2023
Gulf Coast Community Foundation elects leaders for 2024

The GCCF board named David Sessions chair and Anand Pallegar vice chair along with three new board members.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lisa Pring, the president of the Braden Woods Homeowners Association, Phases 1-4, thanks Elise Evans for bringing photographs that show there was no sign posted at the site for a proposed residential development on Linger Lodge Road.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 15, 2023
Two more development projects recommended for East County

Residents voiced objections to proposed townhomes on Linger Lodge Road and an expansion to the Hillwood community along Waterline Road.

  • East County
  • News
1800 Residences will be built at the convergence of North Tamiami Trail, 18th Street and Panama Drive.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 15, 2023
Neighbors erupt as Tamiami apartment project is approved

The Sarasota Planning Board approved apartments in the North Trail Overlay District, which prompted an unruly response from some Central Cocoanut residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Garden Club presented grants to different local nonprofits at their annual meeting.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 14, 2023
Longboat Key Garden Club awards $60,000 in grants, scholarships

The annual meeting hosted all scholarship and grant recipients to celebrate the impact they have on the Longboat Key community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A trackhoe, piloted by Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie, takes the first chunks out of the old Bath & Racquet Club.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 14, 2023
Ground finally broken for Bath & Racquet redevelopment

The nearly six-year odyssey to redevelop the iconic tennis club is underway with a two- to three-year timeline for completion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 14, 2023
Bradenton teen dies in Fort Hamer Road crash

The car's passenger couldn't get out of car that was driven into the Manatee River early Friday morning.

  • East County
  • News
A Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation assessor inspects a Sarasota Police Department K-9 unit.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 14, 2023
SPD earns reaccreditation from law enforcement assessors

Accreditation from Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and Florida Police Accreditation Coalition is valid for three years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 »
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

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

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 © 2025 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