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Your Observer

Silver Buttonwoods are among the tree species available.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 6, 2023
Mature trees available to homeowners through city assistance program

The tree buyer's assistance program helps Sarasota homeowners purchase and plant mature shade trees for as little as $100.

  • Sarasota
  • News
DAR members Shawna Smith, Gina Wilcox, Bonnie Calliotte, Sue Asony, Barbara Wilkes Asony, and Sara De Soto regent Pat Rook.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Daughters of the American Revolution group keeps history present in Sarasota

Community members with ancestral ties to the American Revolution support local causes helping students and veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Residents and visitors of Longboat Harbour enjoy food at their Fourth of July party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 6, 2023
Longboat Harbour hosts Fourth of July party

Residents spent time together on Independence Day over a dinner spread and amazing community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mel Gang, Nancy Chanos, Sandy Endres, June Hessel, Dick Antonello, Sue Antonello, and Debbie Andy enjoying their Fourth of July dinner outside the Seaplace clubhouse.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 6, 2023
Seaplace Condominiums celebrates Fourth of July

The tight-knit community celebrated Independence Day surrounded by longtime friends and loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bobby Bonilla said he received more text and calls on July 1 than he does on his birthday.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2023
Bobby Bonilla talks baseball, his family and his old contract on his 'Day'

The six-time MLB All-Star and Sarasota resident surprised fans at 99 Bottles on July 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 6, 2023
Preliminary Sarasota County budget increases spending by 36%

Personnel requests keep pace with population increase, but the county administrator looks to trim $3.3 million before submitting a recommended budget for fiscal year 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A condominium in The Tower Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $2.9 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,659 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 6, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for June 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Tower Residences tops the week’s sales at $2.9 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Colton Lawson rides his four wheeler on his family's property.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Four-wheeler rider wins championship despite past limb injury

Seven-year-old Colton Lawson never lost the need for speed after losing the lower part of both legs in 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Former Riverview High swimmer and Olympian Emma Weyant will compete in six events at the 2023 Toyota U.S. Open Championships, held Nov. 29-Dec. 2 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2023
Sarasota athletes get national, local results

A group of swimmers competes at nationals, Little League All-Stars shine, and minor leaguers continue their ascent.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Drew Vanden Heuvel.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Drew Vanden Heuvel

The Sarasota High and Sarasota Tsunami swimmer committed to Old Dominion University in May.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Key Garden Club led Longboat Key's 2023 Freedom fest parade as the Grand Marshal.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Freedom Fest kicks off Longboat Key's Fourth of July just right

The Longboat Key Chamber started its Independence Day celebration with a butterfly release, a patriotic dog costume contest and the shortest parade in America.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rotary is still and has been a part of Sybil and Bill Porter's lives for 43 years.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 5, 2023
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch combines good work and friendship

The club currently has 100 members and is looking to expand.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Greenbrook Adventure Park pavilion was destroyed by fire shortly after midnight Wednesday. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 5, 2023
Fire destroys Greenbrook Adventure Park pavilion

State Fire Marshal's office working to determine the cause of the Lakewood Ranch blaze

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of One Park, which is planned to span across Quay Commons on blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 5, 2023
Request to delay Planning Board appointments rejected

City Commission declines delay on naming two new Planning Board members until after One Park matter concludes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hogs wait in the holding pen at Duette Preserve to be transported to Shogun Farms.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 5, 2023
Manatee County tries to curb feral hog population

Through a pilot program, feral hogs are being trapped and turned into artisanal pork products.

  • East County
  • News
Man wants wife in jail so he can get some quiet time
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 5, 2023
Man wants wife in jail so he can get some quiet time

A man recovering from knee surgery asks police to put his wife in jail for a couple days. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
ODA Coach Rob Hollway pats Michael Luedeke on the head. Hollway led the Thunder to a 9-1 record in 2022.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, East County coaches regroup and recover during the summer break

East County high school coaches take different approaches to the offseason months.

  • East County
  • Sports
Goldfarb shares about how her life experiences and her connections help her run the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Susan Goldfarb builds a lifelong learning community on Longboat

The beloved program director of the Education Center shares how her life of curiosity has been filled with a passion for learning.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Located in Bay Isles, 3150 Bayou Sound is a three-bedroom home sold that for $2.1 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 5, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for June 19-23 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bay Isles home on Bayou Sound tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Sheila Loccisano, David Woods, Tom Ward and Scott Diesenburg
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2023
Stay on the court by preventing common pickleball injuries

A local doctor, instructor and recreational player share the best way to avoid injuries while playing pickleball.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A 2024 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer cruises the water at sunrise.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 5, 2023
Boat sales returning to more favorable seas

After experiencing intense demand in the face of a pressured supply chain during the pandemic, boat retailers are seeing a steadier state.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visitors were impressed with the many fireworks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2023
Sarasota community gathers for July 4 fireworks spectacle

Bayfront Park became a prime viewing location for the fireworks in Sarasota Bay on July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nathan Benderson hosts its annual fireworks display the night before the Fourth of July.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2023
Fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park cap another holiday event

Fireworks on the Lake on July 3 once again draws thousands to the park and the surrounding area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Legacy Golf Club's foursome of PGA members included Kevin Paschall, Wendi Patterson, K.C. Bartlett and Jeff Boudrie. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 4, 2023
East County golf pros rally to support the Tim Beckwith Memorial Pro-Am

The charity event will be held July 10 at Sarasota's TPC Prestancia to raise scholarship funds.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River boys basketball junior Marcus Schade.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 4, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Marcus Schade

The Braden River High rising senior boys basketball guard has upped his game this summer.

  • East County
  • Sports
Gust of wind accused of blowing trash into Sarasota Bay
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 4, 2023
Gust of wind accused of blowing trash into Sarasota Bay

Partygoers accused of littering blame the wind. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This Country Club home at 7217 Greystone St. sold for $2.1 million. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,861 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 4, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for June 19-23 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Greystone Street tops the week's sales at $2.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The Sage Residences represent 11 of the 14 sales over $5 million so far in 2023.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 4, 2023
Rising demand for luxury real estate charged by pandemic, other factors

Longboat Key real estate continues to be defined by a luxury market, while a newer ultra luxury market begins to grow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sherry King, Shirley Martin and Melissa Martin showing off their Martin women medallions.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 4, 2023
Longboat Key family celebrates strong ties and long history in the area

Coincidences and kismet mean multiple family members have wedding anniversaries and birthdays on the same date.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Gladiator Canados boat piloted by Ervin Grant of Massachusetts and Michel Karsenti of Miami Beach, Florida races against the the Waves and Wheels / Doug Wright boat piloted by Logan Adan of Melbourne, Florida and Ricky Maldonado of Palmetto, Florida.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 3, 2023
Boat racers power through big waves and summer heat at Grand Prix

The 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix drew 60 teams of racers to the waters off Lido Beach on July 1 and 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy staff members and school partners tour the new upper school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 3, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's upper school takes shape

The building is expected to be complete in time for the first day of school Aug. 10.

  • East County
  • Schools
A reader responds to the St. Regis parking garage
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • July 3, 2023
A reader responds to the St. Regis parking garage

This reader argues in favor of the garage and its potential positive effect on property values.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jason Wysong says he feels "as well prepared as anyone could be to come into a superintendent seat."
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 3, 2023
School superintendent Jason Wysong talks about his priorities in Manatee County

Jason Wysong shares his vision for the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
The renovations at Melting Pot Sarasota included new fabrics, carpet, paint, artwork, lighting and exterior signage.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • July 3, 2023
Fondue chain one-third of the way through $30 million renovation

The Melting Pot Sarasota wrapped its renovation around a new focus on the bar area.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • July 3, 2023
Dolphin found stranded on Longboat has new home

A dolphin that was washed up on Longboat Key in February now lives at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol, uses a vehicle rollover simulator to demonstrate the dangers of driving aggressively during an FDOT seminar.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 3, 2023
Aggressive drivers on the road to disaster in East County

State Road 70 continues to be a dangerous highway due to crazy driving habits.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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