Your Observer

Lauren Tronstad
February 21, 2023

Longboat couple encourages safety online and in-person

Mike and Lynn Madden are co-founders of Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment, a New York-based program focused on the well-being of retirees.

Longboat Key
News

Lesley Dwyer
February 20, 2023

Bird Key dogs fundraise for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

The event raised over $4,000 to go to Nate's capital campaign. The rescue is seeking $10 million to expand their facility.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
February 20, 2023

Lack of convention space — again — concerns Sarasota business leaders

With the pending demolition of one major property, a go-to ballroom spot for Sarasota events is being taken off the board.

Sarasota
Business

Lesley Dwyer
February 20, 2023

Temple Beth Israel celebrates 44 years on Longboat

The anniversary party was held on Feb. 19 at Michael's On East.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
February 20, 2023

Mustangs girls soccer players reflect after regional final loss

The Lakewood Ranch High team says they have plenty of positive memories from a season that ended short of the state semifinals.

East County
Sports

In Memoriam |

February 20, 2023

Brian Roy Mahoney Palfrey

Brian Roy Mahoney Palfrey, 88, died Monday, February 13, 2023.

East County
Tributes & Obituaries

Liz Ramos
February 20, 2023

New training prepares maternity nurses for life-or-death tests

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center maternity unit nurses hone their knowledge on postpartum hemorrhages in an escape room activity.

East County
News

Lauren Tronstad
February 20, 2023

Longboat welcomes new businesses to north end

Sips coffee shop and a mental health private practice have opened their doors on the barrier island.

Longboat Key
Business

Lesley Dwyer
February 19, 2023

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church feeds neighbors in need

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church held a packaging event for Kids Against Hunger on Feb. 11 to benefit one organization in Bradenton and another in Fort Myers.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
February 19, 2023

As Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expands, it has a pro at the helm

Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, empowers his staff by providing what they need to do their best.

East County
Business

Ian Swaby
February 19, 2023

Patrons love tweaks in St. Barbara Greek Festival

The 39th annual festival is the first since the death of Father Frank Kirlangitis, the first full-time priest at the church.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 19, 2023

Special Olympics equestrian competition puts riders’ skills on display

The event brought together competitors and families from Sarasota, Manatee and Lee counties.

East County
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
February 19, 2023

Graceful estate in The Lake Club embraces the natural world just beyond

The Zabels’ home is a tranquil waterfront retreat in The Lake Club. Even the ceilings of this custom home make a good impression.

East County
Real Estate

Jay Heater
February 18, 2023

Mardi Gras run raises funds for nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund event attracted almost 300 participants for its inaugural Run for the Beads.

East County
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
February 18, 2023

Gatsby Speakeasy Soirée raises more than $70,000 for nonprofits

The Sisterhood for Good event drew more than 300 guests who revisited the Roaring '20s.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
February 17, 2023

Longboaters sip, shop and spy for the library

Author Jane Hughes signed copies of her latest book, "The Spy's Wife," at a Sip & Shop event to benefit Longboat Library.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
February 17, 2023

Airline adds new nonstop route at SRQ

Discount carrier Avelo Airlines adds a second route from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Sarasota
News

Andrew Warfield
February 17, 2023

Neighbors challenge city's Bath & Racquet Club decision in court

A complaint filed by nearby residents alleges that the city failed to follow its own development rules and improperly considered their legal standing as aggrieved persons to deny hearing their appeal.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
February 17, 2023

Seaplace residents get cooking

Everything from appetizers to desserts were shared in the clubhouse.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Emily Leinfuss
February 17, 2023

Need a break? Here are some Lakewood Ranch spots for a quick respite

Hurrying through life is a great way to miss it. Lakewood Ranch is packed with beautiful reasons to slow down.

East County
Neighbors

Jay Heater
February 16, 2023

Building events center piqued interest of Benderson Park's new COO

Former IMG executive Bruce Patneaude wants to put his stamp on Nathan Benderson Park.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
February 16, 2023

SPD investigates accidental death at condo construction site

A painter fell 13 floors at the Bayso condominiums construction site in The Quay and later died.

Sarasota
News

Dariela Delgado
February 16, 2023

Empath Health asks for a helping hand

Empath Health is in need of volunteers who want to help patients, families and the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Amy Bentley
February 16, 2023

Only took one tour to hook Sandy Humenik on Florida Center for Early Childhood

Sandy Humenik’s life’s journey had a great beginning. She now helps Florida Center for Early Childhood offer the same opportunities to area children and their families.

East County
Schools

Adam Hughes
February 16, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. for Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Sarasota home on Gulfview Drive tops the week's sales at $3 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Ryan Kohn
February 16, 2023

Sarasota NCAA athletes get their seasons underway

This group of alumni has the potential for big seasons in 2023.

Sarasota
Sports

By Eric Snider
February 16, 2023

Nonprofit races to meet goal to fund collections for new Lakewood Ranch library

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch Library, with Sue Ann Miller at the helm, moves forward in its fundraising efforts to fill the shelves of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 16, 2023

Manatee gives green light to buy environmentally significant properties

Two properties along the Manatee River are among three environmentally significant parcels that ELMAC is attempting to purchase for the county with funding from the Parks Projects Referendum.

East County
News

Miri Hardy
February 16, 2023

Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

East County
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
February 16, 2023

City backs up repeal of back-in parking ban

Back-in parking will now be allowed in city-owned and -controlled parking facilities at the city manager's discretion.

Sarasota
News

Andrew Warfield
February 16, 2023

Second attainable housing town hall set for March 1

The follow-up to the first town hall session in January will include strategies to encourage more affordable residences downtown.

Sarasota
News

By Child Protection Center
February 16, 2023

Child Protection Center Expanding in North Port for Child Abuse Victims

In 2021, CPC purchased a large property in North Port, to meet the growing need of child abuse services post COVID pandemic. Recently, North Port was ranked the 2nd fastest growing city in the United States.