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Your Observer

Members of St. Barbara Philoptochos Society gather to make dolmades, which are stuffed grape leaves, for Autumn Fest.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 10, 2023
St. Barbara Philoptochos Society prepares for Autumn Fest

The group of women spends hours baking and cooking homemade dishes and pastries to sell at the annual Autumn Fest, which will be held Nov. 17-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Whitney Plaza Community Center would be located at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 10, 2023
Contracts, full remodel needed for Whitney Plaza Community Center

A few pieces still need to fall into place before the remodel and opening of the Whitney Plaza Community Center on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Affordable housing cannot be produced for over 40% of Sarasota County households, says Gulf Coast Community Foundation Director of Community Investment Jon Thaxton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota's affordable housing crisis dissected at business summit

Most respondents to a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce survey said their ability to do business has been negatively impacted due to a lack of housing for workers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Connie Lyke-Brown in 2022
    By
  • James Peter
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota woman sets NYC Marathon record

Connie Lyke-Brown, 80, has run 44 consecutive New York City marathons and won her age group this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The new Selby Gardens Welcome Center will include a ticketing pavilion, welcome gallery and welcome theater.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 10, 2023
Selby Gardens will debut new facilities in January

New features from Phase 1 of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' master plan include an open-air welcome center, a parking structure and a plant research center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nonprofit director Betsy Friedman presents a grant to Kinsey Robb, executive director of Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 9, 2023
Impact100 SRQ awards $763,000 to local nonprofits

The organization selected seven out of 10 finalists to receive $109,000 grants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Madison Huffman was crowned Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
Raising funds for charity looks good to pageant winner

Lakewood Ranch High freshman Madison Huffman will raise funds and awareness for Hope Family Services during her reign as Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant Jr. Teen Ambassador.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Cynthia Sullivan was welcomed back to Longboat Key by her dolphin friends.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 9, 2023
Pair of dolphins welcome back Longboat resident

Longboat resident Cynthia Sullivan, nicknamed the "dolphin whisperer," has gotten daily visits from local dolphins.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2023
Two stops added to Bay Runner trolley route

Suspended service resumed at Golden Gate Point, and a new stop was added at Bird Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
7340 Point of Rocks Road
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch

A White Beach Fruit Co. property on Point of Rocks Road tops the week's sales at $5.35 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Booker senior receiver Joshua Burrows can be a threat on the outside for junior quarterback Jordan Johnson and the Tornadoes offense.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 9, 2023
Sarasota football teams prep for playoff runs

Three area teams qualified for the postseason, and two begin their journeys this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Luke LaGorin (yellow shirt) and Frank Martinelli tie off one of two Private Custom Charters boats at Nora Patterson Island Park on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 9, 2023
Whose parking space is it anyway at Sarasota County public boat ramps?

With limited parking at Sarasota County parks' public boat ramps, commercial charters come under scrutiny from the County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield, James Peter
  • November 9, 2023
Here's the Sarasota news you might have missed this summer

The long, hot summer saw a "perfect storm," soaring construction costs and record-setting real estate sales.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Owner Bruce Cassidy has turned The Concession Golf Club into a major player on the world stage.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 9, 2023
The man putting The Concession Golf Club on the elite level

Bruce Cassidy has used his coal industry work ethic to bring major golf events to the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of a boardwalk at the Nature Park at Bobby Jones.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2023
Have your say on the Bobby Jones nature park

City of Sarasota residents can share their thoughts Nov. 15 about amenities to include in the newly created wetlands and nature park next to Bobby Jones Golf Club.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This vacation rental property at 234 Grant Drive is one of three on Lido Key involved in a Bert Harris Act claim against the city for alleged devaluation resulting from a city ordinance that caps overnight capacity.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 9, 2023
City won't make exceptions to vacation rental policy for Lido Key houses

The Sarasota City Commission's ordinance to expand the vacation rental restrictions citywide could resolve possible lawsuits and balance costs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Previously known as Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Buddy's Bagels will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
Brooklyn Bagel & Deli shops in Sarasota reopen as Buddy's Bagels

The two Sarasota locations will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mayor Kyle Battie introduces Greg LeMond.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 8, 2023
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond partners with Sarasota bike shop

Wheel Street USA, which offers custom designs and complimentary coffee, recently opened in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
  • By Ronto
  • November 8, 2023
Ronto Reports Brisk Sales at The Owen Since Board Approval

The building’s amenities and common areas are being designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Nicolas Bencomo had a strong junior season for Cardinal Mooney High boys golf.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 8, 2023
10 overlooked Sarasota athletes who posted big numbers and strong finishes

Team success or not, these athletes made the most of their 2023 seasons.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Can you match the character pumpkin to the book title?
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 8, 2023
Can you match the character pumpkin to the book title?

McNeal Elementary first graders decorate pumpkins to look like characters from fictional books.

  • East County
  • Schools
In memoriam: Remembering the Longboat friends we lost
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
In memoriam: Remembering the Longboat friends we lost

This offseason, Longboat Key said goodbye to several friends, family and community members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The current Manatee County Commission is represented by James Satcher, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden, Raymond Turner, George Kruse, Mike Rahn and Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 8, 2023
Annoyance not enough to change look of Manatee County Commission in 2024

District-only voting, a lack of competition and deep pockets are factors that will make it tough on those vowing to oust current commissioners during the 2024 election year.

  • East County
  • News
The war is here, personal
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 8, 2023
The war is here, personal

The Israel-Hamas War is being fought 7,000 miles away. But within the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community, the war is touching families directly. Everyone "must thrust himself … into this struggle."

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • James Peter, Carter Weinhofer
  • November 8, 2023
Here's the Longboat Key news you might have missed this summer

The long, hot summer saw a "perfect storm," a parking pickle and more record-setting real estate sales.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Austria photo wins Observer's It's Read Everywhere contest
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 8, 2023
Austria photo wins Observer's It's Read Everywhere contest

Pam and Russell Hyatt have won the It's Read Everywhere contest for 2023 and will be going on a seven-day Celebrity Cruise to be booked by Marc Bokoff of Cruise Planners.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
George Eastment III and Christine Eastment, trustees, of Warrenton, Virginia, sold the Unit 502 condominium at 4995 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Karen and Anthony DeRose, of Deerfield, Illinois for $5.5 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 8, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 23-27 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Positano condominium tops the week's sales at $5.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Officer on patrol finds a man on the ground with his wheelchair on fire
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
Officer on patrol finds a man on the ground with his wheelchair on fire

Investigators determine the cause of a victim's wheelchair fire. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
All Faiths Food Bank expects to distribute 13,000 frozen turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
All Faiths Food Bank plans turkey dinner distributions

The food bank will distribute more than 13,000 frozen turkeys plus side dishes at multiple locations for residents of Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mariachi Contemporáneo plays "La Llorona" to begin the night on Nov. 1.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 8, 2023
La Villa commemorates Day of the Dead with mariachi and altar

The Longboat Key restaurant hosted a special musical tribute to owner Estela Villegas' late father.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Installation of the holiday tree at St. Armands Circle was completed Tuesday.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 8, 2023
St. Armands holiday tree installed ahead of Dec. 1 tree-lighting ceremony

After delayed city approval, the St. Armands Circle Association will host the annual tree-lighting on Dec. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The north end groin field is shown in an aerial picture taken in October 2023, after Hurricane Idalia.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 8, 2023
After Hurricane Idalia, Longboat's beaches 'deflated' islandwide

The Public Works Department's annual report focused on causes of erosion and impacts from Hurricane Idalia, plus a few project updates.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cardinal Mooney junior Rosemary Selke.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 8, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Rosemary Selke

The Cardinal Mooney High girls cross-country runner had a strong district meet finish.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
ODA senior defensive back Jack Taraska.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 7, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Jack Taraska

The ODA football senior has set a program record with five interceptions in his first year of the sport.

  • East County
  • Sports
MaryAnn McWilliams waves to friends as she goes down the runway
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 7, 2023
Tara fashion show raises funds for Pace Center for Girls

Tara residents raise $1,200 for statewide nonprofit through annual fall fashion show.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob and Michele Bowermaster live along the Braden River in East County. Bob Bowermaster earned two Purple Hearts for his service with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 7, 2023
Vietnam battles still take a toll on East County veteran

U.S. Marine Bob Bowermaster tells of the Nông Sơn Mountain attack that left him with two bullet wounds and shrapnel injuries.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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