• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Andrew Warren was a state attorney representing Hillsborough County until his suspension in August 2022. He recently spoke at the Longboat Key Democratic Club's June event.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 8, 2023
Former state attorney Andrew Warren dissects DeSantis' policies

The Longboat Key Democratic Club welcomed Warren as their June 6 guest speaker. He discussed his suspension and the governor's recent actions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A synthetic ice skating rink was a main attraction during the Winter Spectacular at St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 7, 2023
Winter Spectacular 2023 will not take place

Organizers of the 2022 St. Armands Circle event cite continued resistance of residents for not pursuing a city permit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nico Villalobos controls the ball for the Sarasota Paradise.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 7, 2023
Sarasota Paradise soccer team scores on and off field in first home game

The Paradise beat Miami City FC 2-1 on June 3, and the crowd was into the game from the start.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The conservancy replaces standard lights with amber, orange, or red lights that use long wavelengths of 560 nanometers or more.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2023
Sea Turtle Conservancy covers costs of installing turtle-friendly lighting

The nonprofit wants to replace lights at homes, condos and businesses that can disorient sea turtles.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Homes in Lakewood Ranch, including this Neal Signature Homes' Seaside model, continue to fly off the shelf. Lakewood Ranch continues to be ranked as the No. 1-selling, multi-generational, master-planned community in the U.S.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 7, 2023
Neal Development announces new project for Lakewood Ranch

Waterbury neighborhood will offer 21 homes, starting at $1.5 million.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 7, 2023
Woman arrested in Saturday morning shooting

Carrie Ecklund of Sarasota faces charges of criminal mischief and firearm possession while committing a felony.

  • Sarasota
  • News
How the states' highway systems rank, via Reason Foundation's 27th Annual Highway Report
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • June 7, 2023
Florida highways among top 10

Don’t be shocked. When compared to other states, Florida’s DOT keeps the state’s urban and rural highways well-maintained. Fatalities are a weakness.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The existing signs for The Town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • June 7, 2023
Longboat property values hit another record with $8.33B in value estimates

The town will receive certified property values on July 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A K-8 school is planned for 40 acres south of Academic Avenue and a quarter-mile east of Uihlein Road.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 7, 2023
Three new schools planned for East County

An elementary school, a K-8 school and a high school are planned to help alleviate over-capacity schools and address growth in eastern Manatee.

  • East County
  • Schools
Readers respond to the St. Regis parking garage proposal changes
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • June 7, 2023
Readers respond to the St. Regis parking garage proposal changes

Readers take issue with departures from the original plans.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Unit 1001 of The Beach Residences offers more than 4,100 square feet with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a half bath. It was built in 2005.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 7, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for May 22-26 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Beachfront Residences condominium tops the week's sales at $5.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Man complains about loud music from South Lido Key
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 7, 2023
Man complains about loud music from South Lido Key

Officers can't pinpoint the source of noise and could take no action. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ed Kelly said he likes to compete against himself while bowling — and he would likely do it more often with a bowling facility in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 7, 2023
Lakewood Ranch could use these niche sports

From fencing to chessboxing, these sports could find fans in the area if embraced.

  • East County
  • Sports
Phillip Lanham is the new president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 7, 2023
New foundation leader wants to 'level up' its role in the community

On his second day, the new president and CEO explains why he moved from Cincinnati and how he plans to "level up" the GCCF's philanthropic ambitions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joe Martinez is a lifelong musician who now will be the conductor of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 7, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble welcomes new conductor

Lakewood Ranch's Joe Martinez says he will challenge his talented ensemble.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anne Abgott describes her watercolor techniques.
    By
  • James Peter
  • June 7, 2023
85-year-old watercolorist Anne Abgott’s best work lies ahead

Abgott is winning awards and her instruction is in high demand.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • June 7, 2023
Longboat preps for hurricane season, with Sanibel as cautionary tale

The town's 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Seminar was June 1, kicking off the official start of the 2023 hurricane season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Currently, the Longboat Key Police department has 11 hot seated cars.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 7, 2023
Hybrid police vehicles will soon join Longboat Key's fleet

The June 5 commission meeting saw the approval of the purchase of seven new police vehicles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Marc Loundy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 6, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Marc Loundy

The golfer sank his first hole-in-one May 31 at University Park Country Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Josiah Booker.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 6, 2023
Athlete of the Week: Josiah Booker

The Booker High wide receiver has 12 offers from colleges across the country.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Rendering of proposed parking garage.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • June 6, 2023
St. Regis parking changes denied by Town Commission

Commissioners will vote on a written order of denial June 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Concession home at 8476 Lindrick Lane sold for $4,275,000. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,339 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 6, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for May 22-26 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Lindrick Lane tops the week's sales at $4.28 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2023
The city wants your opinion on regulations for restaurants, bars, nightclubs

Ordinance changes are intended to better define dining and entertainment establishment regulations in the city of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Martha and Curtiss Schantz have been married for over 53 years.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • June 6, 2023
Former commodore duo take command of love, career and retirement

Curtiss and Martha Schantz recounted their years as commodores at Bird Key Yacht Club and their unlikely meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A reader responds to 'These two are the best we can do?'
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • June 6, 2023
A reader responds to 'These two are the best we can do?'

A reader takes issue with a recent opinion piece.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Longboat Key Police Department's newest officer Justin Ramsaier (right) was sworn in on June 2.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • June 6, 2023
Longboat Key Police Department welcomes experienced NYPD officer

Justin Ramsaier has 17 years of experience with the New York Police Department. Now he hopes to connect with Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Bridges says the investigation launched by the city into his contact with a Planning Board member about a project not related to One Park has unduly damaged his reputation.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 6, 2023
One Park investor demands apology from the city

James Bridges of Jebco Ventures says the city's inquiry request into a contact with a Planning Board member was unwarranted and harmful.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A roundabout at the intersection of State Road 70 and Del Webb Boulevard is one of seven planned for the busy and dangerous stretch of road.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 6, 2023
State Road 70 improvements prioritized for 2024

A portion of the project landed on the "Moving Florida Forward" list of 20 high-priority transportation projects.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch Manatees are 3-4 in the National Ball Hockey League as of June 3.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 6, 2023
Manatee Ball Hockey League players test their skills in national league

The players also hope the growth of the Manatee league leads to rink improvements over time.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2023
County seeks public input to secure Hurricane Ian recovery funds

The Sarasota SRQ initiative was created to provide details for use of $201.5 million in federal disaster recovery assistance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Police resolve beach chair-sharing issue
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • June 6, 2023
Police resolve beach chair-sharing issue

Police were called to retrieve private beach chairs being used by the public. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Manatee County is considering the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms, which went on the market in February 2023 for $15.8 million.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 5, 2023
Manatee County hopes to purchase Mixon Fruit Farms in timely manner

Buying the property through its environmentally significant lands program could be a lengthy process.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2023
SPD investigates downtown weekend shooting

The victim is not cooperating with Sarasota police investigators.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brandon Taaffe, president of the board of directors of Sarasota Bay Watch, holds up a knife found at the bottom of the bay.
    By
  • James Peter
  • June 4, 2023
Cleanup removes fishing gear, lawn chair and other debris from Sarasota Bay

Scuba divers, kayakers and on-shore volunteers removed trash from Sarasota Bay near Ken Thompson Park and rescued entangled marine life.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mary Jo Zaksas, Joe Zaksas, Christy May, Glenn Carraher, Cate Stanczyk, and Joe Stanczyk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 4, 2023
Music and nature mingle at Music in the Gardens

The community turned out for an evening at the Sarasota Garden Club with music by The JAM.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
626 S. Owl Drive recently sold for $11.25 million, setting a new record for Bird Key.
    By
  • James Peter
  • June 4, 2023
Bird Key home sells for $11.25 million, sets record for island

The second most expensive listing ever on Bird Key sold the same day.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

Sponsored Content
1
  • June 3, 2026
Keys & Courses: A High-Energy Dueling Piano Dinner Party
2
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
  • June 3, 2026
Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only
3
University Town Center is poised to welcome more than a dozen new tenants, Ikea this summer to Dick's House of Sport in 2027.
  • June 3, 2026
13 new retailers, eateries coming to University Town Center
4
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service
5
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free