• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Amber, a scarlet macaw; Alan Gillespie, Sarasota Jungle Gardens entertainment host; Elizabeth Adams, Sarasota Jungle Gardens education coordinator; Katie Dow, Sarasota County Libraries outreach manager; Heather Gorman, SCL digital services supervisor; and Ellen India, SCL adult services coordinator.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 17, 2023
Roller-skating parrot reveals library’s 2024 community read selection

“An Immense World” was chosen for the communitywide book club to help readers gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of wildlife in the world.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A raised seating area in the primary suite offers a quiet nook for reading and relaxation.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • November 17, 2023
Country Club home proves renovation can give aging homes a new life

Katina and Ken Shanahan’s home in The Country Club shows how a simple remodel can turn a tired residence into a showplace.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Tina Lickey and Terri Noyes
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 16, 2023
The Paradise Center hosts beginners pickleball workshop

Volunteer certified instructor Terri Noyes and other experienced pickleball players give the low-down on the fastest-growing sport in the country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ginny Akhoury, Mary Lou Ivaska, Elaine Buckley and Stella Kelley
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 16, 2023
St. Mary Star of the Sea holds first women's guild meeting of season

The Women's Guild prepares for an exciting year on the Key with an increase in membership and exciting charity opportunities.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Braulio Vizcaino pulls a Margherita pie out of Osteria 500's trademark red Fiat pizza oven.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 16, 2023
Osteria 500 serves Italian food with Italian soul

The restaurant’s co-owner is grounded in Italy’s culinary past. He’s equally grounded in Italy’s inventive, creative commitment to the future.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Samantha Albano (left) and Gabriella Moss (right) are young entrepreneurs who are both driven to succeed.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 16, 2023
Two high school classmates reunite through their businesses

Samantha Albano and Gabriella Moss met in high school. But they reignited their friendship 10 years later through their businesses in San Marco Plaza.

  • East County
  • Business
Kailee Looman and Andrea Evans, LPN students at Manatee Technical College, practice taking each other’s blood pressure.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 16, 2023
Local colleges combat Florida's nursing shortage

Nurses are a critical part of our health care system. But studies show there will be a significant shortage of nurses in Florida by 2035. Here’s how some regional schools are addressing it.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mark Hiser believes in the healing power of horses.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 16, 2023
New executive director brings fresh ideas for SMART growth

As the new executive director of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Mark Hiser has plans to make the organization even more visible.

  • East County
  • Business
A roundabout at the Ringling Boulevard/Pine Place intersection is in the early planning stages.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 16, 2023
Ringling roundabout, Serena St. bridge among Sarasota transportation projects

The Sarasota City Commission was updated on impending and longer-range planning of transportation projects.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A home in Weber tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $4.75 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 16, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch

A Weber home on Alameda Avenue tops the week's sales at $4.75 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Anna Kimbrell, 33, is one of 52 players participating in the 2023 All-American Women’s Baseball Classic Tournament.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 16, 2023
All-American Women’s Baseball Classic returns to Sarasota

Ed Smith Stadium will host the event Nov. 17-19, as well as a special youth clinic on Nov. 20.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Grinch, in this case Kingsley Sim, appeared at the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at UTC. His job, however, was to make people smile.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 16, 2023
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade not without a Grinch or two

Traffic congestion at UTC in Sarasota caused the expected social media firestorm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
CareerEdge offers a no-cost HVAC technician training program.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 16, 2023
CareerEdge offers free HVAC technician training

The Sarasota metropolitan area has the fifth-highest concentration of HVAC jobs in the country.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
SRQ's long-range master plan includes expansions with more gates and a connector between concourses.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 16, 2023
What happens when New College's lease on airport land expires?

SRQ airport's president warns "there will be no New College" if it doesn't buy the leased land before prices skyrocket and the school can't afford to stay there.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jennifer Alokeh and Barbara Najmy lead The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle with passion and compassion.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 16, 2023
Women’s Giving Circle raises valuable funds for regional nonprofits

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle has started a legacy that continues to blossom and benefit the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Known by her students as “Miss Maria,” Barringhaus is a Red Cross-certified swimming instructor and the founder of the School of Fish Swimming Lessons.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2023
Swimming instructor boosts accessibility, enjoyment for all children

Maria Barringhaus was born to swim. Now she shares her passion with everyone she can.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Liz Alpert speaks after being awarded the key to the city by now-former mayor Kyle Battie just before she was named mayor for 2023-24.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 16, 2023
Sarasota gets a new mayor

Liz Alpert takes the gavel for a second time.

  • Sarasota
  • News
We need a housing leader
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 16, 2023
We need a housing leader

Politicians and government won’t solve the affordable housing shortage. It will take a champion, or champions.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The 200,000-square-foot facility will begin serving patients in late 2025.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 15, 2023
Sarasota Memorial Hospital breaks ground on Cancer Pavilion

The 200,000-square-foot facility will begin serving patients in late 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Concession Golf Club will once again receive worldwide attention when it hosts The World Champions Cup in December.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
Field finalized for World Champions Cup at The Concession

Ten of the top 11 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings have agreed to play.

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By Sarasota Art Museum
  • November 15, 2023
Powerful New Artworks Featured At Sarasota Art Museum

A contemporary art museum with constantly rotating exhibits, Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design has transformed its galleries once again.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Riverview High senior quarterback Braxton Thomas is coming off a two-touchdown performance through the air against Palmetto High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 15, 2023
Three Sarasota teams still alive in FHSAA football playoffs

How Riverview High, Booker High and Cardinal Mooney High stack up against their next opponents.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The holidays are alive in many Lakewood Ranch venues, including Waterside Place.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 15, 2023
A complete itinerary to keep you and your guests happy this season

Want to be the host with the most? Fill your guests with holiday cheer with this short list of Lakewood Ranch experiences.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
East County veterinarian Margaux Buchanan with mother-and-daughter leopard Appaloosa horses, Pigpen and Safari.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 15, 2023
Veterinarian’s love of polo runs through everything she does

Dr. Margaux Buchanan, an equine veterinarian and polo player, raises Appaloosas on her 12-acre Menagerie Farm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
As Lakewood Ranch has grown over the last two decades, Albert Myara has had his fingerprints on many business deals, both in real estate and restaurants.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
The secret behind Albert Myara’s success isn’t so secret: It's hard work

Lakewood Ranch’s Albert Myara excels at business, but his No. 1 priority is his family.

  • East County
  • Business
The town's 81 canals were split into seven groups.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 15, 2023
Canal maintenance update leaves town commissioners confused

Longboat Key is in need of a canal management program, but the system to pay for it is complicated.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Zoe Sommers only works the evening shift at Forked.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Forked at Night expands into a nightclub at Waterside Place

The popular breakfast eatery is now a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • East County
  • News
Booker High girls basketball senior guard Jakai Peterson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 15, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jakai Peterson

The Booker High girls basketball guard is ready for a big senior season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Peg Green stands beside “Leadership: Vickie Oldham, Newtown Alive."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 15, 2023
Sarasota artist celebrates history of Newtown with new quilt

The quilt is part of Peg Green’s exhibition, titled “Witness!” at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greg Para cares for 72 parrots of all different varieties through his nonprofit, the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Myakka City conservatory is for the birds and veterans

Greg Para started the Sarasota Parrot Conservatory after returning from Afghanistan in 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Man accuses hair stylist of having an affair with his wife
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 15, 2023
Man accuses hair stylist of having an affair with his wife

Both customers of a salon, a man confronted a hairdresser over a late-evening phone call to his wife. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Built in 1991, 3572 Fair Oaks Way has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,052 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 15, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Queens Harbor tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is one of a dozen commercial and residential projects being developed along State Road 64 East.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 15, 2023
Restaurants, apartments and more planned for State Road 64 East

Publix, Seasons 52 and Wendy's are among the retailers planning to open in the once-barren S.R. 64 corridor east of I-75.

  • East County
  • News
Mike Sales
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 15, 2023
Musician plays the soundtrack of paradise for events on Longboat

The local performer's comforting, peaceful and positive music sets the tone at Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce events.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rick Schuknecht said a sander from the 1930s actually works better than the new brands.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 15, 2023
Panther Ridge woodworker carves out his niche

The Fall Art Show and Sale on Nov. 18 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall is Rick Schuknecht's next stop.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A small, old watercraft sits partially deflated and collecting sand.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 15, 2023
Abandoned boats are cluttering Longboat’s north end, residents say

Some town residents believe that old boats near the public dock, including one that has sat for two years, are becoming an eyesore.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service
2
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat
3
Maddie Baehr was hesitant to join Braden River flag football as a freshman. Now, she's a member of the Ireland Flag Football Women's National Team with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics just over two years away.
  • June 3, 2026
Braden River High graduate takes her dual athleticism overseas
4
Collin Purcell, Katie Blackwell and Brian Ott bring back the feel-good era of folk music in "Leaving on a Jet Plane."
  • June 3, 2026
Cool off this summer with Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret shows
5
The home at 6161 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $8 million. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,224 square feet of living area.
  • June 3, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 18-22 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

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 © 2026 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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free