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Your Observer

Vito Bavaro underwent knee surgery in December 2025, but despite months of pain and physical limitations, has made his signature impact on the Mustangs' stellar season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 10, 2026
Knee replacement can't keep Lakewood Ranch High coach from his job

Vito Bavaro endures constant paint while his Mustangs boys soccer team make a run at a state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding, Salvation Army Capt. Jim Curry and bellringing coordinator Chris Sachs, a former club president, celebrate a stand-out year for donations.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 10, 2026
Longboat bellringers ring in record contribution

The drive for the Salvation Army topped charts in Sarasota County, tipped by an anonymous $50,000 Christmas Eve donation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Shoreview home at 7889 Mainsail Lane sold for $1,525,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,857 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 10, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 26-30 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in the Concession tops the week’s sales at $3.8 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Tom Bergerat (center) was presented with a $3,500 scholarship at Polo with the Pros after being named the Junior Humanitarian of the year while Waterside's Audrey Luke (left), a junior at The Out-of-Door Academy, and Parrish's Mia Polseno (right), a senior at Parrish Community High, each received $750 scholarships.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2026
Junior humanitarian honored by the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Tom Bergerat stood tall when it came to giving back to his community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann holds a town hall meeting Feb. 2 at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 10, 2026
Garbage collection a hot topic at town hall meeting in Lakewood Ranch

One constituent requested new residents be tested for their skills in negotiating roundabouts.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat police determine suspicious object washed ashore not human leg bone
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 10, 2026
Longboat police determine suspicious object washed ashore not human leg bone

A beachgoer and his wife stumbled upon what they believed was a human leg bone while searching for shells. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Old Salty Dog welcomes surprise Olympian guest
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 9, 2026
Old Salty Dog welcomes surprise Olympian guest

Pommel horse gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, who competed for the United States in the Olympic Games in Paris, recently stopped by the City Island spot.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Second grader Sovereign Osceola experiences static electricity.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2026
Wilkinson Elementary makes concepts hands-on during STEAM Night

The school teamed up with Lamborghini Sarasota and Steel Supplements to host the annual event.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
From left to right: Chris Vito, Penny Sellers, Dave Boone and Cathy Boone play a game of pickleball at the multipurpose Bayfront Park courts in Longboat Key Friday, Sept. 19.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 9, 2026
New impact fee may replace land acquisition fees

The town of Longboat Key hopes to replace the land acquisition fee with one that would cost developers less and go toward upgrading existing parks and recreation facilities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The School District of Manatee County's Superintendent Laurie Breslin, Educator of the Year Clifford Dawson and Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services Derek Jensen pose for a photo at the Excellence in Education Awards on Feb. 4.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 9, 2026
Braden River High band director named Educator of the Year

At the Excellence in Education Awards on Feb. 4, Clifford Dawson walked across the stage to accept the honor of 2026 Educator of the Year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Erika Garcia joined Braden River girls weightlifting as a freshman, and now in her fourth season, has been a part of four district championship-winning teams.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 9, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Erika Garcia

The Braden River High senior is headed to the state meet with her teammates.

  • East County
  • Sports
Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects

Local line items are a part of the massive $1.2 trillion spending package.

  • East County
  • News
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key

The incident with a vehicle took place near Beach Access 9 around 1:20 p.m. Sunday, deputies say.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Frank Martucci, joined by Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding and his wife, Katherine Martucci, explains what compelled him to give back his 50/50 raffle winnings from the Lawn Party to support the Children's Guardian Fund.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 8, 2026
Kiwanians present record-breaking check from Lawn Party

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key contributed a total of $123,900 to the Children's Guardian Fund, boosted by Frank and Katherine Martucci's raffle contribution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sue Hobbs holds the iridescent shell of the green turban sea snail to the light.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells

Held at Robarts Arena this year, the event featured a larger space, with more room for artists and collectors to showcase their work.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakehouse Cove's 16-month-old Hunter Colon shows his excitement to be inside a fire truck at the Celebrate Our First Responders event Feb. 7 at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch CERT hosts the Celebrate Our First Responders event

Greenbrook Adventure Park is filled with emergency vehicles, first responders and CERT volunteers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Second graders Jordan Davis, Dominic Michalo and Sloan Middleton wave flags of Puerto Rico, which was the country they were assigned for the Tara Elementary School Olympics.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 7, 2026
Tara Elementary hosts its own Winter Olympics

Each class was assigned a country to research before participating in an "olympics-style" competition.

  • East County
  • Schools
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return

The Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park is making preparations for the upcoming rummage sale.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety

Two sites receive B grades on Suncoast Waterkeeper's summary of 2025 testing.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

Three local comedians will perform stand-up comedy to raise funds for Harbor58, Foster the Family and Bring on the Ministry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause

Ben Shroyer has turned a parent's nightmare — childhood cancer — into a cause for good, helping families in the same boat as his was a few years ago. The waters off Siesta help fund the work the organization does.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub Executive Chef Justin Kurtz shares how he reinvents the classics at the iconic Longboat Key restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Longboat Key Police Department Customer Service Specialist Ivan Zunz shakes hands with Police Chief Russ Mager at a Town Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 2. Zunz was recognized for 10 years with LKPD at the meeting.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 5, 2026
Ivan Zunz recognized for a decade with LKPD

The Zunz family have been involved in the Longboat Key community for decades. Ivan, a 10-year employee with the police department, wears many hats and is appreciated by town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota

Before Marie Selby Botanical Gardens came calling, Jennifer Rominiecki never considered uprooting her family from New York City. A decade later, she says it was all worth it.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks

Following a six-month delay, the Sarasota County Commission approved a one-year pilot program to require charter captains to bid for permits to operate out of county-owned boat ramps and seawalls.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Mira-Mar home on Midnight Pass Road tops the week's sales at $7.45 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee

District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold has been appointed to serve on NLC’s Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

Involved for nearly 50 years, Dave and Erma Miller have impacted the sport locally and beyond.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles

A group of residents that stewards the nightly ceremony honoring the U.S. military have replaced the rebar for its flagpoles, ensuring the tradition continues.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The house at 3638 San Remo Terrace overlooks the north Siesta Key bridge.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 5, 2026
Rock star sells Sarasota estate for $7.5 million

The property near the north bridge to Siesta Key was owned by Stu Cook, the bassist for Creedence Clearwater Revival.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Philip DiMaria says “there is a great opportunity here for St. Armands to evolve and become incredible again.”
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 5, 2026
Urban planner shares bold ideas to solve flooding on St. Armands

An urban planner takes a big-picture look at solving one of the region's most vexing issues: flooding on St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Front: Elliot Salenger, Larry Coleman, Dr. Lee Edstrom; Back: Steve Davidson, Bob Nusbaum, Paul Levenson
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 5, 2026
These tennis players unite for the love of the game — and ribbing each other

A love of tennis — mixed with razzing, rallying (if ever so slowly) and rounding out lives well-lived — keeps a resilient band of buddies on task at a longstanding tennis meetup.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Perfectly in sync, Ski-A-Rees skiers Natalie Brannon, Debbie Brannon, Ella Walker and Steph Ouellette skim across Sarasota Bay, blending athleticism and grace.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 5, 2026
From flips to ballet, Ski-A-Rees have done it all on the water since 1957

For nearly 70 years, Sarasota's iconic Ski-A-Rees has blended athleticism, showmanship and community spirit in a tradition that draws hundreds to their beloved Sunday performances.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Palm trees and a white sand beach provide a classic tropical setting.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 5, 2026
Natural forms inspired by the sea add drama to a Longboat Key showplace

This Longboat Key estate has classic charm, graceful style and spectacular vistas that elevate every room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hospital system expands prenatal care access for expecting mothers in need
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2026
Hospital system expands prenatal care access for expecting mothers in need

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has opened its new Pregnancy and Wellness Center at its Clark Road campus, targeting care for the uninsured or underinsured.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Herb Methodology co-owner Tryla Brown Larson celebrates the launch of her line of locally made products at Longboat Key's Design 2000 Salon on Jan. 29.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 4, 2026
Herb Methodology launches at Design 2000

The line of locally made products covers everything from bath bombs to bug repellent.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
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Latest News

1
Pianist Michael Stephen Brown will replace Robert Levin as a faculty member at the Sarasota Music Festival and will perform on June 6 at Holley Hall.
  • June 1, 2026
A slimmer Sarasota Music Festival aims to be as satisfying as ever
2
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office mobile crime units set up shop on Leonard Reid Avenue following the discovery of partial human skeletal remains on Friday, May 29.
  • June 1, 2026
Skeletal remains discovered in north Sarasota
3
Louisen Desinor posted an 81.8% completion rate in Braden River's jamboree May 22 against Charlotte and Sarasota.
  • June 1, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Louisen Desinor
4
Cyclist killed on Sarasota causeway
  • June 1, 2026
Cyclist killed on Sarasota causeway
5
The pools are waiting on water, and the shaded pickleball structure behind them is waiting on paint for the courts.
  • June 1, 2026
Pool, pickleball facilities close to opening at Premier Sports Campus North

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