Your Observer

Carter Weinhofer
July 21, 2023

Longboat Key drive collects enough blood to save as many as 39 lives

The July 19 blood drive sponsored by the town of Longboat Key saw the donation of 13 units of blood.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
July 20, 2023

Swimming, reading just two activities offered at the YMCA summer camp

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA provides plenty of activities to keep children entertained during the summer.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
July 20, 2023

Extracurricular activities evolve to suit students' interests

With so many differing interests among students, faculty at Sarasota and Manatee county schools are rising to the challenge and introducing new clubs and activities.

Sarasota
Schools

Petra Rivera
July 20, 2023

Longboat Island Chapel charity event collects truckload of toilet paper

The toilet paper collected during the July event was donated to Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Monica Roman Gagnier
July 20, 2023

Manatee, Sarasota school districts work to boost arts programs

After arts programs saw lower involvement as a result of the pandemic, schools are boosting their offerings.

East County
Schools

Andrew Warfield
July 20, 2023

New schools on the way in Sarasota

Three new schools are being constructed to address growth in the central and southern part of the county.

Sarasota
Schools

Liz Ramos
July 20, 2023

Construction projects progress at east Bradenton schools in new school year

Additions or renovations will take place at Freedom and Tara elementary schools, Haile Middle and Lakewood Ranch High.

East County
Schools

Ryan Kohn
July 20, 2023

New Cardinal Mooney AD returns to his roots to boost Cougars

Rafael Fernandez is a 1991 graduate of the school, where he played on the baseball team.

Sarasota
Sports

Observer Staff
July 20, 2023

Sarasota police seek help in vehicle crimes spree

Burglaries and thefts of Kia, Hyundai and Chevrolet models have been reported.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
July 20, 2023

New Sarasota superintendent describes his holistic approach to education

Terrence Connor brings a history of experience in education, having previously held roles including principal, chief academic officer and deputy superintendent.

Sarasota
Schools

Liz Ramos
July 20, 2023

A guide to the Bright Futures Scholarship program

Every student in Florida can attend can receive a post-secondary education for less money through the Bright Futures Scholarship program.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
July 20, 2023

Manatee schools' new superintendent ready to impact more students

Throughout his career, Jason Wysong has been looking for the next opportunity to make a bigger impact.

East County
Schools

Adam Hughes
July 20, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for July 3-7 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home in Kimlira tops the week’s sales at $6.75 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Liz Ramos
July 20, 2023

Mixon Fruit Farms leaves a legacy of making memories in Bradenton

Mixon Fruit Farms prepares to close July 29 after 84 years in operation.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
July 20, 2023

Could Florida's Live Local Act mean affordable housing in high-rises?

The Sarasota City Commission heard about the details, and the likelihood, of new attainable units in high-rise buildings.

Sarasota
News

Louis Llovio
July 20, 2023

Too big for words: Siesta Key’s forgotten ‘king’

He died deep in debt, but MacKinlay Kantor wrote bestsellers, won fiction’s great prizes, hung with Hemingway and brought celebrities to Sarasota.

Siesta Key
News

Andrew Warfield
July 20, 2023

City names committee members to explore options for Van Wezel

The Sarasota City Commission selected a seven-member Purple Ribbon Committee to study possible reuse of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
July 19, 2023

Sentinel chickens used to monitor Manatee County mosquitos

Flocks of chickens across the county keep tabs on three mosquito-borne viruses.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
July 19, 2023

Longtime Sarasota attorney and resident William Getzen dies at 91

A career-long fixture at Williams Parker, Getzen was "a pioneer in the practice of condominium law."

Sarasota
News

Miri Hardy
July 19, 2023

Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk

Help protect wildlife by slowing down and being attentive, especially when passing yellow animal-crossing signs, which indicate you're driving through wildlife habitats.

East County
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
July 19, 2023

Part II of spend, spend …

Thanks to inflation, rising real estate prices and population growth, city and county governments are gushing with cash. And they can’t wait to spend it.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Andrew Warfield
July 19, 2023

Game, set, match: Bath & Racquet redevelopment underway

Demolition has begun on the "rebirth of an icon," rebranded as Bath + Racquet Residences and Club.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
July 19, 2023

Stay in the know on Sarasota sports this week

A football player makes a big commitment, boat races come to Benderson Park, and local rowers get national honors.

Sarasota
Sports

Jay Heater
July 19, 2023

Magic of Manatee singing group names new director

Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner will head the Sweet Adeline's group.

East County
Opinion

Adam Hughes
July 19, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for July 3-7 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Owl Way tops the week's sales at $1.88 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Ryan Kohn
July 19, 2023

Former Lakewood Ranch baseball pitcher a star in Houston Astros' system

Colton Gordon is the Astros' No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 1 pitching prospect, according to MLB.com.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
July 19, 2023

Woman finds her bag on a porch and then is paid $40 to leave

An evicted noisy short-term roommate kept calling police for help while an officer was on the scene. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.