• 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

Sargassum is a "blobby" seaweed that floats on top of the water.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 9, 2023
Scientists say sargassum belt could still hit Sarasota area

Climate Adaptation Center CEO Bob Bunting said an early-season hurricane could push the sargassum farther north into the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The progress pride flag flies at City Hall on May 8. The flags are at half-staff because President Joe Biden ordered flags to be lowered until May 11 out of "respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence" that occurred May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Progress Pride flag on display at City Hall through May 14

The display coincides with the Fabulous Arts Foundation’s annual Pride: Be Fabulous Music & Arts Fest.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dick Vitale stands with members of his All-Courageous team and the gala's 2023 honorees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 8, 2023
2023 Dick Vitale Gala another special evening

The event raised $12.4 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, breaking its own record.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Done with your gun? Turn it in to the Sarasota Police Department

SPD'S Done With the Gun program will accept unwanted firearms and ammunition on May 13.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. James Reed, board certified family medicine physician
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 8, 2023
Reed Medical Group on Longboat expands

The medical group has added a variety of services on the island since it opened.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2023
Rate hike proposed for fire protection assessments

Public meetings are scheduled this month to discuss the proposed 15% ad valorem hike for fiscal year 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Melissa Howard and Marina Wolf-Schmidt are hosting a fashion show, featuring clothing from Monkee's of Lakewood Ranch, to support Everyday Blessings' Springboard Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch fashion show to support teens aging out of foster care

Funds raised at the fashion show, which will feature clothing from Monkee's of Lakewood Ranch, will go toward Everyday Blessings' Springboard Program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Take Care Home Health
  • May 8, 2023
Take Care: Here for Your Family, and Their Own

"It takes a village" is so true in many aspects of life and family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sheila Waid, the principal at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, is excited for Anna Bunyak, a University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduate, to join her staff next school year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 7, 2023
Manatee schools-USF partnership encourages new teachers to stay local

The School District of Manatee County has hired 10 new teachers who graduated from USF Sarasota-Manatee’s education programs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Longboat Key Flower Shop's bouquet filled with roses.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 7, 2023
Local florist gives tips on creating the perfect bouquet for Mother's Day

Longboat Key Flower Shop owner Christy James shares how to pick out flowers with heart for loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Paul A. Budick of Bradenton shows off his rare 1962 Corvette convertible, complete with its original golden grille.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 6, 2023
Corvette show dazzles on St. Armands Circle

Car enthusiasts displayed 174 Corvettes from a variety of eras on Saturday during the 25th annual Corvettes on the Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jeana Prestia and Charlotte Stallings enjoy margaritas.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2023
Rocco's Tacos throws a block party in Lakewood Ranch

Margaritas were the drink of choice at the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Captain Robert Bourque, Captain Rick Hankins, Deputy Chief Frank Rubino, Chief George Turner, Sergeant Adam Montfort, Officer Joe Ferrigine, Sergeant Lee Smith and Officer Dexter Nazareno at Montfort's promotion ceremony.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 6, 2023
Longboat police officer Adam Montfort promoted to sergeant

Montfort started with the department in December 2021 after serving in New York and the U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dick Vitale stands with members of his All-Courageous team and the gala's 2023 honorees.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2023
2023 Dick Vitale Gala has record-setting fundraising night

The event raised $12.4 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

  • Black Tie
Julia King pours Patrón Tequila for Cedric Sullivan, Kyle Wilkinson, and Eduardo Stefonias on May 5, 2023, at Circo's street fest.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 6, 2023
Celebrations take to the streets on Cinco de Mayo

Multiple block parties were held in the downtown Sarasota area on May 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The city of Sarasota is exploring future uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall once a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center is built.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 6, 2023
Applications open for committee to explore future of Van Wezel

With composition and mission parameters approved, seven seats on the Purple Ribbon Committee to recommend future use of the iconic performing arts hall are up for grabs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Valerie Evanko and Rick Skerrett
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 5, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel dinner wraps up the season

Over 60 members got together at the chapel for the season's last hurrah.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pop’s Sunset Grill is on the Intercoastal Waterway across from Casey Key.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 5, 2023
Pop’s Sunset Grill honors restaurant’s roots — and its shrimp Rangoon

Great team. Great food. Sensational views and location. The secret of Pop’s success is no secret at all.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
In addition to a pool, 900 Alameda Lane offers 210 feet of private beach on Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2023
Indian Beach waterfront estate hits the market at $10.9 million

The estate includes a main house, a guest cottage, a carriage house and 210 feet of private beach along Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mangrove forests are one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems in the world. Florida’s estimated 600,000 acres of mangroves contribute to the overall health of the state’s coastal zone in addition to providing some of the best kayaking experiences.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2023
An exploration of Lido’s mangrove tunnels reveals heart of our coastal ecosystem

Key Life’s intrepid reporter encounters Florida’s unique ecosystem on a kayak tour through Lido Key’s magical mangrove tunnels.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An aerial shot of The Bay shows its position alongside Sarasota’s iconic bayfront.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 5, 2023
The Bay Park begins to take shape — and it’s just getting started

A core group of business, civic and philanthropic leaders in Sarasota came together over the past decade for one common cause: to turn a parking lot into a world-class park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sujin Lim's concept of her "Sun Always Shines" proposal.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 5, 2023
Sun shines through clouds in sculpture chosen for Fruitville roundabout

A year after a rejection of Dwell, the city's Public Art Committee picks another sculpture concept, Sun Always Shines, by Sujin Lim. The selection must be approved by the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, celebrate the groundbreaking of the new firing and driving range.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2023
New firing range and driving pad breaks ground in Manatee County

Bradenton Police Department and Manatee Technical College's firing and driving range being built in Myakka City will serve all law enforcement agencies in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 5, 2023
Asolo Repertory Theatre names new managing director

Ross Egan will succeed 50-year Asolo Rep veteran Linda DiGabriele on July 1.

  • Arts + Culture
The original Revere Quality House now serves as a guest house and pool pavilion for a newer 4,755-square-foot “companion house” built in 2007. Similar design motifs unify the two structures to create a lavish Siesta Key estate.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 5, 2023
Siesta Key property shares tales of two homes — one of which is legendary

Every house has a story or two to tell. But this home on Siesta Key has so many that it’s hard to tell where to begin.

  • Siesta Key
  • Real Estate
American Jewish Committee Regional President Anne Virag and Regional Director Brian Lipton were present for the proclamation.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 4, 2023
Longboat proclaims May as Jewish American Heritage Month

Town Commissioner BJ Bishop read the proclamation at the May 1 regular meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cardinal Mooney's Chris McCorkle has offers from Florida and West Virginia among other NCAA DI schools.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 4, 2023
A look at Sarasota-area spring football

As practice gets underway, here's one thing to watch for each area team during their spring games later this month.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 4, 2023
Man arrested in Sarasota for January murder in Bradenton

Sarasota Police and U.S. Marshals apprehend 24-year-old Dorian Brooks on multiple felonies.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wayne Gaither, FDOT District One Southwest Area Office Director speaks to the Sarasota Chamber during last week's State of the Community event.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 4, 2023
I-75 plans prioritize efficiency, safety while keeping up with growth

FDOT Director Wayne Gaither discussed goals and challenges of local highway planning during the State of the Community event.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This condominium in The Vue tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $4.5 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,816 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 4, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for April 17-21 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A condominium in The Vue tops the week’s sales at $4.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 4, 2023
Neighbors ask city to block construction of 18-story downtown condos

Bay Plaza residents tell commissioners that the planned 347-foot condo tower, Obsidian, is out of scale and is detrimental to the neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • News
FPL released its 2023 hurricane season residential storm tips.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 4, 2023
FPL releases storm-ready tips ahead of hurricane season

Hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sailors senior Tyler Maszak slides safely into second base.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 3, 2023
Playoff updates for Sarasota-area high school programs

Local teams and athletes in track and field, baseball, softball and beach volleyball are still alive.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
As much as SOS is an inviting place for people to behold birds — from pelicans to parakeets — the facility’s primary business is helping to revive ailing ones.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 3, 2023
Save Our Seabirds takes off on expansion plans for the nonprofit

Aaron Virgin, the new CEO of Save our Seabirds, has big plans for the avian sanctuary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Irene Chang-Britt’s story is one of personal growth and reinvention.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 3, 2023
Former Pepperidge Farm CEO is living her dream life on Bird Key

Irene Chang-Britt, the former CEO of Pepperidge Farm, shares her tales of success — and why retiring on Bird Key is the sweetest part.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Woman called police after yelling at child for picking flowers at Payne Park
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 3, 2023
Woman called police after yelling at child for picking flowers at Payne Park

Bikers damaging a car, phantom spit and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
« 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 »
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