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Your Observer

Through increased training and a cohesive effort between all departments, Town Manager Howard Tipton hopes to push the town toward the Florida Governor Governor's Sterling Award.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 10, 2023
Longboat seeks institutional Sterling Award through exemplary service

Town Manager Howard Tipton hopes to begin a long process of institutional excellence and cross sectional training, with the goal of the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The dam holds back water at the Lake Manatee Reservoir. Algae blooms are causing customers of Manatee County Utilities to experience a musty odor and taste in their water.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2023
Algae blooms cause musty taste, smell for some Manatee County Utilities customers

Manatee County is treating the water with powdered-activated carbon to reduce the change in taste and smell.

  • East County
  • News
The Braden River Soccer Club's 2008 Boys Premier Team will play in the ECNL Regional League Finals in Norco, California.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 10, 2023
Braden River Soccer Club heads to California tournament

The Rage will play in the Elite Club National League's Regional League Finals on July 14-17.

  • East County
  • Sports
Woman arrested for unlicensed medical practice
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2023
Woman arrested for unlicensed medical practice

Sarasota County deputies charged Jaqlyn Michelle Tinaro of Virtue of Health on Clark Road with four felony counts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 10, 2023
Van Wezel's future use study group to be selected July 17

The seven-member Purple Ribbon Committee will have two years to study reuse of the iconic performing arts hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Boy Scouts from Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, along with Manatee County staff, unveil the bat house they helped build and install at G.T. Bray Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 10, 2023
Bats on schedule to become a tourist attraction in Manatee County

The bat houses at the University of Florida inspired Manatee County to follow suit at G.T. Bray Park.

  • East County
  • News
Grace Barger, 7-year-old Allison Silveira, and Shannon Carrasco get their groove on.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 8, 2023
Fun in the Sun Back to School Bash merges health and fun

The event brought together community partners for a morning that included free school supplies, music and dancing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greyhawk Landing's Jake Zeitler watches his 7-year-old Calum Zeitler try to get a bag into the hole while playing cornhole. When Calum Zeitler does, he throws his hands up and yells in celebration.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 8, 2023
Heat doesn't keep people away from Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Stifling heat doesn't stop huge crowd from enjoying the monthly concert and block party series.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East County's Margaux Buchanan is thrilled 4-month-old Safari has spots like her parents. Buchanan hopes to train Safari to become a polo horse.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 8, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club becomes home to leopard Appaloosas

East County's Margaux Buchanan hopes her new foal will follow in her mother's footsteps as a polo horse.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Models show various elevations of The Edge condominium project.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 8, 2023
New downtown condo tower nears approval

The Edge, a 10-story, 27-unit luxury residential project, would be built at the corner of Fruitville Road and Cocoanut Avenue if approved.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2023
County concentrates mosquito treatment on malaria hot spot

North Sarasota areas are the focus on eradication of marsh mosquito population.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new splash pad at Bayfront Park required a complete infrastructure rebuild.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 7, 2023
Bayfront Park pirate-themed playground on pace for fall opening

Work continues on the $3.2 million replacement for the splash pad and play equipment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Erin Duggan is the new president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County effective Sept. 30.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2023
Visit Sarasota County names new CEO

Erin Duggan will take over for retiring president Virginia Haley on Sept. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Silver Buttonwoods are among the tree species available.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 6, 2023
Mature trees available to homeowners through city assistance program

The tree buyer's assistance program helps Sarasota homeowners purchase and plant mature shade trees for as little as $100.

  • Sarasota
  • News
DAR members Shawna Smith, Gina Wilcox, Bonnie Calliotte, Sue Asony, Barbara Wilkes Asony, and Sara De Soto regent Pat Rook.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Daughters of the American Revolution group keeps history present in Sarasota

Community members with ancestral ties to the American Revolution support local causes helping students and veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Residents and visitors of Longboat Harbour enjoy food at their Fourth of July party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 6, 2023
Longboat Harbour hosts Fourth of July party

Residents spent time together on Independence Day over a dinner spread and amazing community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mel Gang, Nancy Chanos, Sandy Endres, June Hessel, Dick Antonello, Sue Antonello, and Debbie Andy enjoying their Fourth of July dinner outside the Seaplace clubhouse.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 6, 2023
Seaplace Condominiums celebrates Fourth of July

The tight-knit community celebrated Independence Day surrounded by longtime friends and loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bobby Bonilla said he received more text and calls on July 1 than he does on his birthday.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2023
Bobby Bonilla talks baseball, his family and his old contract on his 'Day'

The six-time MLB All-Star and Sarasota resident surprised fans at 99 Bottles on July 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 6, 2023
Preliminary Sarasota County budget increases spending by 36%

Personnel requests keep pace with population increase, but the county administrator looks to trim $3.3 million before submitting a recommended budget for fiscal year 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A condominium in The Tower Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $2.9 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,659 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 6, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for June 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Tower Residences tops the week’s sales at $2.9 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Colton Lawson rides his four wheeler on his family's property.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Four-wheeler rider wins championship despite past limb injury

Seven-year-old Colton Lawson never lost the need for speed after losing the lower part of both legs in 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Former Riverview High swimmer and Olympian Emma Weyant will compete in six events at the 2023 Toyota U.S. Open Championships, held Nov. 29-Dec. 2 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2023
Sarasota athletes get national, local results

A group of swimmers competes at nationals, Little League All-Stars shine, and minor leaguers continue their ascent.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Drew Vanden Heuvel.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Drew Vanden Heuvel

The Sarasota High and Sarasota Tsunami swimmer committed to Old Dominion University in May.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Key Garden Club led Longboat Key's 2023 Freedom fest parade as the Grand Marshal.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Freedom Fest kicks off Longboat Key's Fourth of July just right

The Longboat Key Chamber started its Independence Day celebration with a butterfly release, a patriotic dog costume contest and the shortest parade in America.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rotary is still and has been a part of Sybil and Bill Porter's lives for 43 years.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 5, 2023
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch combines good work and friendship

The club currently has 100 members and is looking to expand.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Greenbrook Adventure Park pavilion was destroyed by fire shortly after midnight Wednesday. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 5, 2023
Fire destroys Greenbrook Adventure Park pavilion

State Fire Marshal's office working to determine the cause of the Lakewood Ranch blaze

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of One Park, which is planned to span across Quay Commons on blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 5, 2023
Request to delay Planning Board appointments rejected

City Commission declines delay on naming two new Planning Board members until after One Park matter concludes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hogs wait in the holding pen at Duette Preserve to be transported to Shogun Farms.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 5, 2023
Manatee County tries to curb feral hog population

Through a pilot program, feral hogs are being trapped and turned into artisanal pork products.

  • East County
  • News
Man wants wife in jail so he can get some quiet time
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 5, 2023
Man wants wife in jail so he can get some quiet time

A man recovering from knee surgery asks police to put his wife in jail for a couple days. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
ODA Coach Rob Hollway pats Michael Luedeke on the head. Hollway led the Thunder to a 9-1 record in 2022.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, East County coaches regroup and recover during the summer break

East County high school coaches take different approaches to the offseason months.

  • East County
  • Sports
Goldfarb shares about how her life experiences and her connections help her run the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Susan Goldfarb builds a lifelong learning community on Longboat

The beloved program director of the Education Center shares how her life of curiosity has been filled with a passion for learning.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Located in Bay Isles, 3150 Bayou Sound is a three-bedroom home sold that for $2.1 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 5, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for June 19-23 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bay Isles home on Bayou Sound tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Sheila Loccisano, David Woods, Tom Ward and Scott Diesenburg
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Stay on the court by preventing common pickleball injuries

A local doctor, instructor and recreational player share the best way to avoid injuries while playing pickleball.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A 2024 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer cruises the water at sunrise.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 5, 2023
Boat sales returning to more favorable seas

After experiencing intense demand in the face of a pressured supply chain during the pandemic, boat retailers are seeing a steadier state.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visitors were impressed with the many fireworks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2023
Sarasota community gathers for July 4 fireworks spectacle

Bayfront Park became a prime viewing location for the fireworks in Sarasota Bay on July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nathan Benderson hosts its annual fireworks display the night before the Fourth of July.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2023
Fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park cap another holiday event

Fireworks on the Lake on July 3 once again draws thousands to the park and the surrounding area.

  • East County
  • 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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