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Your Observer

Andy Guz leads by shining the light on staff and not on himself.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 19, 2023
As Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expands, it has a pro at the helm

Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, empowers his staff by providing what they need to do their best.

  • East County
  • Business
Boca Raton's Sammy Zaparegos sends the flames roaring.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2023
Patrons love tweaks in St. Barbara Greek Festival

The 39th annual festival is the first since the death of Father Frank Kirlangitis, the first full-time priest at the church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Volunteer Melissa Newton accompanies Lakewood Ranch's 15-year-old Sophie Barry, as does volunteer Sarah Cripe.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2023
Special Olympics equestrian competition puts riders’ skills on display

The event brought together competitors and families from Sarasota, Manatee and Lee counties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home faces a tiny bay in one of the lakes that give The Lake Club its name.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 19, 2023
Graceful estate in The Lake Club embraces the natural world just beyond

The Zabels’ home is a tranquil waterfront retreat in The Lake Club. Even the ceilings of this custom home make a good impression.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
DJ Jose Ramirez, Chuck Sidlow and Event Chair Annemarie Neubecker entertain the crowd during the after-party.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2023
Mardi Gras run raises funds for nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund event attracted almost 300 participants for its inaugural Run for the Beads.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Christy Carey, Angie Graham, Judy Heuerman and Valerie Esposito go all out for the Gatsby theme. "You have to do the fringe," Carey says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 18, 2023
Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée raises more than $70,000 for nonprofits

The Sisterhood for Good event drew more than 300 guests who revisited the Roaring '20s.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jane Hughes is a Longboat Key resident and author.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2023
Longboaters sip, shop and spy for the library

Author Jane Hughes signed copies of her latest book, "The Spy's Wife," at a Sip & Shop event to benefit Longboat Library.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Avelo has added a second nonstop flight at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to Raleigh, North Carolina.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 17, 2023
Airline adds new nonstop route at SRQ

Discount carrier Avelo Airlines adds a second route from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The planned Bath & Racquet Club will have a residents' pool and a club pool.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 17, 2023
Neighbors challenge city's Bath & Racquet Club decision in court

A complaint filed by nearby residents alleges that the city failed to follow its own development rules and improperly considered their legal standing as aggrieved persons to deny hearing their appeal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lucille Fiore and Jackie Michaelides serve up biscotti and baklava.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2023
Seaplace residents get cooking

Everything from appetizers to desserts were shared in the clubhouse.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
In early 2001, Sarasota Audubon began conducting bird surveys at the Celery Fields. To date, 246 species have been recorded.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • February 17, 2023
Need a break? Here are some Lakewood Ranch spots for a quick respite

Hurrying through life is a great way to miss it. Lakewood Ranch is packed with beautiful reasons to slow down.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bruce Patneaude, who served the previous 12 years as vice president of operations at IMG Academy in Bradenton, said he looks forward to being the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy's COO.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 16, 2023
Building events center piqued interest of Benderson Park's new COO

Former IMG executive Bruce Patneaude wants to put his stamp on Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
A 21-year-old man fell from the 18th floor to the fifth floor at the Bayso construction site in The Quay. He later died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 16, 2023
SPD investigates accidental death at condo construction site

A painter fell 13 floors at the Bayso condominiums construction site in The Quay and later died.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Volunteer BJ Branson, Volunteer Coordinator Shirley Perdisatt, and Volunteer Joanne Terwilliger get crafty with project for the residents.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 16, 2023
Empath Health asks for a helping hand

Empath Health is in need of volunteers who want to help patients, families and the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sandy Humenik understands that enriching experiences in early childhood are vital for a child’s healthy development.
  • By Amy Bentley
  • February 16, 2023
Only took one tour to hook Sandy Humenik on Florida Center for Early Childhood

Sandy Humenik’s life’s journey had a great beginning. She now helps Florida Center for Early Childhood offer the same opportunities to area children and their families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. for Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 16, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. for Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Sarasota home on Gulfview Drive tops the week's sales at $3 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Former Riverview Rams softball player Devyn Flaherty is a star shortstop at FSU.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 16, 2023
Sarasota NCAA athletes get their seasons underway

This group of alumni has the potential for big seasons in 2023.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sue Ann Miller grew up in Philadelphia and recalls her mother taking her and her sister to the historic Chestnut Hill Library.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 16, 2023
Nonprofit races to meet goal to fund collections for new Lakewood Ranch library

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, with Sue Ann Miller at the helm, moves forward in its fundraising efforts to fill the shelves of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Gospel Crusade parcel is located across the river from Christian Retreat.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 16, 2023
Manatee gives green light to buy environmentally significant properties

Two properties along the Manatee River are among three environmentally significant parcels that ELMAC is attempting to purchase for the county with funding from the Parks Projects Referendum.

  • East County
  • News
Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 16, 2023
Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A sign at Bayfront Park reminds drivers back-in parking is not permitted there. That could change at the city manager's discretion thanks to an ordinance amendment approved by the City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 16, 2023
City backs up repeal of back-in parking ban

Back-in parking will now be allowed in city-owned and -controlled parking facilities at the city manager's discretion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
It was standing room only in January's attainable housing town hall as the Sarasota City Hall meeting chambers.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 16, 2023
Second attainable housing town hall set for March 1

The follow-up to the first town hall session in January will include strategies to encourage more affordable residences downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Child Protection Center
  • February 16, 2023
Child Protection Center Expanding in North Port for Child Abuse Victims

In 2021, CPC purchased a large property in North Port, to meet the growing need of child abuse services post COVID pandemic. Recently, North Port was ranked the 2nd fastest growing city in the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Members of the Longboat Key Club gather on Feb. 15 to play cards and raise money for Breast Health Sarasota, Inc.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 15, 2023
Games day raises $10,000 for breast cancer

The Longboat Key Club is a big fundraising venue for Breast Health Sarasota Inc. Club events raised over $85,000 for the organization in 2022 alone.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Booker High girls basketball is headed back to the Final Four after a win over Academy of the Holy Names on Feb. 17.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 15, 2023
Tornadoes girls basketball whirls into regional finals

Booker High used lockdown defense to defeat Gibbs High 69-40 at home Feb. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
James and Misdee Miller continually try to find upgrades for the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club owners share what makes it so special

The game of polo has evolved over 2,500 years. Thanks to James and Misdee Miller, the sport lives on at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Business
Crews work on the Bradenton Beach sewer line replacement Tuesday morning.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 15, 2023
Traffic troubles move to north end of Longboat

The town braced for headaches associated with a Bradenton Beach sewer line project, but commissioners have received few complaints.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Paintings by Carolann Garafola on display include "Lobster Pots on Cortez Island."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2023
Palm Aire’s annual Art Show unveils hidden talent

Carolann Garafola's painting skills were on display for the first time.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Possible parking violator takes revenge on parking meter
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 15, 2023
Possible parking violator takes revenge on parking meter

Motor vehicle-related vandalism is the overarching theme to reports from the files of the Sarasota Police Department in this week’s Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
408 Jackson Drive
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 15, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 for Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key.

A St. Armands home in John Ringling Estates tops the week's sales at $2.8 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Nate’s Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby with Rory.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2023
Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue puts final touches on expansion

The $12 million project will transform a pet rescue center into a world-class haven for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Business
Booker High girls basketball senior Leah DuBose.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Leah DuBose

The Booker High girls basketball senior is averaging 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 15, 2023
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer falls in regional finals

The Mustangs lost 2-1 to Palm Harbor University High in a game that went to penalty kicks.

  • East County
  • Sports
A peacock makes a pit stop on a porch on Fox Street.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 15, 2023
Peacock spotted back on Longboat Key

Peacocks might be looking for another five minutes of fame after raccoons step into the spotlight.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lee Washington has taken the role of interim Manatee County administrator.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Has calm come to Manatee County government with new interim administrator?

The choice of former U.S. Marine Lee Washington should provide a respite from the madness.

  • East County
  • Opinion
No longer inexpensive
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 15, 2023
No longer inexpensive

Housing costs (and government) have made Florida expensive. A great reason to fix policies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
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
2
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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Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
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Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
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5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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