Your Observer

Lesley Dwyer
May 17, 2023

Retired colonel to lead Tribute to Heroes parade in Lakewood Ranch

In 2021, two-time Purple Heart recipient Gill Ruderman was inducted into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.

East County
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
May 17, 2023

Government by the people? Not for Siesta Key

Advocates for incorporating Siesta Key spent fulfilled state requirements to conduct a referendum. But so much for government "by the people." Florida lawmakers decided they know better than citizens.

Sarasota
Opinion

Louis Llovio
May 17, 2023

New flagship Fleming's steakhouse coming to UTC

A restaurateur is building its new 13,000-square-foot flagship restaurant in Tampa and plans to grow the chain to 100 locations, starting with a new location in Manatee County.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Andrew Warfield
May 17, 2023

One Park attorney calls reopened state inquiry 'baseless'

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has not disclosed why it reopened a preliminary investigation into claims of impropriety.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
May 17, 2023

The search continues for a new Manatee County administrator

Municipal recruiting firm Colin Baenziger & Associates will be conducting a national search for Manatee County.

East County
News

Ian Swaby
May 17, 2023

Postal Service helps local food bank stamp out hunger

The May 13 food drive collected several tons of food for the All Faiths Food Bank.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
May 17, 2023

Graduation is a time of celebration and reminiscing

East County graduates, and Observer columnist, have four years worth of memories to treasure.

East County
Opinion

Ryan Kohn
May 17, 2023

Under-the-radar Sarasota spring athletes get their due

These athletes made noise in 2023 even when their high school teams didn't.

Sarasota
Sports

Adam Hughes
May 17, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for May 1-5 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on Cleveland Drive tops the week's sales at $4.2 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
May 17, 2023

False shoplifting accusation results in a 44-cent refund

A man was falsely accused by grocery store employees of stealing bananas. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Ryan Kohn
May 17, 2023

East County Athlete of the Week: Cody Kawcak

The rising senior Braden River High tight end will be a key contributor to the Pirates in the fall.

East County
Sports

Lauren Tronstad
May 17, 2023

With a strong economy, Longboat's infrastructure projects come to the fore

The Town Commission held its preliminary budget workshop Monday, outlining investments in infrastructure and the community.

Longboat Key
News

Lauren Tronstad
May 17, 2023

Model Brad Kroenig inspired a fashion icon before becoming a local Realtor

Brad Kroenig's modeling career reached new heights after meeting fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
May 17, 2023

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Finley Miller

The Sarasota Little League slugger hit a grand slam in his team's 50/70 Championship win May 15.

Sarasota
Sports

By Emily Leinfuss
May 17, 2023

Scout & Molly’s new owners share their roots in fashion

When Scout & Molly’s former owner died last year, John Simon, Nikki Pelier Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez decided to carry on the legacy of this popular boutique.

East County
Business

Eric Snider
May 17, 2023

Avian club members are devoted to all feathered creatures

The Lakewood Ranch Avian Club and Cindy Gordon, its founder and president, come together over their love of birds — no matter where they find them.

East County
Neighbors

Jay Heater
May 17, 2023

Everyone needs friends. All Friends Network helps ensure everyone has them.

Trevor Kelliher started All Friends Network to connect people with cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental disabilities.

East County
Neighbors

Jay Heater
May 16, 2023

Lakewood Ranch builders join Community Fund project

The Builders Give Back program will help area nonprofits through the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

East County
News

Amanda Postma
May 16, 2023

Dog bar announces open date in Rosemary District

After three delays, Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar on 10th Street will officially let the dogs in on May 22.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lauren Tronstad
May 16, 2023

Longboat Democratic club talks election strategy, party unity

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried discussed plans to reenergize party voters and candidates.

Longboat Key
News

Ryan Kohn
May 16, 2023

Upstart Lakewood Ranch High baseball players excited for the future

The Mustangs have lots of talent and room for further growth in 2024.

East County
Sports

Liz Ramos
May 16, 2023

Jason Wysong named Manatee County schools' next superintendent

If the contract is approved, Wysong will take the helm of the district July 1.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 16, 2023

Braden River High senior pursues a dream job in sports

Benny Hedgepeth's love for baseball and sports in general inspires him to pursue a career in sports law.

East County
Schools

James Peter
May 16, 2023

Longboater teaches yoga students to 'honor your body'

Beachfront yoga class on Longboat Key brings practitioners in touch with a holistic experience.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lauren Tronstad
May 16, 2023

Longboat police lower the heat over air-conditioning troubles

A hot room led to rising heat at a Longboat Key condo. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Adam Hughes
May 16, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for May 1-5 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Daysailor Trail tops the week's sales at $2.6 million.

East County
Real Estate

Liz Ramos
May 16, 2023

Lakewood Ranch High agriculture program beefs up labs

The school's agriculture lab underwent upgrades that double its beef barn and provide a new swine facility.

East County
Schools

Ian Swaby
May 16, 2023

Suncoast Music Scholarship winners showcase their talents at concert

The seven scholarship-winning students offered a free community performance at First Presbyterian Church.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 16, 2023

City to consider solid waste rate hikes

Rising costs of collection and disposal and lower recycling revenues have resulted in a request to raise sanitation monthly rates for the first time since 2018.

Sarasota
News

Jay Heater
May 16, 2023

Mote prepares for the animals it will house in its new aquarium

As the infrastructure of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new Science Education Aquarium is being completed, the aquatic creatures who will live there are being prepared to move to their new home.

East County
Business

Ryan Kohn
May 15, 2023

Lakewood Ranch powerhouse teams ousted early in playoffs

After making at least the Final Four two years in a row, Lakewood Ranch High's softball program and ODA's baseball program can't build upon their recent domination.