Your Observer

Andrew Warfield
July 29, 2022

Original plans derailed, city studies urban trail options to complete Legacy Trail

As negotiations with Seminole Gulf Railway have jumped the tracks, Sarasota looks to take the remaining 4.3 miles of Legacy Trail to the streets.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
July 29, 2022

High school survival tips from those who know

Current students offer tips on avoiding high school pitfalls.

East County
Schools

Ryan Kohn
July 29, 2022

Early preparation key in getting students to eat healthy

Here are some tips for low-stress meal preparation as your child heads to school.

East County
Schools

Eric Garwood
July 29, 2022

Relocated Siesta Key triathlon set for Longboat Key, City Island

The Sunday morning event is expected to host about 200 athletes in a variety of events.

Longboat Key
News

Ian Swaby
July 29, 2022

Manatee County Commission will reduce millage rate

The proposed reduced property tax rate would save residents $100 per year on a $500,000 home.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
July 28, 2022

Foundation for Dreams summer camp provides fun experiences in east Bradenton

Campers enjoyed swimming, canoeing, horseback riding and more.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 28, 2022

East County weather page photo: July 28

Gordon Silver captured this large gator patrolling the waters near a pond at University Parkway and Lorraine Road.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 28, 2022

Sarasota weather page photo: July 28

MaryAnn Tygh Parks photographed this turkey in Myakka River State Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 28, 2022

Longboat Key weather page photo: July 28

Katen and Wayne Smith stumbled upon a snake walking to the beach from Cedars West on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
July 28, 2022

Property on Casey Key sells for $6.5 million

A property on Casey Key Road tops this week's sales at $6.5 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Jay Heater
July 28, 2022

The Lake Club's circle of giving increases

"If you stay the course and continue to surround yourself with like-minded women, then great things come of it," founder Barbara Najmy says.

East County
Opinion

Harry Sayer
July 28, 2022

Sarasota mother and daughter head to Miss Amazing pageant

Abigail Gbadebo will serve as the Miss Florida representative for the weekend at the national Miss Amazing event in Nashville.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
July 28, 2022

The Observer's 2022 primary election recommendations

CEO Matt Walsh shares his recommendations for races in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
July 28, 2022

Former Longboat Key Police Department lieutenant opens food truck

Chris Skinner served in the department for about 11 years before retiring last September.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Spencer Fordin
July 28, 2022

Local Irish-owned Pub 32 announces closing date

Ross and Louise Galbraith operated Pub 32 for more than a decade, but they announced in a Facebook post this week that they will soon be closing down.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
July 28, 2022

Lakewood Ranch residents complain of delayed gate access to their communities

The Inter-District Authority says some cases of unresponsiveness could involve human error, problems caused by lightning strikes or internet connectivity issues.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
July 28, 2022

City revenue rises on lower tax rate for 2023

A lower millage and increased spending requests have combined for a $3.2 million deficit in the city's proposed 2023 budget despite an additional $6.4 million in property tax revenue.

Sarasota
News

Jay Heater
July 27, 2022

Therapy sheep spreads love to homeless and seniors

Ivory, once an abandoned lamb, makes her impact by spreading joy in Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton assisted living facilities.

East County
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
July 27, 2022

Longboat chamber members gather at Hugo II

Fifty members and prospective members attended Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours event July 26.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Harry Sayer
July 27, 2022

Sarasota Memorial Hospital earns spot on Best Hospitals list

The hospital earned accolades from U.S. News in multiple categories.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
July 27, 2022

The best things to do on Longboat for every type of tourist

From marine life to Michelin Star food, Longboat Key has it all.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
July 27, 2022

Temple Beth Israel members day trip to the Sarasota Art Museum

Easy parking and air conditioning make the museum a great summer outing.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
July 27, 2022

Lakewood Ranch golf fan has an ace collection

Keith Heifner has only been collecting golf clubs and merchandise since 2017 but has nearly filled out his Central Park garage.

East County
Sports

Ryan Kohn
July 27, 2022

Prose and Kohn: 10 senior athletes to watch in Sarasota

A look at the area's top senior football players before practice begins Aug. 1.

Sarasota
Sports

Andrew Warfield
July 27, 2022

Roundabout construction limits access to Tamiami Trail business

The owners of Swim City on Tamiami Trail say the construction has cost them nearly 30% in sales in recent months. Detours, street closures and a closed crosswalk will continue until fall.