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Your Observer

Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, and Doug Wagner, the deputy superintendent of operations, congratulate Kelly Smith-Williams (center), a Lakewood Ranch High School teacher, on being a finalist for Teacher of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 9, 2023
Manatee schools names Lakewood Ranch High teacher as Teacher of the Year

Kelly Smith Williams, an anatomy and physiology teacher, is the School District of Manatee County's 2023 Teacher of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ann Walborn and Ernie Smith volunteer to assemble care packages for Lutheral World Relief.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 9, 2023
Quilting bee aids in disaster relief

Members of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church met on Feb. 3 to assemble 1,000 personal care packages for Lutheran World Relief.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Panache with Pooches Fashion Show models Zooey and Sandy Koolkin give their best pose.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 9, 2023
Pooches take the catwalk

Sarasota Garden Club presents a charity fashion show with furry models.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office arrested a Parrish Community High student for making a video threat against the school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 9, 2023
Students arrested for making mass shooting threats at Parrish Community High

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested two Parrish Community High students for posting a video simulating a shooting on campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
The War of Education
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 9, 2023
The War of Education

The inevitable has been exposed: State-controlled, taxpayer-funded education doesn’t work. The power needs to shift from politicians to parents.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Earth movers continue shaping the 18th fairway at the Bobby Jones Golf Course as sod around the green takes hold and the green awaits planting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 9, 2023
City approves budget for Bobby Jones buildings

A guaranteed maximum price of $5.29 million is set for restrooms, starter building, range building and a temporary clubhouse at the city-owned golf course as restoration work continues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lofts on Lemon, which opened in fall 2022, is an example of what a city-owned workforce housing apartment complex might look like.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 9, 2023
City considers a new approach to workforce housing

Commissioner Erik Arroyo suggests the city build and hold its own workforce housing developments. Staff is now working on a plan to partner with firms to build and operate apartment complexes to bring greater numbers of attainable units online.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School District of Manatee County board members Richard Tatem, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate, Cindy Spray and Gina Messenger are seeking input on the superintendent search.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 9, 2023
Public's feedback sought on hiring of next Manatee district superintendent

The School Board of Manatee County is looking for input on what qualities and characteristics the community wants to see in the next leader of the district.

  • East County
  • News
The new substation will be located at 11506 Rangeland Parkway, which used to be the Lakewood Ranch Information Center.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2023
Manatee County Sheriff's Office is opening new substation in Lakewood Ranch

Former Lakewood Ranch Information Center will house substation until new facility is built at Premier Park.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 4001 Casey Key Road was built in 1964. It has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,812 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Casey Key home topped the week's sale at $4.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Division 1 champions Caitlin McCormick and Angie Eason
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 9, 2023
Observer Challenge volleys between competition and fun

The 22nd annual Observer Challenge was held at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center over the weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brad Johnson, Howard Tipton, Ed Lavallee, Mark Cunningham, Johnathan Lewis, Tom Harmer, Steve Botelho and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman gathered at Harmer's retirement party.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 9, 2023
Town celebrates Harmer's tenure

Dozens of town staff, residents and county colleagues attended his retirement party Monday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town experienced less damage than they anticipated, but continues to seek ensuring resident preparedness.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 9, 2023
Your Town: Longboaters start preparing with Severe Weather Awareness Week

The week of Feb. 6 to Feb. 10 has been marked for educating residents on preparing for severe weather.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Booker High girls basketball junior Jakai Peterson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 9, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jakai Peterson

The Booker High girls basketball player scored 32 points Feb. 3 in a 63-42 win over Avon Park High.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
4. Leonardo Dal Boni received the 2022 USTA Florida Player of the Year Award on Dec. 16 at Payne Park Tennis Center.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 9, 2023
Sarasota Fast Break: 02.09.23

Sarasota Fast Break: 02.09.23

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2023
Red tide levels persist at local beaches

Longboat Key Beach and Bird Key Park have been added to the list of Sarasota County beaches where red tide is detected at low to medium levels.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy announced a shakeup of its leadership on Wednesday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2023
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy hires new COO

Bruce Patneaude replaces Stephen Rodriguez, who guided the Sarasota park to being one of the world's top rowing facilities.

  • East County
  • News
Cassidy David and her Childlike Productions will be bringing smiles to the faces of children during the Bradenton Area River Regatta Feb. 11.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2023
Bradenton regatta features racing, bands and lots of kids' entertainment

Lakewood Ranch's Cassidy David leads the effort to make kids smile on the River Walk.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The parking structure at the Bahia Vista Apartments site will be renovated for use of the residents. The medical practice building to the right will be demolished. The grass area is the former Doctors Hospital location.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2023
Rezoning approved for Bahia Vista Apartments

City commissioners voted 4-1, with Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed, to increase density to allow for the 250-unit apartment project at the former Doctors Hospital site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 8, 2023
Raccoons rise to top of town nuisances

Neighbors of the restaurant, Euphemia Haye, have brought forth issues with the restaurant being overly attractive to raccoons.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Failure to secure the air rights over Quay Commons led to One Park developer Quay 1 and 9 to decline to close on the property resulting in mutual lawsuits with the master developer, Quay Venture.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2023
One Park reports extended deadline to close on Quay property

While legal complaints were being filed in court, Quay master developer GreenPointe and developers of One Park say they reached an agreement to extend to closing deadline on Blocks 1 and 9 as air rights challenge remains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Buffett chooses the Philadelphia Eagles for the win.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 8, 2023
Split decision on Super Bowl LVII

Buffett is an Eagles fan, while Hugh is rooting for the Chiefs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Riverview High senior pitcher Sam Klanot.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 8, 2023
A Sarasota-area spring high school sports preview

As spring contests begin next week, a look at the teams and players to watch in each sport.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Fight over 'shared boyfriend' results in two arrests
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2023
Fight over 'shared boyfriend' results in two arrests

Two women who attacked a third in a fight over a boyfriend they shared were arrested on multiple charges. This and other reports from the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
159 Taft Drive, Unit E105 sells for $2.63 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 8, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 23-27 for Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Lido Key condominium on Taft Drive tops the week's sales at $2.63 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
A synthetic ice skating rink was a main attraction during the Winter Spectacular at St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 8, 2023
Winter Festival redux request tabled by commission

Sarasota City Commission wants hard data from staff before deciding whether to permit a return of the Winter Spectacular at St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jim Wolohan and Alice Green play pickleball at Bayfront Park Tuesday morning.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 8, 2023
Pickleball demand continues to see speedy growth

Bayfront Park pickleball courts are typically full with upwards of 40 people waiting their turn at peak play times.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, says Parrish Community High School has been cleared and is safe after bomb threats were made against the school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2023
Manatee County Sheriff's Office investigating bomb threats at Parrish Community High School

The campus has been declared safe after students were evacuated and a thorough search was conducted.

  • East County
  • News
Guest speakers Susan Lowy and Pavitra Ciavardone
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 7, 2023
Bird Key Yacht Club enjoys Goodwill and good friends

The Seafarers lecture series is held monthly in the club's ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Staff
  • February 7, 2023
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2022-23

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2022-23 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Administrator Scott Hopes served as Manatee County administrator for 22 months.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 7, 2023
Scott Hopes out as Manatee County administrator

The embattled administrator, who was hired in May 2021, had reorganized the face of Manatee County's government.

  • East County
  • News
The School District of Manatee County has announced a press conference Tuesday to address the bomb threat at Parrish Community High School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 7, 2023
Manatee school district to address threat at Parrish Community

Parrish Community High students were evacuated Tuesday in response to a bomb threat.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota Police Department held a charity corn hole tournament at UTC’s The Green on Feb. 4
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 7, 2023
SPD hosts charity cornhole tournament

First responders and community members show their support for the Dederick family with corn holes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Smart watch incorrectly watches out for wearer
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • February 7, 2023
Smart watch incorrectly watches out for wearer

Wrist-worn tech calls police, but there wasn't anything wrong. This and other police reports on Longboat Key in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Cardinal Mooney won a district title Feb. 3 with a 70-30 win over Bradenton Christian.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 7, 2023
Trio of stars lead Sarasota's Cardinal Mooney to No. 4 class ranking

The Cougars are seeking a third-straight trip to the state Final Four.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Mill Creek home at 1220 Mill Creek Road sold for $2.2 million. It has three bedrooms, five baths and 2,804 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 7, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 23-27 in Lakewood Ranch

A Mill Creek home tops the week's sales at $2.2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
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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
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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
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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
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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