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Your Observer

Ryann Hilyer, a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, shows Mallo, a heifer owned by Todd Henson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 10, 2023
Lakewood Ranch senior ready to move onto bigger pastures

Ryann Hilyer, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, plans to continue to pursuing her love for agriculture and cows in college.

  • East County
  • Schools
A law to aid prison reform
  • By Adrian Moore and Vittorio Nastasi
  • May 10, 2023
A law to aid prison reform

The Legislature unanimously approved legislation that will eliminate jail time for technical probation infractions.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Is the Lo’ Key in the right location?
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 9, 2023
Is the Lo’ Key in the right location?

A reader questions the wisdom of placing a new restaurant on Tarawitt Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Duval's Fresh Local Seafood, which serves a signature po'boy sandwich, participating in Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 9, 2023
2023 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week scheduled for June 1-14

Local restaurants will feature special menus for lunch ($25 per person) and dinner ($40).

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The purple line running from the Key to the orange dot represents the town-owned wastewater pipeline.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 9, 2023
Mainland portion of Longboat's sewer main project completed

The more costly portion of the pipe, which will run under Sarasota Bay, awaits construction.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Members of the Loving Stitches Jerry Stube and Barbara Pfeiffer
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 9, 2023
Lakewood Ranch residents sew 100 quilts for veterans

The quilts were donated to the Tunnels to Tower Foundation, which is building the Let Us Do Good Village in Land O' Lakes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Danae Tran, Kalie Martin, Jaden Osborne, Alanna Hutton, Gabriela Sanchez-Gomez, Liv Doura, Mehak Sandhu, Aleksandra Masiulis, Ocean Bruinius, Pailey Riesgo, Samantha Tanelli
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 9, 2023
Pen Women award scholarships to local high schoolers

Eleven local students won art, music and writing awards and showcased their work.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
After a strong freshman season, Payton Kinney missed the 2022 season with a shoulder injury, and felt pressure upon returning in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 9, 2023
Softball pitcher overcomes injury, anxiety to excel at UConn

After missing all of 2022, Payton Kinney holds a 2.20 ERA in 2023, helping the Huskies clinch a second-straight Big East title.

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat police help file report of unwanted text messages
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 9, 2023
Longboat police help file report of unwanted text messages

A couple said they received "offensive" text messages and wanted to report the issue. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Mary Davis Wallace speaks to supporters during Wednesday's unveiling of the draft Public Art Plan 2030.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 9, 2023
Seven-year plan for city's public art revealed

Sarasota public art lead Mary Davis Wallace unveils a draft of her proposed Public Art Plan 2030.

  • Sarasota
  • News
8-year-old Claire Bragg sands a piece of wood.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 9, 2023
Church of the Redeemer members build beds for children in need

The initiative was part of the church's Serve on Saturday project series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A Lake Club home at 7910 Staysail Court sold for $2.5 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,137 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for April 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Staysail Court tops this week's sales at $2.5 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sargassum is a "blobby" seaweed that floats on top of the water.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 9, 2023
Scientists say sargassum belt could still hit Sarasota area

Climate Adaptation Center CEO Bob Bunting said an early-season hurricane could push the sargassum farther north into the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The progress pride flag flies at City Hall on May 8. The flags are at half-staff because President Joe Biden ordered flags to be lowered until May 11 out of "respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence" that occurred May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Progress Pride flag on display at City Hall through May 14

The display coincides with the Fabulous Arts Foundation’s annual Pride: Be Fabulous Music & Arts Fest.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dick Vitale stands with members of his All-Courageous team and the gala's 2023 honorees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 8, 2023
2023 Dick Vitale Gala another special evening

The event raised $12.4 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, breaking its own record.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Done with your gun? Turn it in to the Sarasota Police Department

SPD'S Done With the Gun program will accept unwanted firearms and ammunition on May 13.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. James Reed, board certified family medicine physician
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 8, 2023
Reed Medical Group on Longboat expands

The medical group has added a variety of services on the island since it opened.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Rate hike proposed for fire protection assessments

Public meetings are scheduled this month to discuss the proposed 15% ad valorem hike for fiscal year 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Melissa Howard and Marina Wolf-Schmidt are hosting a fashion show, featuring clothing from Monkee's of Lakewood Ranch, to support Everyday Blessings' Springboard Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch fashion show to support teens aging out of foster care

Funds raised at the fashion show, which will feature clothing from Monkee's of Lakewood Ranch, will go toward Everyday Blessings' Springboard Program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Take Care Home Health
  • May 8, 2023
Take Care: Here for Your Family, and Their Own

"It takes a village" is so true in many aspects of life and family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sheila Waid, the principal at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, is excited for Anna Bunyak, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to join her staff next school year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 7, 2023
Manatee schools-USF partnership encourages new teachers to stay local

The School District of Manatee County has hired 10 new teachers who graduated from USF Sarasota-Manatee’s education programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Longboat Key Flower Shop's bouquet filled with roses.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 7, 2023
Local florist gives tips on creating the perfect bouquet for Mother's Day

Longboat Key Flower Shop owner Christy James shares how to pick out flowers with heart for loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Paul A. Budick of Bradenton shows off his rare 1962 Corvette convertible, complete with its original golden grille.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 6, 2023
Corvette show dazzles on St. Armands Circle

Car enthusiasts displayed 174 Corvettes from a variety of eras on Saturday during the 25th annual Corvettes on the Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jeana Prestia and Charlotte Stallings enjoy margaritas.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2023
Rocco's Tacos throws a block party in Lakewood Ranch

Margaritas were the drink of choice at the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Captain Robert Bourque, Captain Rick Hankins, Deputy Chief Frank Rubino, Chief George Turner, Sergeant Adam Montfort, Officer Joe Ferrigine, Sergeant Lee Smith and Officer Dexter Nazareno at Montfort's promotion ceremony.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 6, 2023
Longboat police officer Adam Montfort promoted to sergeant

Montfort started with the department in December 2021 after serving in New York and the U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dick Vitale stands with members of his All-Courageous team and the gala's 2023 honorees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2023
2023 Dick Vitale Gala has record-setting fundraising night

The event raised $12.4 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

  • Black Tie
Julia King pours Patrón Tequila for Cedric Sullivan, Kyle Wilkinson, and Eduardo Stefonias on May 5, 2023, at Circo's street fest.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 6, 2023
Celebrations take to the streets on Cinco de Mayo

Multiple block parties were held in the downtown Sarasota area on May 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The city of Sarasota is exploring future uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall once a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center is built.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 6, 2023
Applications open for committee to explore future of Van Wezel

With composition and mission parameters approved, seven seats on the Purple Ribbon Committee to recommend future use of the iconic performing arts hall are up for grabs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Valerie Evanko and Rick Skerrett
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 5, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel dinner wraps up the season

Over 60 members got together at the chapel for the season's last hurrah.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pop’s Sunset Grill is on the Intercoastal Waterway across from Casey Key.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 5, 2023
Pop’s Sunset Grill honors restaurant’s roots — and its shrimp Rangoon

Great team. Great food. Sensational views and location. The secret of Pop’s success is no secret at all.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
In addition to a pool, 900 Alameda Lane offers 210 feet of private beach on Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2023
Indian Beach waterfront estate hits the market at $10.9 million

The estate includes a main house, a guest cottage, a carriage house and 210 feet of private beach along Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mangrove forests are one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems in the world. Florida’s estimated 600,000 acres of mangroves contribute to the overall health of the state’s coastal zone in addition to providing some of the best kayaking experiences.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2023
An exploration of Lido’s mangrove tunnels reveals heart of our coastal ecosystem

Key Life’s intrepid reporter encounters Florida’s unique ecosystem on a kayak tour through Lido Key’s magical mangrove tunnels.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An aerial shot of The Bay shows its position alongside Sarasota’s iconic bayfront.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 5, 2023
The Bay Park begins to take shape — and it’s just getting started

A core group of business, civic and philanthropic leaders in Sarasota came together over the past decade for one common cause: to turn a parking lot into a world-class park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sujin Lim's concept of her "Sun Always Shines" proposal.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 5, 2023
Sun shines through clouds in sculpture chosen for Fruitville roundabout

A year after a rejection of Dwell, the city's Public Art Committee picks another sculpture concept, Sun Always Shines, by Sujin Lim. The selection must be approved by the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, celebrate the groundbreaking of the new firing and driving range.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2023
New firing range and driving pad breaks ground in Manatee County

Bradenton Police Department and Manatee Technical College's firing and driving range being built in Myakka City will serve all law enforcement agencies in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 5, 2023
Asolo Repertory Theatre names new managing director

Ross Egan will succeed 50-year Asolo Rep veteran Linda DiGabriele on July 1.

  • Arts + Culture
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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

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