• 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

SWAT officer Ben Smith keeps up with runners with three-year-old daughter Bryleigh in a stroller.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2023
SPD takes the torch for Special Olympics run

The run to benefit Special Olympics athletes will pass through Sarasota on April 21.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Gellerman will look for a do-over at the 2023 LECOM Suncoast Classic after a four-putt on the No. 18 green cost him a win in 2022.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 17, 2023
A guide to the 2023 LECOM Suncoast Classic in Lakewood Ranch

The Korn Ferry Tour event hits Lakewood National Golf Club April 20-23.

  • East County
  • Sports
Dr. Stacie Herrera, owner of Herrera Psychology, speaks with photographer Karen Arango.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 17, 2023
Art Center Sarasota addresses mental health in Latino community

A panel discussion on mental health issues impacting the local community accompanied Karen Arango’s photography exhibition "Rearview Mirror"/"El Retrovisor."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Janelle Wagman, owner of Coastal Creations Décor, stood alongside her designs made of wood and resin.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • April 17, 2023
Town departments, organizations meet Longboaters at open house

The outdoor community market and open house was held at Longboat Key Bayfront Park with a dozen vendors.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Central Park's Jim Wenzke and Ellie Wenzke walk Penelope and Rocky six days per week.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 17, 2023
SMART's mini horses provide therapy to the community

Rocky and Penelope, who joined the East County nonprofit in October, have proven to be less intimidating than full-sized horses.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Walter Frank, member, Lew Moyer and Ralph Liebstein (co-presidents) enjoy the sun before starting the grill.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • April 16, 2023
TBI Men's Club raises funds with beach barbecue

The Temple Beth Israel organization held its last event before summer on Sunday at the Bay Isle Beach Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
SCF student LaShawn'te Lee, MTC students Emma Ramirez and Krystal Camacho, Scholarship Committee Chair Peg Buck and SCF Foundation Chair Chris Romine pose for a photo during the Palm Aire Women's Club Scholarship Luncheon.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 16, 2023
Palm Aire Women's Club provides $13,000 in scholarships

Four SCF and two MTC students will receive scholarships to help them obtain their educational goals.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Two-vehicle crash in Myakka leaves one dead, three seriously injured
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 16, 2023
Two-vehicle crash in Myakka leaves one dead, three seriously injured

A Bradenton man, 57, died when the RV he was towing separated from his pickup and sent the truck into an oncoming van.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Kate Howard looks forward to continue her advocacy about organ donations with the help of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 15, 2023
Lakewood Ranch woman advocates for more to register as organ donors

After her husband suffered a fatal brain injury, Kate Howard saw the impact that being an organ donor can have on others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The listing at 1414 Point Crisp Road is surrounded by the waters of Little Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 15, 2023
Siesta Key listing hits the market at $15.95 million

The Realtor was also the builder of the home in 2001 and is now marketing the estate for the original owner.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Signs have been posted at the entrances of both fire stations defining the flag colors that notify the Key's surf conditions.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 14, 2023
Beachgoers should check warning flags, fire department says

Beach condition warning flags fly under the American flag at Longboat Key fire stations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
If you encounter American alligators on the move, please give them plenty of space and allow them proceed at their own pace.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • April 14, 2023
Alligators are on the move, in search of wet habitats

Staying a safe distance from these vital members of Florida’s wetland ecosystems will help keep all involved out of harm's way.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
School Board of Manatee County members Richard Tatem, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate, Cindy Spray and Gina Messenger have selected 12 semi finalists in the search for the next superintendent.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 14, 2023
Manatee School Board selects semifinalists in superintendent search

The board will move forward with 12 applicants in the search for the next leader of the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 14, 2023
No property tax rate change expected for city's fiscal 2024 budget

City Manager Marlon Brown tells Sarasota commissioners that he plans to hold the rate at 3.0 mils for the coming fiscal year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The event committee members, Mary DelPup, Betty Lou Miccio, Dottie Mueller, Nancy Hjort, June Hessel and Peggy Schwass, stand together before mingling with other guests.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • April 13, 2023
Seaplace Condo members party with ‘Sinatra’

The end-of-season event drew 100 fun-loving residents for a farewell soiree.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Eighth grader Hope Li finds comfort in the crash pad.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 13, 2023
Nolan Middle sensory room provides solace for disabled students

The new sensory room, funded by the school's parent-teacher organization, helps relieve students' anxiety and provides a calming environment.

  • East County
  • Schools
7-year-old Lillian Huff works on a school assignment.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 13, 2023
Nature helps nurture a love of learning at new Sarasota school

Roots Nature & Leadership Academy, founded in September 2022, follows a model of student-led learning.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
This home at 3740 Tangier Terrace sold for $8.35 million. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,277 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 13, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 27-31 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A San Remo Estates home on Tangier Terrace tops the week's sales at $8.35 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Booker High junior Jayson Evans sprints with a weighted sled during an April 11 track and field training session.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 13, 2023
Booker High sprinter eyes state spots in a competitive field

Jayson Evans is ninth in the Class 2A boys 200-meter dash.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Tracy Jackson and Tim Hensey are cautiously confident that most Siesta Key residents seek independence from county government.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 13, 2023
Siesta Key incorporation inches closer to referendum

The bill that would allow barrier island residents to vote to create a new town is now in the House Ways and Means Committee.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Danielle Craig, the managing partner and general manager of Capital Grille, and server Adam Pratt offered tenderloin sliders that were an absolute hit.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 12, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park offers taste of the future with Mote event

Seasonal Tastings raises awareness of the Science Education Aquarium, which is scheduled to open in late 2024 in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bruno Kuzuhara, 19, lost to Alex Rybakov, 26, at the Sarasota Open, but has a bright future.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 12, 2023
Sarasota Open tennis tournament is aces

Things to watch for and do if you attend the event this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
  • By Adrian Moore and Christian Barnard
  • April 12, 2023
Universal school choice won’t defund public schools

Opponents to Florida’s education savings accounts are misguided. Data show their predictions of doom for public education haven’t occurred.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Planning and Zoning Board has been reviewing the town's comprehensive plan for about a year.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 12, 2023
Revisions on Longboat growth, development goals near completion

The town's comprehensive plan has been broken into six batches for the Planning and Zoning Board to review. Five of the batches have had at least one Town Commission visit.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A rendering of One Park, which is planned to span across Quay Commons on blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 12, 2023
One Park controversy is now a criminal investigation

An unrelated project communication with a Planning Board member by a minor One Park investor has caused the suspension of all hearings about the project in The Quay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of the new welcome center at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown campus.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 12, 2023
Selby Gardens' orchid oasis grows on the bay

As the first phase of the Selby Gardens downtown campus master plan nears completion, planning is underway for the rest of the $92 million project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Club president Garnett Black and guest speaker Ronna Romney
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2023
Republican Club of Longboat Key welcomes Ronna Romney

Ronna Romney spoke to the club on April 11 at the Longboat Key Club's Harbourside ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Arbor Grande's Elizabeth Henderson, who is the founder of the Little Free Library Club, Country Club East's Arielle Monserez and her 4-year-old daughter Millie Monserez and Tampa's Katerina Farese cut the ribbon on the library in April. It burned in the pavilion fire.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 12, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's Little Free Library club writes its first chapter

The new club delivers books at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
211 Tremont Drive
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 12, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 27-31 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on Tremont Lane tops the week's sales at $5.55 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Caroline Steinwachs.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 12, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Caroline Steinwachs

The Riverview High girls lacrosse player has 56 goals in 2023.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Final paycheck pickup reportedly becomes a shoving match
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 12, 2023
Final paycheck pickup reportedly becomes a shoving match

Things got physical over a dispute about a paycheck and another over a missing $20. This and more reports from the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Andy Sawyer and David Pitt
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2023
Potluck party bids farewell at Longboat Key Public Tennis Center

The tennis center has said goodbye to its seasonal members with a potluck dinner since it opened in 1999.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A conceptual drawing shows the location of the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center at The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 12, 2023
City extends Sarasota Performing Arts Center pact deadline

The SPAC Foundation gets another 18 months to develop an implementation agreement with the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The No. 18 hole at Lakewood National Golf Club often sees big crowds during the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 12, 2023
Volunteers still needed for Suncoast Classic

The Korn Ferry golf tournament, held April 20-23, needs course marshals.

  • East County
  • News
Gabriella Vinson grew up on Longboat Key and now lives and works on the island full-time.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 12, 2023
Growing up on Longboat Key

Gabriella Vinson is one of the youngest and most long-term residents on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Members of the Lorraine Lakes community in Lakewood Ranch are concerned a cell phone tower planned not far from the playground will be harmful to children.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 12, 2023
Lorraine Lakes residents concerned about planned cell tower

The Lennar community will have a cell tower built near its amenity center and children's playground.

  • East County
  • News
« 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 »
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