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Your Observer

A portion of the cost of the new Sarasota County Administration Center is among the projects earmarked for funding by Surtax IV revenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2023
County plans $170 million in penny-tax spending

From the new administration building to park improvements, Sarasota County commissioners hear proposed capital projects funded by the penny sales tax.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Detert was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in 2016.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert has died

The veteran county commissioner and vice chair died at her home on Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Sailor Ben McCabe is now a senior catcher at UCF.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 5, 2023
Spring sports athletes from Sarasota take their cuts

These players have started their seasons on fire at the NCAA level.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
An emergency dredge was completed in summer 2022, but another has become necessary.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 5, 2023
Beer Can Island dredge work to begin this month

The entire project on Longboat Key's north end is expected to be completed in July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cardinal Mooney senior Sean Laureano.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sean Laureano

Laureano is the lone senior on the Cardinal Mooney High boys lacrosse team.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
  • By Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library
  • April 5, 2023
Libraries are for Everyone!

A new library is coming to Lakewood Ranch!

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Nannette and Mark Cobb spent their lives working for other people, so they decided to go their own way and buy a toy store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 5, 2023
Learning Express owners squish and slime their way to a new life

The owners of the new toy store in the Shoppes at University Center risked their savings to enter an industry that some view as failing.

  • East County
  • Business
Arthur Ancowitz and partner Ina Schnell
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2023
Longboat Key philanthropist Ina Schnell dies at 93

Ina Schnell supported numerous local nonprofits and served on the board of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Sarasota downtown and bay front luxury condo market remains robust among second home buyers.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota region among the nation's hottest second home markets

At more than 35% of all mortgages written for second residences, the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area ranks 17th nationally.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 2021 survey showed an 18% decline in seagrass in Sarasota Bay. Seagrass affects more than 75% of marine life. File photo
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 5, 2023
Water conservation essential to maintain drinkable supply

In 2040, Florida could be short about 337 million gallons of drinking water per day, a UF water resources program assistant told Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Andrew Warren, Rick Wilson and Club President Arlene Skversky
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2023
Rick Wilson roasts Gov. Ron DeSantis at Democratic luncheon

On April 4, the co-founder of The Lincoln Project spoke to the Longboat Key Democratic Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Firefighters from East Manatee Fire and Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue work together to take the roof off a car to extricate a patient.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
EMS Field Day unites emergency organizations to learn new skills

EMS providers offer hands-on opportunities to learn new skills to use in the field.

  • East County
  • News
Rev. Chris Wood holds the cross during the Good Friday walk down Main Street.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 5, 2023
Stations of the Cross walk welcomes all denominations

The event is expected to draw 1,000 attendees from across the community and is led by area churches of different denominations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will be at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy to share skills and tools that can be used to promote emotional well-being.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
Brain Health Initiative teaches emotional wellness with Choose Love Movement

Scarlett Lewis, the founder of the Choose Love Movement, will help Lakewood Ranch community members learn social-emotional skills.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 465 E. Royal Flamingo Drive recently sold for $1.5 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 5, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 20-24 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on East Royal Flamingo Drive tops the week's sales at $3.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Troche will be sworn in during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday at SPD headquarters.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
'Chat with the Chief': SPD's Troche starts a podcast

The new podcast with Police Chief Rex Troche will share unknown stories of department activities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Backup cameras blinded by spray-painting vandal
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Backup cameras blinded by spray-painting vandal

Green paint, a smashed windshield, damaged tires and more from a vehicle vandalism week from the files of the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Officer Jeffery Vogt was driving unit 83 in the collision with the Tesla driven by Charles and Marjory Barancik.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 5, 2023
Police department arrests increase in crime-free Longboat

The increase in arrests is attributed to the higher visibility of the department's officers under Chief George Turner's leadership.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
DeSantis’ weapon: The law
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 5, 2023
DeSantis’ weapon: The law

No Florida governor in the past 50 years has wielded as much power and used the law the way Gov. DeSantis has. It’s all about the ‘BHAGs.’

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School's Noble Pinto, Julian LaBranche, Jaxon Grew and Chloe Kenya pinky promise to go out and play in honor of Justin Darr, who was a physical education teacher.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
McNeal Elementary celebrates life of beloved physical education teacher

In honor of Justin Darr's philosophy to "go out and play," students, staff and Darr's family played sports during the dedication.

  • East County
  • Schools
Willis Smith Construction CEO and owner David Sessions looks back on 35 years with the company, and leading it through its significant growth.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2023
Willis Smith Construction CEO looks back on 35 years of growth

David Sessions has led the Lakewood Ranch-based firm to its status as a giant in the building industry.

  • East County
  • Business
Southeastern Guide Dogs of Palmetto provides service dogs to recipients at no cost.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2023
Daiquiri Deck promotion supports service dog program

Daiquiris for Dogs seeks to raise $10,000 for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
This Lake View Estates at Lake Club home at 14770 Como Circle sold for $2.7 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,821 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 4, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 20-24 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake View Estates at Lake Club home on Como Circle tops the week's sales at $2.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Traffic moves through Longboat Key on Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 4, 2023
Traffic, development remain top concerns of Longboat residents

The 2022 Annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey yielded a 15% response rate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Attempted kidnapping reported at North Lido Beach Park
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 4, 2023
Attempted kidnapping reported at North Lido Beach Park

Sarasota police are investigating a reported abduction attempt that took place April 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Caught before the crime occurred
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 4, 2023
Caught before the crime occurred

An illegally parked vehicle was handled earlier and had a plastic bag in the door. The same bag was seen later and a citation written for littering. This and other reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
David Mizejewski and Peter Gros film an episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in July.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 4, 2023
Wild Kingdom stars speak up for National Wildlife Week

National Wildlife Week was established in 1938. It runs from April 3-9 this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kate Barlaug has been named the principal of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Irene Nikitopoulos has been named the principal of Carlos E. Haile Middle School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 4, 2023
Two east Bradenton schools to have new principals

Haile and Mona Jain middle schools will have new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche, Deputy Chief Scott Mayforth and City Manager Marlon Brown with 10 new patrol officers who were sworn in on Thursday.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 3, 2023
SPD welcomes class of 10 new patrol officers

Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche swears in largest class of new recruits in recent memory.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Braden River sideline erupts after big plays.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 3, 2023
Braden River flag football showcases super team talent

The Pirates flag football team hasn't lost a regular-season game since April 2021.

  • East County
  • Sports
Eliana Lasko-Scott, Eva Hakim, Colton Zukas, Nora Chapman, Nathaniel Geffre, and Alana DeRowe
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2023
Temple Emanu-El educates through community as Passover approaches

An All School Passover Celebration on Sunday taught children the traditions of the Seder.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
LaDazhia Williams said the draw of playing for Coach Kim Mulkey was a factor in her decision to transfer to LSU.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 2, 2023
Former Mustang helps LSU win women's basketball national title

LaDazhia Williams had 20 points and five rebounds in the Tigers' 102-85 championship win over the University of Iowa.

  • East County
  • Sports
The new Kilwins location on Siesta Key is now open.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2023
New Kilwins opens in Siesta Key Village

Siesta Key native Lance Cassagnol returns to his childhood roots with the new dessert shop in Davidson Plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 2, 2023
Longboat Key residents to walk to cure ALS

Bob and Teresa Simmons will lead the Simmons Sole Mates at the Walk to Defeat ALS at Payne Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephanie Crockatt is the first full-time president and CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2023
CEO Stephanie Crockatt talks future for The Bay

“We want this conservancy to be sustainable,” says the new president and CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 1-mile fun run begins.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2023
Runners on Siesta Key raise funds for turtle conservation

The 37th annual Run for the Turtles raised more than $55,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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