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Your Observer

Leon Pitts II sings to an audience member.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 13, 2023
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe wows with Motown hits

The Sarasota theater troupe performed its annual concert Sunday evening at the Education Center on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Attacks on SMH unfounded, reprehensible
  • By Tramm Hudson
  • March 13, 2023
Attacks on SMH unfounded, reprehensible

Out-of-town agitators are using deceitful, defamatory and violent verbal abuse to seed distrust in Sarasota Memorial. Our community should not tolerate such ugly bullying.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Jubilee Arts Baltimore Program Director Ashley "Ms. Black" Yates.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 13, 2023
Orioles athletes join music artists for a good cause

Baseball lovers and music enthusiasts got together for the sixth annual Athletes and Artists Play for Kids charity event at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 13, 2023
Motorcycle crash closes US 41 for several hours

Two people on a motorcycle suffered life-threatening injuries in an early Sunday morning crash that closed Tamiami Trail between 12th and 17th streets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Newly adopted property maintenance codes requires all garbage cans and dumpsters to have their lids and gates closed, when applicable.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • March 13, 2023
Longboat adopts new property maintenance standards

The Town Commission adopted the International Property Maintenance Code with additional town-specific provisions at its March 6 regular meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tennis courts 7-10 have already been replaced at the Tennis Center.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • March 12, 2023
Fencing at Longboat tennis center courts nears replacement

The Longboat Key Public Tennis Center courts 7-10 already had their fences replaced last summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioners forwarded the proposed Town Center site development plan with 81 parking spaces to second reading.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • March 12, 2023
Events at Longboat's town center to require parking considerations

Event organizers will be required to apply for a special event permit, which will include a transportation management component.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Meadows' Patricia Scalia learns from John Scoedler about his photograph "A Divided America," which he took after an American flag was caught on a passing outrigger boat, then torn apart by the wind, in New Jersey.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 11, 2023
University Park's Art in the Park highlights diversity of artistic talent

The two-day Sarasota art show featured a wide range of artwork.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The city of Sarasota is exploring future uses of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall once a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center is built.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 11, 2023
Seven-member committee to study future of Van Wezel

The Sarasota City Commission will select five diverse experts and two citizens to study the reuse of the 53-year-old bayfront venue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peggy Lammers and Jan Holman
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 10, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel struts into spring

On March 9, the chapel hosted a fashion show and garden party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarp Kaya and Carol Danisi
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 10, 2023
Sarasota Chamber hosts its 2023 annual breakfast

Chamber members met March 10 to hear entrepreneurship lessons from the founder of Boom Chicka Pop.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joan Seidel, Katy Dunn, Martha Gayle and Elaine Dabney
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 10, 2023
Longboat Key Club takes another swing at Go for the Cure

The women's golf leagues joined forces on March 7 to raise money for Breast Health Sarasota Inc.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A rendering of One Park, which is planned to span across Quay Commons on blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 10, 2023
One Park hearing continued until April 12

Nearly five hours wasn't enough for the city's Planning Board to conclude a hearing on a request to amend the development agreement for The Quay. The controversial matter will continue in April.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bonnie Versele steps down the aisle in a vibrant outfit.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 10, 2023
Women's Club of Cascades hosts fundraiser for Mothers Helping Mothers

Eight members of the Sarasota neighborhood walked the runway to show off top fashions.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The orange line represents the road the town has gained access to through the agreement.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • March 10, 2023
Town extends lawsuit deadline, gains access for sewer line replacement

The Longboat Key Town Commission passed a tolling and temporary access agreement with Long Bar Pointe representatives.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Floodplain marsh restoration creates important habitat for native plant and wildlife species, including threatened and endangered birds such as roseate spoonbills, resulting in enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • March 10, 2023
Healthy floodplain marshes benefit natural and human communities

By removing invasive plants and restoring natural hydrology, ongoing habitat restoration efforts at Myakka River State Park are protecting this important natural community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sixth graders Jaliyh Tartt, Sara Downs and Lily Bertrand love getting colors all over them.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 9, 2023
Nolan Middle School raises funds for its students with Color Run

Students at the Lakewood Ranch school don't mind getting a little messy for a good cause.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 9, 2023
No-swim advisory posted for Bird Key Beach

The Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County has detected unacceptable levels of enterococcus bacteria in water quality testing at the beach off the Ringling Bridge.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cougars beach volleyball player Helena Hebda sends a shot over the net on Mooney's new courts.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 9, 2023
Campus courts give Mooney beach volleyball a lift

The Cougars believe the courts will give the program an advantage and promote growth.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Designating fentanyl as a WMD would increase overdoses
  • By Adrian Moore and Jacob James Rich
  • March 9, 2023
Designating fentanyl as a WMD would increase overdoses

Cracking down on drugs often has an unintended effect: The creation of more potent, and lethal, replacements.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Bernhard Stomporowski - nicknamed "Stompo" - was named the director of rowing and head coach of the Sarasota Scullers in December.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 9, 2023
Sarasota Scullers coach wants to create fun-loving environment

Bernhard Stomporowski, a world champion rower from Germany, took over the position in December.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The firetruck is currently located at Station 11 in Myakka City as it awaits the trip to its new home at Manatee Technical College.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 9, 2023
Donated firetruck becomes teaching tool at Manatee Technical College

East Manatee Fire Rescue donated a firetruck to be used by MTC students in the diesel and firefighter/EMT programs.

  • East County
  • News
The home on 8569 Midnight Pass Road was built in 2012. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,033 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 9, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 20-24 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Siesta Key home on Midnight Pass Road tops the week's sale at $6.65 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Wicker Inn is an iconic vacation spot on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • March 9, 2023
Short-term rental program to start in October

The program requires Longboat Key properties that are rented out for less than six months at a time to register with the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Alice Tully Hall rendering by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 9, 2023
Six firms remain in the running to design the SPAC

Four European and two U.S.-based architecture firms are semifinalists for the job of designing the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. The candidates will be narrowed to three in May.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jane Nagle and Barabara Bellamente
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 8, 2023
Longboat Harbourettes flaunt their 2023 fashion show

Fashionistas team up with Hatley Boutique to bring fashion to the condo association.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David Novak prepares to release Chuck in November 2022.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 8, 2023
Longboat Key Kiwanis Club shares swan stories

"The Swan Guy" David Novak spoke at the Kiwanis Club meeting on March 2 at the Lazy Lobster.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High track and field sophomore Savannah Adams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 8, 2023
East County Athlete of the Week: Savannah Adams

The Lakewood Ranch sophomore won the 800 meter run (2:31.44) March 3 at the 2023 Charlotte Invitational.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chef Christopher Covelli has been honored by La Chaîne des Rotisseurs of Sarasota with its Briallat Award.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 8, 2023
Chef wins gastro society's top award

Christopher Covelli, an executive chef and partner in two Sarasota restaurants, was honored by the local chapter of a global organization of food and wine enthusiasts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This aerial photo, taken in February, shows construction in The Tides community which features single-family, built-to-rent homes on Lake Spoonbill in Waterside.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 8, 2023
The Tides rolls into Lakewood Ranch's single-family home rental market

Despite sharp rise in rents, the single-family, built-for-rent home market remains hot in the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sarasota High senior pitcher Tanner Crump has been a workhorse for the Sailors.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 8, 2023
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Tanner Crump

The Sarasota High senior pitcher threw a complete game one-hitter March 6 against Charlotte High.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch's George Scherff, Robyn Kaiserman and Martin Hartmann, who are a part of the Sorrento Gang, volunteer at the Florida Center for Early Childhood.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's 'Sorrento Gang' has fun while giving back to nonprofits

From golf tournaments to Super Bowl pools, the Esplanade neighbors provide work hours and funds to benefit the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The site development plan for Bahia Vista Apartments.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 8, 2023
Housing trumps traffic concerns in Bahia Vista Apartments approval

The Sarasota City Commission approved the rezoning and site plan for Bahia Vista Apartments over Arlington Park cut-through traffic concerns.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Before becoming entangled in legal disputes, the former Sarasota Kennel Club site was approved for an apartment complex through both legislative proceedings to amend the city's comprehensive plan and the quasi-judicial process for rezoning and site plan approval.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 8, 2023
Apartments no longer planned for kennel club site

With the closing deadline passing for Aventon Holdings to buy the Sarasota Kennel Club site, the airport is dropping its legal challenges to the project. The owner already has another buyer lined up.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Man's wallet stolen from a bar top in cigarette-snatching scam
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 8, 2023
Man's wallet stolen from a bar top in cigarette-snatching scam

Distracted by claims of a stolen smoke, a bar patron had his wallet stolen from atop a bar. This and more reports from the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
3496 Mistletoe Lane
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 8, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 20-24 in Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Corey’s Landing home on Mistletoe Lane tops the week's sales at $4.28 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
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