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Your Observer

Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC

The event, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, brought together 60 vendors revolving around health and wellness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tropic Ocean Airways have 14 aircraft in their fleet, mostly made up of Cessna Grand Caravans with pontoons affixed for water landings.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 9, 2026
St. Regis partners with private airline for seaplane drop-offs in Sarasota Bay

Guests willing to pay for the experience will travel by air, then sea and then land to arrive at their St. Regis reservation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Urban Meyer takes in the Cardinal Mooney High/Booker High preseason football game in 2024.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 9, 2026
Urban Meyer named to New College trustee board

The national championship-winning football coach was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis alongside two reappointed board members.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Pura Vida Miami is at 4994 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • January 9, 2026
Healthy restaurant opens second Sarasota location

Pura Vida Miami recently opened a restaurant in The Landings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Manatee County commissioners from left to right are Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann. Siddique, Felts and McCann were newly elected in 2024. Kruse was re-elected.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 8, 2026
'Lectern guy' files to run for Manatee County Commission

Parrish's Adam Johnson sued six of seven commissioners in 2025, alleging corruption, and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot in the Capitol Building.

  • East County
  • News
Cynthia Jordan poses by the "No. 1 Beach in the USA" sign.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Parrish resident writes musical about a spiritual awakening on Siesta Key

Inspired by the beauty of Siesta Key, musician Cynthia Jordan has penned a musical set on the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A rendering of a proposed condo building at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and Osprey Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
More new condos on tap for Ringling Boulevard

City reviewers consider a planned 50-unit residential building as redevelopment continues to march eastward from the downtown core.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eva Lopes operates around the 3-point line during the Florida Suncoast League championship on Dec. 18 at the Sarasota Baptist Church gym. She powered Sarasota Suncoast Academy past Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences with a game-high 21 points.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 8, 2026
Sarasota Suncoast Academy guard completes one-of-a-kind legacy

Eighth grader Eva Lopes wrapped her middle school career as the Bulls' all-time leading scorer in basketball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Redevelopment of The Bay park will reach a critical juncture for Founding CEO AG Lafley in 2026.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 8, 2026
Will 2026 be another year of 'mights' in Sarasota?

From a new Sarasota city manager (maybe) to an implementation agreement for a new performing arts center (also maybe), 2026 promises to be an eventful year in Sarasota. Maybe.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 8, 2026
Student safety, mold issues loom for new Manatee schools superintendent

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities for 2026.

  • East County
  • Schools
Angese Rudzite Kirillova works on "Playground" during the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Mark your calendars for these Sarasota events in 2026

Whether you love collecting stamps or petting reptiles, there's something for just about everyone in Sarasota's event offerings in this coming year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The property at 2513 Bayshore Road in Nokomis sold for $5.5 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 8, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 15-19 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A two-property sale in Nokomis tops the week's sales at $5.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
A Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation is under construction at Premier Sports Campus North.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
New county facilities headed for Lakewood Ranch area in 2026

Manatee County has multiple projects slated for Lena Road and Premier Sports Campus North.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 897 beds.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota hospitals gain Forbes' recognition

The magazine's 2026 Top Hospitals list includes four from the Manatee-Sarasota region.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 7, 2026
Big questions for Sarasota sports in 2026

There's plenty of reasons for this area's sports enthusiasts to be intrigued about the year ahead.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
2026 Word: Laissez-faire
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 7, 2026
2026 Word: Laissez-faire

That two-word phrase is a reminder — a reminder to politicians and officeholders to let us live our lives the way we want to live, and a reminder that we must teach the next generations of the virtues of capitalism.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Sarasota County reevaluates need for new schools to serve Waterside

Jody Dumas, the executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said their two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

  • East County
  • Schools
Anthony Sizemore, a Braden River High freshman, is eager to show his FFA chapter's chapter pig at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Braden River High FFA students hope to make the grade at Manatee County Fair

After sacrificing much of their free time to care for farm animals, many of the students will be rewarded.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Top stories to watch in Longboat Key in 2026

A new mayor, a new bridge and the start of a new library are all things to look out for in the new year on the barrier island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioner Amanda Ballard attends the Under One Roof ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1. She's up for reelection in District 2.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 7, 2026
Manatee County Commission's power structure could be altered by 2026 election

Three seats are up for grabs with incumbents Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard defending and Jason Bearden bowing out.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch junior goaltender James Devriendt (33) gets some postgame kudos from senior defenseman Jackson Ellis (4). Devriendt's .878 save percentage and 2.05 goals against average through 13 games are both career-best marks on a Mustangs team that has done nothing but win in 2025-26.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High boys hockey team turns heads with unbeaten streak

The Mustangs have won all their games in the Lightning High School Hockey League.

  • East County
  • Sports
Man claims assailant was a time traveler
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 7, 2026
Man claims assailant was a time traveler

To explain a fight and minor injury, a man told officers he was the victim of rocks thrown by a sinister time traveler. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The home at 118 N. Warbler Lane sold for $6,345,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 7, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 15-19 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home on Bird Key on North Warbler Lane tops the week’s sales at $6.35 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Builder John Cannon says he didn't build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an "idea home."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 7, 2026
John Cannon fires unique shot in LWR residential home market

The Oulina model in Waterside is the result of an collaboration between a builder, architects and artists.

  • East County
  • News
Katie Weiss is board chair of The Sarasota Players board of trustees. Thayer Greenberg is managing artistic director of The Sarasota Players.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 7, 2026
The Sarasota Players adds new board, cuts CEO position and promotes two

The reorganization precedes the community theater's move to Payne Park later this year.

  • Arts + Culture
Nick Gladding poses for a photo in his Sarasota Bay-facing backyard Friday, Jan. 2. In March, Gladding will be sworn in as the next Longboat Key District 3 Commissioner.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
Longboat commissioner-elect discusses local control, dredging, Ohana's seawall

Running unopposed, former land use and environmental lawyer Nick Gladding will represent District 3 on the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Goglia poses for a photo on St. Armands Circle Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Goglia has been president of the St. Armands Residents Association since 2020.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 7, 2026
St. Armands Residents Association president discusses the future of the Circle

The volunteer president of the residents association, Chris Goglia, has resisted high-density development on St. Armands Circle since starting the role in 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bronwyn Leggett poses for a photo before a Jan. 5 practice at Riverview High School. She's deep into her second season as the full-time starter between the posts for the Rams.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 6, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bronwyn Leggett

The junior goalkeeper has been a stalwart in net for Riverview girls soccer.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sips Coffee is located at 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive and plans to open a second location on Longboat Key at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 6, 2026
Starbucks pulls out of plans for Longboat Key location

However, Sips coffee shop is opening a second location next to where a Starbucks was planned.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club grants about $100,000 worth of scholarships every year to its players.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
When kids can't afford to play soccer, Lakewood Ranch nonprofit steps forward

The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club fundraises to cover about $100,000 each year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gulf of Mexico Drive isn't just Longboat Key's main street — it is its only street
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • January 6, 2026
Gulf of Mexico Drive isn't just Longboat Key's main street — it is its only street

Keeping the island's only thoroughfare as efficient as possible should be the primary goal of any Complete Streets plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
With five main tabs on the home page, the website is intended to be easier to navigate.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
Website, technology updated to help Manatee run smooth 2026 elections

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington says the new website will be easier for the residents to navigate.

  • East County
  • News
Bartender Sam Lastinger keeps the party going at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 6, 2026
Save these dates in 2026 for Longboat-area events

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local flavor in the upcoming year, whether it's through art, parades or just fun community gatherings.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information on school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 6, 2026
School choice selections now open in Manatee County schools

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gaby Bichanich, as a freshman, entered winter break as ODA girls basketball's leading scorer.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • January 6, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Gaby Bichanich

The freshman guard powers The Out-of-Door Academy girls basketball team on offense.

  • East County
  • Sports
AirBnB renter demands $1,500 or threatens a negative review
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • January 6, 2026
AirBnB renter demands $1,500 or threatens a negative review

A Longboat AirBnB guest threatened to leave a negative review if money wasn’t sent by the property manager. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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