Your Observer

Liz Ramos
May 19, 2023

Mini Mustangs graduation a big moment for Lakewood Ranch High seniors

The pre-K graduation was held on the same day the seniors, who helped teach the Mini Mustangs, received their diplomas.

East County
Schools

Marty Fugate
May 19, 2023

Pascone’s chef loves taking diners on a culinary journey

From fried spaghetti to French cuisine inspiration, Pascone's Ristorante Executive Chef William Sellner’s culinary journey is anything but boring.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Liz Ramos
May 19, 2023

Out-of-Door Academy graduates say goodbye to their 'home'

The 2023 graduates are ready to turn their tassels and take on next adventure.

East County
Schools

By Robert Plunket
May 19, 2023

Country Club East home provides a perfect live/work balance

At Jeff and Katie Goldstein’s home in Country Club East, working from home has never looked — or felt — this good.

East County
Real Estate

Mark Gordon
May 19, 2023

Saputo family reaches its fourth generation of beer wholesalers

Andrea Saputo Cox confidently steps into a leadership role at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

East County
Business

In Memoriam |

May 19, 2023

William I. Weiss, MD

Dr. William I. Weiss died on May 10, 2023, having just turned 101 years old.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Andrew Warfield
May 19, 2023

Four firms remain in the running to design new arts center

The task force formed to select the architect for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will bring four finalists to town for in-person presentations.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
May 18, 2023

Free boat safety inspections held Saturday at Centennial Park

The Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol and Coast Guard Flotilla 84 urge safe boating by offering inspections at Centennial Park as summer approaches.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
May 18, 2023

Gene Witt Elementary hosts Florida Field and Farm Days

Students received agriculture and history during the special event.

East County
Schools

Ryan Kohn
May 18, 2023

Despite loss, Cardinal Mooney beach volleyball ends season with 'miracle'

The Cougars reached the FHSAA Final Four while missing three seniors who were at graduation.

Sarasota
Sports

Adam Hughes
May 18, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for May 1-5 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey Nokomis

A Sarasota condominium in The Residences tops the week’s sales at $2.5 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Lauren Tronstad
May 18, 2023

Longboat firefighters take the plunge for clean water

Longboat Key Fire Rescue personnel joined other area departments in Bradenton Beach in support of Islanders 4 Clean Water.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
May 18, 2023

Developer reveals transformative plans for Sarasota Square mall

Torburn Partners is planning 1,200 apartments and 500,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and commercial space on the former mall site.

Sarasota
News

Eric Snider
May 18, 2023

Homebuilders give back through nonprofit program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s Builders Give Back program raises valuable funds and awareness.

East County
Neighbors

Eric Snider
May 18, 2023

Get up close with elephants in one ranch’s conservation mission

Sanctuaries like Myakka Elephant Ranch provide a humane way to mingle with the world’s largest land animals. The experiences are filled with messaging about the plight of the smart, sensitive creatures.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 18, 2023

Sarasota summer learning programs keep students on track

The Summer Success Institute and Summer Learning Academies ensure students continue learning during the summer.

Sarasota
Schools

Ian Swaby
May 18, 2023

Art Center Sarasota turns its focus to students

North County K-12 Spring Art Show showcases the work of hundreds of students.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Ronto
May 18, 2023

Ronto Announces Plans to Develop The Owen Golden Gate Point in Downtown Sarasota

Ronto has made reservations for residences at Owen Golden Gate Point available now. Six of the 29 residences have been reserved to date.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Strengthening the energy grid in Sarasota: FPL details local efforts to improve storm resiliency, overall service reliability

In 2023, FPL plans to make a number of upgrades in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

One Park Sarasota is Committed to Raising the Benchmark of Luxury Living

One Park Sarasota development is primed to elevate luxury within Sarasota’s real estate market.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch High seniors move onto the next chapter

More than 600 students received their diplomas during graduation.

East County
Schools

Lesley Dwyer
May 17, 2023

Peach’s in Creekwood Crossing reopens after nearly two years

The breakfast and lunch restaurant on State Road 70 was closed for nearly two years to the day because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Matt Walsh
May 17, 2023

Longboat’s hot topic: A garage

More and more people are flocking to Florida. And they want restaurants where they can get in. Don’t worry. Longboat will be Longboat. Even better.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Lesley Dwyer
May 17, 2023

Retired colonel to lead Tribute to Heroes parade in Lakewood Ranch

In 2021, two-time Purple Heart recipient Gill Ruderman was inducted into the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.

East County
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
May 17, 2023

Government by the people? Not for Siesta Key

Advocates for incorporating Siesta Key spent fulfilled state requirements to conduct a referendum. But so much for government "by the people." Florida lawmakers decided they know better than citizens.

Sarasota
Opinion

Louis Llovio
May 17, 2023

New flagship Fleming's steakhouse coming to UTC

A restaurateur is building its new 13,000-square-foot flagship restaurant in Tampa and plans to grow the chain to 100 locations, starting with a new location in Manatee County.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Andrew Warfield
May 17, 2023

One Park attorney calls reopened state inquiry 'baseless'

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has not disclosed why it reopened a preliminary investigation into claims of impropriety.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
May 17, 2023

The search continues for a new Manatee County administrator

Municipal recruiting firm Colin Baenziger & Associates will be conducting a national search for Manatee County.

East County
News

Ian Swaby
May 17, 2023

Postal Service helps local food bank stamp out hunger

The May 13 food drive collected several tons of food for the All Faiths Food Bank.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
May 17, 2023

Graduation is a time of celebration and reminiscing

East County graduates, and Observer columnist, have four years worth of memories to treasure.

East County
Opinion

Ryan Kohn
May 17, 2023

Under-the-radar Sarasota spring athletes get their due

These athletes made noise in 2023 even when their high school teams didn't.

Sarasota
Sports

Adam Hughes
May 17, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for May 1-5 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on Cleveland Drive tops the week's sales at $4.2 million.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
May 17, 2023

False shoplifting accusation results in a 44-cent refund

A man was falsely accused by grocery store employees of stealing bananas. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.