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Your Observer

Rosedale Golf and Country Club resident Fred Booth said Rosedale maintains 87th Street East and residents would be upset if cement trucks use the entrance to get to State Road 70. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 22, 2022
Rosedale residents struggle with Lena Road extension

Manatee County is planning to connect the two lengths of Lena Road, but residents worry that turning Lena into a frontage road is going to greatly increase traffic overall, especially truck traffic.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Exterior rendering of the new ground boarding facility under development at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. (Rendering courtesy of SRQ)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 22, 2022
Site work is underway for SRQ airport expansion, upgrade projects

Completion of the new ground boarding facility at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is scheduled for early 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 21, 2022
Braden River High students host 'Night of Magic' cabaret show

The student-led cabaret show dazzles the crowd with a little magic.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 21, 2022
It’s all ‘Planned Chaos’

If the White House wizards and congressional Democrats knew anything about history, they would know all of their policies will bring economic and social chaos and are doomed to fail.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Cardinal Mooney High senior Jordyn Byrd is the reigning Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year. (File photo.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 21, 2022
Prose and Kohn: The Sarasota fall sports season's under-the-radar athletes

These athletes have given strong individual performances, even when their teams have been up and down.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A screenshot of the planned area for the Tesla facility in Sarasota. (Image via Sarasota County)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
Sarasota officials to consider a Tesla expansion

The new facility will be located at Interstate 75 and University Parkway.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Addison Dempsey. (Photo by Ryan Kohn.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 21, 2022
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Addison Dempsey

The Cardinal Mooney High junior finished sixth (18:24.09) in the Elite Girls division of the North Port XC Invitational, held Sept. 16-17.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Staff told commissioners that the comprehensive plan is a broad vision for the city. (File photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
City development plan amendments OK'd to address housing shortage

The Sarasota City Commission approves the first reading of comprehensive plan amendments it hopes will eventually result in more attainable housing incentivized by density bonuses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • September 21, 2022
Samuel G.H. Turner II

Nantucket, MA- Samuel Gilbert Hathaway Turner II passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 with his children beside him.

  • Siesta Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The home at 424 N. Washington Drive was built in 1974. It has six bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths. (File photo)
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 21, 2022
Ringling Estates property tops sales at $3.24 million

A Ringling Estates property on North Washington Drive tops the week's sales at $3.24 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The Lassies practice by racing each other before their next race season. (Photo by Lesley Dwyer)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 21, 2022
All-women’s club sails into their 50th season

The Luffing Lassies promotes sailing and racing, but it all starts with a two-week introduction to knots, tillers and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Both police officers and the town's Code Enforcement officer are empowered to enforce town codes.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 21, 2022
Code enforcement, citation changes initially approved by town

Among the changes proposed to Longboat's codes is the elimination of anonymous reports.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 21, 2022
Sarasota Cops Corner: A relationship gone flat

Police reports from around Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Heidi Gillen and Melody Filewich sell Lakewood Ranch High School Marching Mustangs merchandise during a football game. Merchandise is one way band parents raise money for the school's band program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 21, 2022
East Bradenton band parents along for the ride during marching season

Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high school parents dedicate hundreds of hours to support their students in marching band.

  • East County
  • Schools
The St. Armands Business Improvement District is seeking city support and permitting of a holiday season festival in the park at St. Armands Circle. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 21, 2022
St. Armands leaders in opposition over winter festival request

The Business Improvement District chair asked the city to consider support of a holiday festival in St. Armands Circle. The Merchants Association head charges violation of protocols.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Birds feast after a fish kill-off in the backyard of Lakewood Ranch's Mark Engel. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 21, 2022
Dead fish are increasing in ponds around Lakewood Ranch

Heat and frequent storms are contributing causes of stinky fish kills in the Lakewood Ranch area, a University of Florida researcher says.

  • East County
  • News
Rainwater layers the forest floor in Conservatory Park in the University Park area. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 21, 2022
County committee to recommend land for acquisition, conservation

The Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee plans to have recommendations for land purchases to the County Commission by November.

  • East County
  • News
Premier Park's facilities are set for an upgrade in the county's Capital Improvement Plan. Some will be accelerated as a result of commissioners borrowing money. (FIle photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 20, 2022
Manatee County borrows money to move up infrastructure projects

The County Commission will borrow $232 million to accelerate 19 infrastructure projects, including nine in East County, with the $1.2 billion Capital Improvement Plan.

  • East County
  • News
Tactical Services Group currently provides the guards for kiosks, including this one at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch seeks new security provider

Staff members of the Inter-District Authority have received complaints about the in-person security at neighborhood gates and at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch resident Andy Weidenbach helped run unofficial practices for the Detroit Red Wings for seven years. Weidenbach said youth talent in Florida is comparable to talent in Michigan, but with less depth. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch resident earned coaching wings in Michigan ice hockey

Andy Weidenbach says new rinks are the key to producing more hockey talent in Florida.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tommy Gregory, Roberts Dameus, Derek Reich and Fiona McFarland field questions from moderator Morgan Bentley. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 20, 2022
Florida House candidates discuss state budget, education, constitutional carry

General election candidates for Florida House of Representatives seats 72 and 73 field questions on issues from SRQ Tiger Bay Club.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Flooding in Buttonwood Harbor and other neighborhoods has come under town scrutiny. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 20, 2022
Longboat plans flooding projects with final ARPA funding

The final $1.8 million given to the town will go toward floodwater projects in Buttonwood and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Del Webb home at 7105 Gradford Court sold for $1,375,000. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,639 square feet of living area. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 20, 2022
Del Webb home tops sales at $1.38 million

A Del Webb home on Gradford Court tops the week's sales at $1.38 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lola Johnson dances with the Braden River Dance Company during the second ensemble performance. The dance company danced to a remix version of "Into the Unknown." (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch schools receive funding for visual, performing arts

The 1-mill property tax referendum is providing $2.5 million for visual and performing arts programs, offering more opportunities for students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to improve safety at the intersection. (Courtesy rendering)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 20, 2022
Town enters agreement for GMD roundabout, initially approves budget

The design, permitting and construction documents of the roundabout at Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive are expected to be complete in November.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 19, 2022
Lobsters dazzle at the latest Claws for a Cause event

The women of the Longboat Island Chapel wore bedazzled lobster earrings and red felt hats to raise awareness for their charitable outreach program.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Marlon Brown
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 19, 2022
Commission confirms confidence in city manager following meeting debate

City Manager Marlon Brown requested a vote of confidence following back and forth among commissioners about additions to the meeting agenda.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Administration Veronica Thames in the new Sarasota Philanthropy Center on State Street. (Photo by Eric Garwood)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 19, 2022
Gulf Coast Community Foundation opens Sarasota Philanthropy Center

The State Street location offers space for nonprofits and donors to gather.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • September 19, 2022
Jo Ann Bigelow Frye

Forever in our hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Jo Ann Bigelow Frye on September 18, 2022.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 19, 2022
Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch businesses mingle at expo

About 500 people attended the East Meets West Expo on Sept. 15 at Robarts Arena.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • September 19, 2022
Gaide (Chmielewski), Irene M. DVM

Irene Mary (Chmielewski) Gaide of Sarasota, Florida and formerly of Leslie, Jackson and Highland Michigan passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022 in Florida at the age of 79 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
A rendering of the completed first phase of The Bay. The circular sunset pier at the top has been redesigned as a crescent for ecological purposes. (Courtesy Bay Park Conservancy)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 19, 2022
Board recommends $48M bond for second phase of The Bay project

With The Bay grand opening set for Oct. 14-23, the Bay Park Improvement Board recommends approval of TIF financing for phase two of the $150 million, 53-acre project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Waterside of Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith was honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund in 2022.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 19, 2022
Altruism leads to major award from Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

His daughter's nomination letter presents Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith with one of the most cherished moments of his life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • September 18, 2022
Sarasota Children's Garden embraces pirate life

Children had a lively time at the annual Talk Like A Pirate Day event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 18, 2022
Halfway to St. Patricks Day offers a full set of festivities in Lakewood Ranch

The event included everything from bagpipes to Irish step dancing on Lakewood Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
T.J. Goelz is stepping down from the Lakewood Ranch High softball program after five seasons. Goelz led the Mustangs to two state championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 18, 2022
Lakewood Ranch softball coach leaves behind a diamond-solid legacy

T.J. Goelz and the Mustangs won two state championships in five seasons, the first championships in program history. 

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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