Your Observer

Andrew Warfield
March 22, 2023

All Faiths Food Bank CEO announces retirement

Sandra Frank will step down after 11 years of leading the organization through evolution and rebranding.

Sarasota
Business

Liz Ramos
March 22, 2023

Myakka's Blissful Goat Yoga delivers unique healing experience

Owner Corinn Smith combines yoga, goats and donkeys for a one-of-a-kind experience.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
March 22, 2023

Six authors and a food truck take over Longboat Library

The Longboat Library held an author's showcase on March 19 and invited the Maine Line lobster truck.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Jay Heater
March 22, 2023

Artsy sounds welcome in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch's new Sights and Sounds series provides a cultural boost.

East County
Opinion

Lauren Tronstad
March 22, 2023

Longboat Key pursues mini roundabouts in the Village

Town commissioners asked staff to pursue cost estimates and potential funding sources for at least two roundabouts on Broadway Street.

Longboat Key
News

Andrew Warfield
March 22, 2023

Sarasota PD partners in DEA National Take Back Day

Unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs may be dropped off at two Sarasota locations on April 22.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
March 21, 2023

Lakewood Ranch sprint car driver earns spots in Tony Stewart's circuit

Conner Morrell will race in two high-level series in 2023, including Kyle Larson's High Limit series.

East County
Sports

Andrew Warfield
March 21, 2023

Plantation man arrested in hit-and-run that injured an SPD officer

An officer was struck by a suspect driving a stolen vehicle Monday night on Bird Key. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Sarasota
News

Jay Heater
March 21, 2023

Lake Club home sells for $5.15 million in Lakewood Ranch

Realtor Stacy Haas of Michael Saunders & Co. represented the sellers of the Bowspirit Way house.

East County
Real Estate

Lauren Tronstad
March 21, 2023

Moment worthy of extra celebration

A couple asked a police officer to help them celebrate their engagement. This and more Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

In Memoriam |

March 21, 2023

Larry “Sammy” Corbitt

Larry “Sammy” Corbitt, 80, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 17, 2023.

East County
Tributes & Obituaries

Adam Hughes
March 21, 2023

Top residential real estate sales for March 6-10 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $3 million.

East County
Real Estate

Andrew Warfield
March 21, 2023

Downtown Sarasota multifamily projects move through review committee

Four condo and apartment developments will bring nearly 300 new units in the city.

Sarasota
News

Jay Heater
March 21, 2023

Community lifestyle specialist spreads wings with OnPlace

Former SMR community relations director Monaca Onstad uses her Lakewood Ranch experience to enhance communities around the nation.

East County
Business

Lauren Tronstad
March 21, 2023

Longboat looks to wage increases to fill open town roles

The town's main hiring disadvantage is the seasonal traffic congestion faced by employees, which largely live off-island.

Longboat Key
News

Lesley Dwyer
March 20, 2023

Date night with the Longboat Key Garden Club

The Garden Club held its annual dinner and a movie on March 11 at Bayfront Park.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lauren Tronstad
March 20, 2023

Local leaders agree: Steps need to be taken to combat red tide

Longboat Key town commissioners met with Rep. Vern Buchanan and other local leaders to discuss the current red tide outbreak and steps to lessen its impacts in the future.

Longboat Key
News

Ian Swaby
March 20, 2023

Cuteness, cuddliness encourages reading at Read with the Dogs

Families keep returning to the program, which is held at multiple Sarasota County libraries and features certified pet therapy dogs.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
March 20, 2023

Former Mustangs coach thrives at IMG Academy

University Park's Jeremy Schiller led the Ascenders' varsity team to an 18-9 record in 2022-2023.

East County
Sports

Ian Swaby
March 19, 2023

Friendships bloom at garden club orchid presentation in Lakewood Ranch

The Gardeners Out East event offered a chance for members and nonmembers to learn about orchid care.

East County
Neighbors

Jay Heater
March 18, 2023

River Strand models raise funds for Food Bank of Manatee County

Women walked the runway March 18 at River Strand of Bradenton's annual Stylin' at the Strand fashion show.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2023

Jazz legend highlights six-day festival in Sarasota

Pianist Dick Hyman, 96, thrilled the crowd inside the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
March 18, 2023

Lakewood Ranch Angler's Club Youth Fishing Seminar reels in fun

Children learned the basics of fishing in preparation for the Angler's Club annual Youth Fishing Tournament.

East County
Neighbors

Dariela Delgado
March 18, 2023

School leader goes extra mile to ensure student success

Sherika Evans believes giving kids a better life doesn't end with them — it involves the whole family.

Sarasota
Schools

Lesley Dwyer
March 18, 2023

Sex trafficking survivor speaks out at Christ Church

Christ Church began supporting Selah Freedom in December after making a $50,000 donation to the anti-trafficking nonprofit in Sarasota.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2023

Attendees find greater than gold at Shamrock Pub block party

Loyal patrons and newcomers both enjoyed the festive scene on St. Patrick's Day.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
March 17, 2023

Mosquito season is coming, and your yard might be part of the problem

Sarasota County's mosquito manager says residents can help control the population during the rainy season.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
March 17, 2023

Meals on Wheels brings Hollywood glitz and glamor to fundraiser

Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood, on March 25 at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch, is Meals on Wheels' biggest fundraiser.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
March 17, 2023

Lawn Party proceeds given to Children's Guardian Fund

Over $100,000 was raised at the annual Kiwanis Club fundraiser.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 17, 2023

Community Foundation honors partners, community at Better Together

For the first time, Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Better Together event was opened to the general public in a downtown block party.

Sarasota
Neighbors

In Memoriam |

March 17, 2023

Herman W. “Buddy” Herring, Jr.

Herman W. “Buddy” Herring, Jr., D.M.D., LTC(R), US Army, age 74 was born in Elberton, GA 25 June 1948 died Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, FL 21 Feb 2023.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Ian Swaby
March 16, 2023

Manatee County studies methane production at landfill

County staff are exploring natural gas from its landfill as an energy source. Tax credits and deals with private utility companies could cover the cost of a project.