Your Observer

Ryan Kohn
May 15, 2023

Lakewood Ranch powerhouse teams ousted early in playoffs

After making at least the Final Four two years in a row, Lakewood Ranch High's softball program and ODA's baseball program can't build upon their recent domination.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
May 15, 2023

Road rage ends in fatal shooting Saturday night

A pickup truck driver was killed after shooting into an occupied sedan on Fruitville Road on Saturday.

Sarasota
News

Sidra Wali
May 15, 2023

Five Tennis For Fun Sarasota athletes head to state championship

The nonprofit, which offers free clinics for athletes with disabilities, wrapped up its third season with three gold and two silver medals.

Sarasota
Neighbors

In Memoriam |

May 15, 2023

Barbara Cohen

BARBARA COHEN on May 10, 2023.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Sidra Wali
May 15, 2023

Bamboo clothing, bedding retailer cuts ribbon on St. Armands

Cariloha Sarasota celebrated its reopening with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce on May 4.

Longboat Key
Business

Liz Ramos
May 15, 2023

Tara Elementary opens Banana Leaf Restaurant for one night only

Kindergartners took on roles within the restaurant, which served Italian, Peruvian, Thai and Vietnamese food.

East County
Schools

Andrew Warfield
May 15, 2023

Planning Board tables Ritz-Carlton Residences plan for The Quay

Concerns over impact on Belle Haven and the recreational trail cause Ritz-Carlton Residences II developer to request continuance for its proposed 78-condo tower on Blocks 7 and 8.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
May 14, 2023

Temple Emanu-El offers its blessing to pets

The Sarasota temple hosted its annual Pet Shabbat/Blessing of the Animals event on May 13.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 14, 2023

FabAF festival brings community together

The annual Pride: Be Fabulous Music & Arts Fest celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community and encourages activism and fostering change through the arts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 14, 2023

County reinstates full Economic Development Corp. funding, for now

With new leadership and a new board, county commissioners decided to give the EDC one year to prove itself — or risk a funding cut.

Sarasota
News

Lauren Tronstad
May 14, 2023

Mayor Schneier, Commissioner Bishop win awards for advocacy efforts

The Longboat Key town government officials received Home Rule Hero awards from the Florida League of Cities.

Longboat Key
News

Miri Hardy
May 14, 2023

Native wildlife, plants thrive as result of seasonal low water levels at Myakka

Shorebirds, including imperiled species such as black skimmers, benefit from ongoing efforts to restore natural hydrology in the park.

East County
Neighbors

Sidra Wali
May 13, 2023

Longboat Harbour hosts Kentucky Derby Party

Residents got together to watch the derby with barbecue and mint juleps.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Elaine Glickman
May 13, 2023

Temple Emanu-El celebrates Mitzvah Day at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

Temple Emanu-El congregants volunteered at at the Lakewood Ranch animal rescue for Mitzvah Day.

East County
Neighbors

James Peter
May 13, 2023

Paradise Center hosts members for season’s send-off party

The event was a special thank-you to members for their continued support.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
May 13, 2023

Palm Aire Women's Club donates to Sarasota, Manatee nonprofits

Grants from the women's club went to six nonprofits.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 12, 2023

Consulting service seeks to empower at-home caregivers

Two certified nursing assistants have launched Senior Consulting & Staff Support, whose goal is to offer caregivers the resources they need to keep seniors at home.

Sarasota
Business

In Memoriam |

May 12, 2023

Richard (Rick) Raymond Williams

Richard (Rick) Raymond Williams (almost 95 years around the sun!) of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023 surrounded by family and friends.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Lauren Tronstad
May 12, 2023

City asks neighbors' opinion on the return of St. Armands winter fest

Residents can email their opinions through June 2.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
May 12, 2023

Talk law enforcement with police over a cup of coffee

The Sarasota Police Department will host its next Coffee with a Cop on May 18 at a downtown McDonald's.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
May 12, 2023

Sarasota promotes new county attorney from within

Assistant County Attorney Josh Moye will succeed the retiring Rick Elbrecht on June 12.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
May 11, 2023

Sarasota softball credits lights-out season to team chemistry

The Sailors are 20-4 and won their district championship game 5-3 over Lakewood Ranch High.

Sarasota
Sports

Lesley Dwyer
May 11, 2023

Ranch Nite Wednesdays wrapping up in Waterside Place

May 31 is the last event of the season until Ranch Nite Wednesdays return in October.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 11, 2023

Heritage Awards highlight where history lives in the community

Sarasota residents have been at work preserving historic structures and collections that embody the area's history.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 11, 2023

Downtown luxury condo supply remains shy of demand

Although more than 600 units are planned or under development in Sarasota, the influx of buyers from across the country, many of them paying cash, still outpaces development.

Sarasota
News

Adam Hughes
May 11, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for April 24-28 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis, Osprey

A home in Nokomis tops all transactions in this week's real estate at $3.35 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Ian Swaby
May 11, 2023

Second grader becomes mayor of Sarasota for a day

Mayor Kyle Battie showed second grade student Daniel Hernandez how local government works.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
May 10, 2023

Updated incentives could bring affordable housing to east Bradenton

The Livable Manatee Incentive Program works to benefit builders and residents.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
May 10, 2023

Lakewood Ranch veterans take to the skies during Dream Flight

Nine Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living residents fly over Sarasota in a Boeing-Stearman biplane.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
May 10, 2023

Proposed RV park on Lorraine Road concerns Lakewood Ranch residents

The proposed RV park includes 130 sites, no extended stays, a queuing area, clubhouse and bathhouse.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
May 10, 2023

Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement reopens One Park investigation

One day after the state investigating agency concluded no evidence of a crime in a contact between an investor and planning board member, it has reopened the case after receiving 'new evidence.'

Sarasota
News

Sidra Wali
May 10, 2023

Mother's Day brunch at Longboat Key Club promises to delight

A variety of brunch options await members of the Longboat Key Club on May 14.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lauren Tronstad
May 10, 2023

Sarasota landscaper Grant's Gardens expands reach, clientele with merger

After nearly 44 years of operations, Stewart Landscape Management owner Jeb Stewart's employees and clients will become a part of the Grant's Gardens family.