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Your Observer

Good egg Margo Semenchuk poses with the Easter Bunny.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 10, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel hosts Ukrainian Easter for refugees

The Danube International Company threw an Easter party on April 8 in the chapel's garden.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hurricane Ian made landfall Sept. 28, 2022.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 10, 2023
2023 hurricane season predicted to bring 14 named storms

Climate Action Center CEO Bob Bunting forecasts seven hurricanes, two or three of which as a Category 3 or higher, more evenly distributed throughout the hurricane season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SPD investigates Sunday evening shooting that left two injured
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 10, 2023
SPD investigates Sunday evening shooting that left two injured

Two people were injured in a Maple Avenue shooting that also resulted in bullet holes in 11 vehicles and two homes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Freedom Elementary School's eight-classroom addition is expected to be complete in July.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 10, 2023
Freedom Elementary addition on schedule for July completion

The $4 million, eight-classroom addition at the school is on time and on budget.

  • East County
  • Schools
Byeong Hun An won the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 10, 2023
How past winners of the Suncoast Classic are faring now

Some have thrived, while others have struggled to replicate their Suncoast Classic success at Lakewood National.

  • East County
  • Sports
Guests have the opportunity to meet characters related to the prom's theme. This year, guests will meet Beast, Mrs. Potts and other "Beauty and the Beast" characters.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 9, 2023
Night with the Stars Prom to return to Bradenton for those with disabilities

After a three-year absence due to the pandemic, the prom is back at Woodland Community Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Items from Daiquiri Deck are displayed at the expo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2023
Businesses come together at Sarasota Chamber Grand Expo

A chamber executive staff member said the turnout at the event saw a significant increase over previous years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
6-year-old George Barnet, Mark Salander, Kiersten Barnet, 2-year-old Elin Barnet, Minda Salander, and Alex Barnet
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2023
Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt entertains kids, brings families together

The hunt, previously held on Turtle Beach, moved to Siesta Key Chapel this year.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The St. Armands Business Improvement District sunsets on Sept. 30, 2023, unless property owners there vote to renew for another 10 years.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 8, 2023
St. Armands business district renewal bid stumbles out of the gate

Tensions over the makeup of the business improvement district board cloud the election to extend special tax district extension.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Palm Aire's Nick Barbi is seeking members for his new Science and Technology Society.
    By
  • James Peter
  • April 8, 2023
Sarasota science club raises red tide awareness

The Sarasota Science & Technology Society will host a red tide panel discussion April 17.

  • Sarasota
  • News
6-year-old Brentley Green, Sue Hill, 9-year-old Mikiah Savens, and 5-year-old Sofia Green.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 7, 2023
Disabilities education fair offers resources and networking opportunities

The event brought together numerous local agencies and drew about 200 families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Easter Bunny makes a stop at the Sand Cay Beach Resort on Friday.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 7, 2023
Easter Bunny hops by the Sand Cay Beach Resort

The Sand Cay Beach Resort held its annual Easter party on April 7.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The walk begins with Rev. David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, carrying the cross, with County Commissioner Joe Neunder (left) also participating.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 7, 2023
Hundreds of believers walk Main Street for Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

The annual event drew attendees from across the local church community to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Career soldier Christopher Blauvelt is dropped off during a procession to honor him before the Rosedale Golf Classic.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 7, 2023
Rosedale golf tournament helps buy homes for severely injured veterans

Career soldier Christopher Blauvelt is the latest to benefit from an adaptive home through Homes for Our Troops.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Changes to St. Regis parking plans include landscaping to disguise the structure.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 7, 2023
St. Regis parking changes headed to Planning and Zoning

A proposal to add more than 50 parking spots to the Longboat Key hotel and condo development will go before the board and allow public input April 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Steve Germaine has been named CFO of the Bay Park Conservancy.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 7, 2023
Bay Park Conservancy hires first full-time CFO

The Bay Park Conservancy continues to develop its executive suite by naming Steve Germaine to lead its finances.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Juniors Lourdes Capote-Dishaw and Chase Dougal and seniors Ethan McKay and Morgan Sowards are excited to be at prom. "It's 18 years in the making," McKay says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 6, 2023
Braden River High students enjoy their 'Gatsby' prom

Many students dressed to the "Gatsby" theme in the event held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Schools
Steve Horton shares his experience drafting the USS Cole Commission report at the Bird Key Yacht Club on Wednesday.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 6, 2023
Bird Key Yacht Club's new commodore shares story of USS Cole commission

The former lawyer and rear admiral was charged with drafting the report.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This home in Siestas Bayside at 624 Waterside Way sold for $4,562,500. Built in 2008, it has fourbedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,986 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 6, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for March 20-24 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Siesta Key home in Siestas Bayside tops the week's sales at $4.56 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Nancy Detert parlayed her influence as a state and local elected official to benefit the lives of foster children and people with disabilities.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2023
Nancy Detert's passing 'leaves a huge hole'

The Sarasota County Commission vice chair and longtime elected public official died Wednesday at her home.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney junior Gio Zanoni gives a high-five to senior Sean Laureano (1) after a Laureano goal.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 6, 2023
Cardinal Mooney boys lacrosse sharpened by seasonlong gauntlet

Plus, a look at other Sarasota-area teams before postseason play begins.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2023
Public input sought for Fruitville Road roundabout art

The three finalists for the latest roundabout sculpture will meet with the Public Art Committee, and the public, on April 18.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Class members practice at The Glenridge Fitness Center and Spa on March 29.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 6, 2023
Zumba class at The Glenridge keeps senior residents moving

Attendees said the physical fitness, friendships and sense of engagement they find in the experience keep them returning.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The VFW Braden River Post 12055 marches in the 2022 Tribute to Heroes Parade.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 6, 2023
Will you take a stroll to honor veterans in Tribute to Heroes Parade?

The annual Lakewood Ranch parade to honor veterans and first responders is seeking participants.

  • East County
  • Opinion
A portion of the cost of the new Sarasota County Administration Center is among the projects earmarked for funding by Surtax IV revenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 6, 2023
County plans $170 million in penny-tax spending

From the new administration building to park improvements, Sarasota County commissioners hear proposed capital projects funded by the penny sales tax.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Detert was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in 2016.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota County Commissioner Nancy Detert has died

The veteran county commissioner and vice chair died at her home on Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Sailor Ben McCabe is now a senior catcher at UCF.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 5, 2023
Spring sports athletes from Sarasota take their cuts

These players have started their seasons on fire at the NCAA level.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
An emergency dredge was completed in summer 2022, but another has become necessary.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 5, 2023
Beer Can Island dredge work to begin this month

The entire project on Longboat Key's north end is expected to be completed in July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cardinal Mooney senior Sean Laureano.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sean Laureano

Laureano is the lone senior on the Cardinal Mooney High boys lacrosse team.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
  • By Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library
  • April 5, 2023
Libraries are for Everyone!

A new library is coming to Lakewood Ranch!

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Nannette and Mark Cobb spent their lives working for other people, so they decided to go their own way and buy a toy store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 5, 2023
Learning Express owners squish and slime their way to a new life

The owners of the new toy store in the Shoppes at University Center risked their savings to enter an industry that some view as failing.

  • East County
  • Business
Arthur Ancowitz and partner Ina Schnell
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2023
Longboat Key philanthropist Ina Schnell dies at 93

Ina Schnell supported numerous local nonprofits and served on the board of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Sarasota downtown and bay front luxury condo market remains robust among second home buyers.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 5, 2023
Sarasota region among the nation's hottest second home markets

At more than 35% of all mortgages written for second residences, the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area ranks 17th nationally.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 2021 survey showed an 18% decline in seagrass in Sarasota Bay. Seagrass affects more than 75% of marine life. File photo
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • April 5, 2023
Water conservation essential to maintain drinkable supply

In 2040, Florida could be short about 337 million gallons of drinking water per day, a UF water resources program assistant told Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Andrew Warren, Rick Wilson and Club President Arlene Skversky
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 5, 2023
Rick Wilson roasts Gov. Ron DeSantis at Democratic luncheon

On April 4, the co-founder of The Lincoln Project spoke to the Longboat Key Democratic Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Firefighters from East Manatee Fire and Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue work together to take the roof off a car to extricate a patient.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 5, 2023
EMS Field Day unites emergency organizations to learn new skills

EMS providers offer hands-on opportunities to learn new skills to use in the field.

  • East County
  • News
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  • June 3, 2026
Keys & Courses: A High-Energy Dueling Piano Dinner Party
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Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
  • June 3, 2026
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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
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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
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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

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