Your Observer

Carter Weinhofer
July 3, 2023

An oversight and supply chain issues delay underground utility project

The team working on the underground utility project recently realized existing underground transformers need to be replaced. Due to supply chain issues, this pushes the project back about six months.

Longboat Key
News

Jay Heater
July 2, 2023

Robot donation a coup for State College of Florida's Coding Academy

Two Lakewood Ranch businesses, RND Automation and Certified Collectibles, combine to make an important donation to the school.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
July 2, 2023

City of Sarasota publishes proposed Public Art Plan 2030

The 100-page plan lays out the city's strategy for expanding its public art collection over the next seven years.

Sarasota
News

Carter Weinhofer
July 2, 2023

Cell service improvements on the horizon with AT&T lease

A new lease agreement with AT&T will help increase cell service on Longboat Key and decrease the possibility of dropped calls, without being visually intrusive.

Longboat Key
News

Jay Heater
July 1, 2023

Head-on collision on SR 70 near Myakka City leaves one dead

A 42-year-old Sarasota woman was killed on S.R. 70 when her car crossed the center line into the path of an SUV.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
July 1, 2023

Aviation Maintenance Technician School ready for takeoff at SRQ

Manatee Technical College and Suncoast Technical College, among other partners, celebrate the groundbreaking of the new aviation school that will offer hands-on opportunities for students.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
July 1, 2023

Nine local companies win CareerEdge grants

The Greater Sarasota Chamber program awarded $205,000 to help advance careers of current employees.

Sarasota
Business

By Letter to the Editor
June 30, 2023

Readers respond to the 'High side of Obsidian'

Readers object to the Obsidian condominium development's size, scale and use.

Sarasota
Opinion

Ian Swaby
June 30, 2023

Sarasota resident recalls her time shaping America’s favorite city park

Carolyn Angiolillo formerly served as an urban park ranger in Central Park as well as other New York City parks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
June 30, 2023

Ocean Prime's upscale dining will be alongside retail, condos at The Quay

High-end seafood and steak restaurant Ocean Prime will feature marina views and two levels of dining at the Sarasota development.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
June 30, 2023

Record condo listing sells for $11.15 million

The two-level penthouse in the Epoch building has more than 6,000 square feet of interior space and 1,700 square feet of outdoor space.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
June 29, 2023

Sarasota police search for missing man

Police are asking for public assistance in locating 67-year-old Roger May.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
June 29, 2023

Toddlers take over the Green at UTC of Sarasota

Every fourth Wednesday of the month, UTC hosts the Kids Club for a game day.

East County
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
June 29, 2023

Benderson Park paddlers share Team USA journeys

The park will be represented by 10 athletes at the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Thailand.

Sarasota
Sports

Jay Heater
June 29, 2023

Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch indeed lands of opportunity

While Sarasota built its arts reputation to separate from other beach communities, Lakewood Ranch carved paradise out of the wild.

East County
Neighbors

Monica Roman Gagnier
June 29, 2023

Three pioneers who changed the face of Sarasota and Manatee counties

Lewis Colson, John Schroeder and Bertha Palmer were trailblazers in frontier Florida.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
June 29, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for June 12-16 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Paradise Shores home on Sparrow Court tops the week's sales at $5.95 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Jay Heater
June 29, 2023

Love the Market at Lakewood Ranch? Cast your vote

The America's Farmers Market Celebration competition is running nationwide through Sept. 19.

East County
Opinion

Liz Ramos
June 29, 2023

Opportunities for all

The American dream is alive and well in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Opinion

Andrew Warfield
June 29, 2023

Bobby Jones restoration reaches last major milestone

Sprigging the greens at the city-owned golf course means rebuilding the Donald Ross design is nearing completion.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
June 29, 2023

Locals team up to clean up July 4 litter left on beaches

A local sports store is partnering with AT&T to clean up litter on Siesta Key beaches from Fourth of July festivities and to show some love for the area’s beauty.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
June 29, 2023

Osteria 500 set to open at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

The Italian restaurant will be fully open by the second week of July after a soft opening.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Andrew Warfield
June 29, 2023

Downtown tower receives partial city sign-off

Obsidian, the controversial condominium tower planned for Palm Avenue, still faces unresolved issues with city staff.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
June 28, 2023

SMH breaks ground on research and education institute

The $75 million project will enhance training programs and help retain physicians locally.

Sarasota
News

A time to celebrate |

June 28, 2023

Suncoast Community Church

Celebrating 25 Years !

Sarasota
Celebrations

Ryan Kohn
June 28, 2023

Take on these Sarasota food challenges — if you dare

In honor of July 4's hot dog challenge, these local challenges will have your mouth and stomach putting up a fight.

Sarasota
Sports

Ryan Kohn
June 28, 2023

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Connor Heald

The Cardinal Mooney basketball player scored 39 points in a FABC camp game June 18.

Sarasota
Sports

Liz Ramos
June 28, 2023

College degree leads to new opportunities for first-generation graduate

Bradenton's Shelbie Ricks will pass on her family's agriculture knowledge and legacy as a teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School.

East County
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
June 28, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for June 12-16 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Country Club Shores home on Halyard Lane tops the week's sales at $4.1 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Ian Swaby
June 28, 2023

Sarasota High School graduate carries on family's dreams

Alejandro Peralta, whose parents came from Ecuador to pursue their dreams, carries on their story in America.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
June 28, 2023

Greatest civil document

The Declaration of Independence was much more than a secession from tyranny. It changed the world.

Sarasota
Opinion

James Peter
June 28, 2023

Hunter aims to teach the importance of conservation

Sarasota's Larysa Switlyk has taken a path less traveled to make her mark as an adventure TV host. Now she’s launching a nonprofit to get more people outdoors and educate on hunting and conservation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 28, 2023

With no buzzards around, no body is found

Police searched a vacant property for a reported body with no results and no scavengers in sight. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.