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Your Observer

The starting salary for teachers has increased to $55,177. (File photo)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 13, 2022
School District of Manatee County increases teacher pay

The starting salary for a Manatee County teacher will be $55,177, up from $52,910.

  • East County
  • Schools
Nancy Sykes, a Lakewood Ranch Community Fund board member, is in charge of organizing the fund's first wine soiree. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 13, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund to host its first wine soiree

Proceeds from the inaugural fundraiser at Esplanade Golf and Country Club will allow the Community Fund to issue grants to regional charities in 2023.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 13, 2022
Longboat Key Cops Corner: The best kind of burglary

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Bella Rubal, a first grade teacher at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, says it's a dream come true to be teaching at her former elementary school. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 13, 2022
East Bradenton teachers return to their former schools in the new school year

New teaching jobs created a homecoming as former East County students returned to their alma maters as educators.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Country Club home at 7018 Dominion Lane sold for $1.7 million. It has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,356 square feet of living area. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 13, 2022
Country Club home tops sales at $1.7 million

A Country Club home on Dominion Lane topped the week's sales at $1.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
(Photo by Lauren Tronstad)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 13, 2022
Longboat Key Town Center construction proceeds into phase two

The majority of work in the stage is expected to be complete by the middle of 2023.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 12, 2022
Key's popular golf tournament makes its return

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce reprises its formerly annual outing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Howard Tipton will start as Town Manager Jan. 30. (Photo by Lauren Tronstad)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2022
It's a deal: Longboat Key appoints Howard Tipton as new town manager

The Longboat Key Town Commission approved the contract with Tipton on Monday. Tom Harmer's contract is extended.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2022
Selby Gardens nets $2.5 million gift from late benefactor

Evelyn Mink contributed nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer service to Selby Gardens, and she made a final contribution of $2.5 million in an estate gift.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 12, 2022
Pineapple Kitchen of Bradenton hosts sweet charity event

Sisterhood for Good benefits from a special fundraiser at the charcuterie and catering company.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2022
WUSF, Barancik Foundation roll out collaborative news operation

The Sarasota-based team will provide content on a variety of topics to media organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Flags fly across all seven miles of Longboat Key on Sept. 11. (Photo by Lesley Dwyer)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 12, 2022
2,974 flags line Longboat Key for stunning, somber Sept. 11 tribute

Organized by Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren, the Longboat Key communitywide effort is held annually.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
T.J. Goelz has stepped down from Lakewood Ranch High softball after five seasons and two state championships. (File photo)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 12, 2022
Lakewood Ranch softball coach steps down after five seasons, two state championships

T.J. Goelz went 122-10 as the coach of the Mustangs and sent myriad players to college programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
A rendering of the planned $3.2 million renovation and splash pad replacement at Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 12, 2022
City to vote on Bayfront Park splash pad revision next week

The revised plan for a renovated park and splash pad replacement at Bayfront Park includes shade structures and raises the cost to $3.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Physical Plant is forging forward with a new lineup and a new album. (Courtesy photo)
  • By Spencer Fordin
  • September 12, 2022
New lineup, new album for band with New College roots

Physical Plant emerged from the pandemic with a new album, two new members and a resolve to keep writing new songs.

  • Arts + Culture
The vegan Gypsy roll is pictured alongside the Cucumber roll. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 12, 2022
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi set to open in Lakewood Ranch after construction delays

The highly anticipated restaurant at The Green in Lakewood Ranch was delayed by supply chain issues and worker shortages.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
  • By Bayview Dental Associates
  • September 12, 2022
Can I Avoid Staining My Teeth After Drinking Red Wine?

Can I Avoid Staining My Teeth After Drinking Red Wine?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • September 11, 2022
Sarasota County hosts 9/11 remembrance ceremony

Local figures paid their respects on the 21st anniversary of Sept. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves, the highly invasive air potato vine displaces native species and disrupts important ecological functions. (Photo by Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • September 11, 2022
Invasive plants displace natives, threaten biodiversity

Restoring native plant communities supports native wildlife.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Summerfield's Betsy Young and her husband, Jeff Young, can't wait for the Real Men Wear Pink Fashion Show where Jeff Young will walk the runway. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 10, 2022
Cancer awareness soars during Real Men Wear Pink fashion show in Sarasota

Male models will be strutting their stuff Sept. 24 at The Mall at UTC in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
High school football roundup: Week three
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 10, 2022
High school football roundup: Week three

A pair of local rivalry games — Sarasota at Booker and Braden River at Lakewood Ranch — highlighted the slate. One was a rout while the other came down to the final seconds.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 9, 2022
Braden River High football runs through Lakewood Ranch High

The Pirates won 33-14 to extend their winning streak in the rivalry series to seven games.

  • East County
  • Sports
The five finalists plus a hybrid version of designs for a new city seal. Designs were submitted by Cynthia Clasgens (1), Rachel Ewing (2), Bill Greaves (3), Sara Scire (4) and Brooks Tracey (5). No. 6 is a hybrid by Dream Large.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 9, 2022
Sarasota nears approval of seal with narrowed-down selections

Sarasota City commissioners have asked for refinements of two finalist designs for a new city seal and provided guidance for the refreshed city logo.

  • Sarasota
  • News
CCA Executive Director Brian Gorski releases some of the trout into Sarasota Bay. (Photo by Lesley Dwyer)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 9, 2022
15,000 spotted sea trout released into Sarasota Bay

Trout spawn three to four times a year. Even if only 1% survive, the bay will benefit.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lynne Byrd works with sea turtle and cetaceans. (Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 9, 2022
Mote vet tech talks rescues, wild animal stress reduction

Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator Lynne Byrd, who has worked for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for 21 years, will speak at "Meet the Women of Mote."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The home covers 6,512 square feet across three floors. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 9, 2022
Siesta Key home auction set for Sept. 24

With no reserve, the property will go to the highest bidder. The Midnight Pass Road home is on the market for $7.9 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • September 9, 2022
Cynthia (Cynda) Grenfell

Cynthia (Cynda) was born in New Rochelle, New York in 1930 to William Duncan Green and Gertrude Jenkins Green.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The body of an unknown adult male was found floating near Bayfront Drive Thursday evening. (File photo)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 9, 2022
Sarasota police investigating death of man found in the bay

The body of an unidentified adult male was found floating near Bayfront Drive. Police do not expect foul play.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner George Kruse and Commissioner Vanessa Baugh supported a decrease in millage. (File photo)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 8, 2022
Manatee County Commissioners set plans for additional decrease in millage

Manatee County's millage rate has been reduced by .30 mill for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh wasn't even up for election in the primaries but had a major impact on the winners. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 8, 2022
Constant attacks on Manatee commissioner backfired during election

Intensified attacks on Vanessa Baugh could have hurt incumbents' run for reelection.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh wants Manatee County to begin creating workforce housing through land trusts as soon as possible. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 8, 2022
Florida Housing Coalition seminar provides key workforce housing tips

Manatee County commissioners could identify some land trust possibilities by late this year.

  • East County
  • News
SSSA president Ken Shepard takes a mighty cut at a ball. (Photo by Ryan Kohn.)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 8, 2022
Sarasota Senior Softball Association emphasizes fun

The league focuses the enjoyment of the game, for as long as players want to compete.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 8, 2022
East County weather page photo: September 8

Gordon Silver captured these two Sandhill crane colts getting to know each other just hours after emerging from their shells off State Road 70 near Lorraine Road.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 8, 2022
Sarasota weather page photo: September 8

Dale Hayes captured this spoonbill flying over Myakka River State Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 8, 2022
Longboat Key weather page photo: September 8

Diane Suner captured this great blue heron on Lido Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 25-acre Sarasota Kennel Club has been abandoned since it closed in late 2019. (File photo)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 8, 2022
SRQ Airport Authority confirms lawsuit approved to stop apartments at dog track site

The Sarasota Bradenton Airport Authority has voted to pursue legal action against the city of Sarasota over apartments near the runway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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