• 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 flag football running back Mykelah Davis was the All-Manatee County Co-Offensive Player of the Year for 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 31, 2023
Under-the-radar East County spring athletes get their due

These athletes made noise in 2023 even when their high school teams did not

  • East County
  • Sports
This home at 700 Old Compass Road has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,982 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 31, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for May 15-19 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A home in Emerald Harbor on Longboat Key tops the week's sales at $2.25 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Hotel guest evicted for taking too many paper plates
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 31, 2023
Hotel guest evicted for taking too many paper plates

All you can eat breakfast does not mean all you can take plates. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Myakka resident Delicia Stoltzfus mans the Java Dawg Coffee truck for her parents.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 31, 2023
Dakin Dairy hosts summer market in Myakka City

The market is held outside on the farm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bill Kaser and Don Deibert started the Senior Transport Services nonprofit to provide transportation for seniors. Lakewood Ranch's Deibert died May 15.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 31, 2023
Co-founder of Senior Transport Services dies

The death of Lakewood Ranch's Don Deibert has left the nonprofit in dire need of volunteer drivers.

  • East County
  • News
603 Buttonwood Drive is listed at $4.19 million by Michael Saunders & Company.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 31, 2023
Longboat Key home sales slow with end of season

Residential real estate properties are typically on the market between two and three months with a lack of demand driving prices lower.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Graphic of departures over Longboat Key from runway 14 at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 31, 2023
The impacts of flight paths over Longboat questioned again

A 270-degree turn implemented in 2006 has increased the number of departing flights over Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
ODA rising sophomore running back Allen Clark.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 30, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Allen Clark

The ODA rising sophomore running back is expected to have a big 2023 season.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Concession home at 18820 Ganton Ave. sold for $5.45 million. It has four bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, a pool and 7,355 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 30, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for May 15-19 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Ganton Avenue tops the week's sales at $5.45 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2023
Man arrested in Sunday Sarasota shooting

The shooter is out on bond. The victim has been discharged from the hospital.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Payne Park Auditorium.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 30, 2023
The Players sees opportunity in Payne Park

Community theater leadership is scripting renovations to boost other arts organizations and grow with what's next in downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Clayton Dees has picked up six NCAA Division I offers as of May 25.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 30, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High quarterback feels heat of recruiting process

Rising senior Clayton Dees has offers from Appalachian State and Florida International, among other schools.

  • East County
  • Sports
District Five Commissioner Vanessa Baugh sits down to discuss her recent trip to Washington D.C. with fellow commissioners to request federal funding for the Fort Hamer Bridge, Pearce Drain Watershed and Gateway Greenway Multipurpose Trail.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 30, 2023
Manatee hopes DC trip will lead to major project funding

Acquiring funds for planning another span next to the Fort Hamer Bridge was a high priority for Manatee County commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County Communications operator Ashley Patrick and Lt. Michelle DiCapua got a tour of Longboat Fire Station's 91 fitness facility in November 2021.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2023
New county dispatch system will enhance response times

Upgrades at the Sarasota County Public Safety Communications Center will provide more accurate data with location-based routing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eyla Grayce Jackson, Jewel Love Jackson and Skylar Rae Jackson receive prizes for reading books as part of Music Compound's Rock Your Summer Reading program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 30, 2023
Music Compound encourages reading with summer program

Children can earn prizes based on the number of books they read.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Police help a Longboat Key beachgoer find belongings
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 30, 2023
Police help a Longboat Key beachgoer find belongings

A theft was reported — only for the belongings to be found further down the beach. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The town is looking to education as the solution to a rise in rabbit populations.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 30, 2023
Town looks to educate residents on rabbit-repelling plants

A resident emailed Longboat Key town staff with concerns about the rise in rabbit populations prompting discussion on the best methods for deterring them.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Young Marines from the Imagine School post the colors.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 29, 2023
Bird Key Yacht Club Memorial Day ceremony honors fallen military

Tribute was paid to the sacrifices service members made in defense of the country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David Bonci and Commander Ron Evans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233 greet the crowds lining Main Street on May 29, 2023, during the Memorial Day parade.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 29, 2023
Memorial Day parade celebrates those who gave all

The parade brought together numerous participants from across Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rich Greenberg, president of the Association of Veterans and Military Supporters at Del Webb, salutes during the Star Spangled Banner.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 29, 2023
Tribute to Heroes Parade draws thousands to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The annual event honors veterans but also provided plenty of entertainment for families.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The fence is being removed from the perimeter of John H. Marble Park in preparation for some major upgrades.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 29, 2023
Manatee County's John H. Marble Park closes for improvements

The Manatee County park closed on May 22 and won't reopen until fall 2024.

  • East County
  • News
A child in the migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, in May of 2023.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 29, 2023
Local photographer documents migrant crisis at the border

Allan Mestel captured thousands of images of migrants and their living conditions coinciding with the expiration of Title 42.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Campaign Against Summer Hunger co-chair Lisa Keverian-Press, All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank and campaign co-chair Clare Segall announce a matching challenge for the food bank at the March 2023 fundraising campaign.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2023
Sarasota ranked Florida’s sixth-most charitable county

The SmartAsset study used tax return data to measure charitable contributions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Victoria B. Cooley of Sarasota paints with acrylic and oils to create beach scenes.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 28, 2023
Fine arts fest draws crowd to St. Armands Circle

Local and regional artists showed and sold their work, including coastal scenes, shark-tooth art and paintings that prompted disbelief.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Work began in February with project completion expected in late 2024.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 28, 2023
Traffic shifts planned for Bradenton Beach sewer line project

Two lanes will still be operating with the western-most lane moved into the sandy parking area.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota's Bay Runner trolley service turned one year old on March 2.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 28, 2023
Bay Runner trolley hours change for offseason

Starting June 1, the free Sarasota trolley service will start and end earlier.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dan Goodman, a Lakewood Ranch High School physics teacher, died May 14.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 28, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High mourns death of physics teacher

Dan Goodman is remembered for his NASA career and dedication to his students and family.

  • East County
  • Schools
Erin Masciulli and 15-year-old Aly Miller place a flag in the ground.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 27, 2023
Memorial Day tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery honors the fallen

Held at the Sarasota National Cemetery following the Flags for Fallen Vets flag placement, the event honored service members who died in the line of duty and their families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
If approved, a new ordinance will increase an annual fee paid by downtown restaurants with sidewalk cafe permits by $3 per square foot of outside space used for additional sidewalk and alley cleanings.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 27, 2023
Fee hike proposed on downtown restaurants with sidewalk seating

The Downtown Improvement District board asks the city to add a fee of $3 per square foot for additional sidewalk cleaning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 2022 rendering of One Main Plaza, which is within 5 miles of 168,130 people.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 26, 2023
Sprouts grocery store coming to downtown Sarasota

Sprouts Farmers Market has signed a long-term lease to be part of One Main Plaza, the Main Street development under construction.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's Nicole Durbal signs freshman Sara Johnson's T-shirt.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Prep freshmen celebrate end of school year

The inaugural upper school class looks forward to moving onto the next school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
    In Memoriam |
  • May 26, 2023
William A. Cook

Bill Cook passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 15th at his home on Longboat Key from complications of Lewy Body and Vascular Dementias.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Donations for the Pet Food Bank are growing at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2023
Animal sanctuary's new food bank supports pets in low-income families

Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City hopes that by providing pet food and supplies, families will be able to keep their animals.

  • East County
  • News
Firefighter/paramedic Trey Bowlin shows what protective gear is worn when responding to a fire.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 26, 2023
Local firefighters learn about occupation's cancer risks

Firefighters have a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the United States' general population.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The conceptual drawing for The Bay master plan includes a site for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, shaded in purple.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 26, 2023
Architect finalists for new arts center come to town Wednesday

Three candidates to design the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will present in person to the task force and the public. The selection will be made the next day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
222nd Street resident Carla Tralick holds up an old newspaper article that featured her son Thomas Tralick and said today was his birthday. The proposed East River Ranch thoroughfare was originally planned through the Tralicks' backyard, where Thomas is buried.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 25, 2023
Rezoning for East River Ranch approved

Residents voiced concerns about traffic and a lowered quality of life at the recent Manatee County Commission land use meeting.

  • East County
  • News
« 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 »
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