• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

New homes continue to be built in Lakewood Ranch, solidifying its position as the No. 1-selling, multigenerational community in the U.S.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 5, 2023
Lakewood Ranch again top-selling multigenerational, master-planned community

The Villages senior community remains the top-selling master-planned community in U.S. while the Ranch remains No. 2 overall.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 4028 Roberts Point Road was built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,275 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 5, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 12-23 for Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis, Osprey

A Siesta Key home on Roberts Point Road tops the week's sales at $3.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Rams junior Charles Lester III cuts upfield on a designed run.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 5, 2023
Top 10 Sarasota athletes to watch in 2023

These athletes combine talent and hard work to find success in their respective sports.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
First responders work at the scene of a multi-car crash on Thursday at Fruitville and Cattlemen roads.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 5, 2023
Fruitville Road crash snarls Sarasota County traffic

A multi-car crash occurred at Cattlemen Road on Thursday morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 5, 2023
Wake up. Have hope.

Our word for 2023 is "hope." We all must have hope — hope that our fellow Americans wake up to what is being done to them. History shows us the power of hope. It propels us to take action.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The roundabout at 14th Street and U.S. 41 is among the network of roundabouts along Tamiami Trail planned by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization through Sarasota.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 5, 2023
Sarasota still has a ways to go to be a 'roundabout city'

Sarasota is among the state's leaders in converting intersections into roundabouts. On a national level, it's not even close.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A roundabout was added to GreyHawk Boulevard and Pope Road in 2021.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 5, 2023
FDOT encouraged by lack of negative feedback on SR 64 roundabouts

Two roundabouts have been added in the Lakewood Ranch area with another on the way.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences students show off their finished car.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • January 5, 2023
Fab Lab's remote-controlled car competition invites students to register

Registration is open for Suncoast Science Center/Fab Lab's eighth annual remote control car competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Groundwater seepage and occasional flooding from Sarasota Bay are among the reasons the city is pursuing a replacement for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 5, 2023
Commission OKs owner's rep for SPAC architect selection

The city will hire an owner's representative to advise on the new art center process, and commissioners held an initial discussion on repurposing the Van Wezel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key's annual citizen survey to be mailed out Jan. 9.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • January 5, 2023
Longboat Key's annual citizen survey to be mailed out Jan. 9.

The deadline for residents to fill out the online survey is Feb. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
East County's Alyssa Miller and Juliya Hochstetler try a different food truck every time they go to Ranch Nite Wednesdays. One of their favorites is the cheese curds from Say Cheese Curd Company.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 4, 2023
Ranch Nite Wednesdays offers diverse menu at Waterside Place

The weekly event in Lakewood Ranch keeps patrons coming back with its many food trucks and restaurants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • January 4, 2023
George L. Spoll

George L. Spoll, 89, of Longboat Key, FL, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Byeong Hun An won the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 4, 2023
Keep an eye on these Lakewood Ranch-area sports events in 2023

From rowing races to football rivalries to attempted three-peats, 2023 looks like another exciting year.

  • East County
  • Sports
The home at 639 Mourning Dove Drive was built in 1967, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,172 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 4, 2023
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 12-23 on Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Bird Key

A Bird Key property on Mourning Dove Drive topped the week's sales at $5.30 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
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
  • January 4, 2023
Van Wezel heirs demand name be removed from SPAC materials

Descendants of the Van Wezel family sent a cease and desist demand to the city and SPAC Foundation to stop using the Van Wezel name in promoting and fundraising for a new performing arts center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bouncer bounces man with a service dog
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 4, 2023
Bouncer bounces man with a service dog

A man with a service dog was denied entry into a bar and was shoved by a bouncer because he blocked the doorway. This and other tales from the Sarasota Police Department in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ken Schneier will enter his third term on the Longboat Key Town Commission in March 2023.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • January 4, 2023
Five questions with Ken Schneier

Schneier discusses his decision to pursue a third time and his hopes for Longboat Key's future.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Country Club is maintained by CDDs 2, 5, and 6.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 4, 2023
Water system transfer tops Lakewood Ranch Country Club 2023 priorities

Landscaping improvements and hurricane reimbursements also rank high on a list of the CDDs' priorities.

  • East County
  • News
This Country Club home at 13215 Palmers Creek Terrace sold for $1,935,500. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,701 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 3, 2023
Top residential real estate sales in Lakewood Ranch for Dec. 12-23

A Country Club home on Palmers Creek Terrace tops the week's sales at $1.94 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Kaiden and mom Julie with nurse midwife Sarah Nicola
  • By Observer Staff
  • January 3, 2023
Sarasota's first baby of 2023 arrives at 12:29 a.m.

A boy was born early in the morning on Jan. 1 at SMH and has a 4-year-old big sister.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Bay would be constructed between the existing Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota tower, right, and the site of the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota, left.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 3, 2023
Second Ritz-Carlton residences building planned for Quay

The 20-story, 74-unit tower will feature condos priced between $3.5 million and $11.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School's Jasmine Burden, Bryce Brielmann and Amme Cook lead the Marching Mustangs in the parade. The marching band performed in the Sugar Bowl parade and half time show.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 3, 2023
Lakewood Ranch High marching band makes sweet memories at Sugar Bowl

From a riverboat ride to walking Jackson Square to performing at the Sugar Bowl, the Marching Mustangs won't forget their New Orleans trip.

  • East County
  • Schools
One credit card too many
  • By Eric Garwood
  • January 3, 2023
One credit card too many

A shopper who dropped his wallet finds a little something extra when making sure nothing was lost. This and more in this week's edition of Longboat Key Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
St. Lucie County administrator Howard Tipton will start his tenure with the town Jan. 30
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • January 3, 2023
Top priorities for Longboat's new town manager

Howard Tipton will start his new role on the barrier island Jan. 30.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Victoria Staszak and Ashlyn Meyers are grateful to Cameron Dakin Dairy for allowing them to show Josie at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 3, 2023
Local farms support Manatee County Fair participants from FFA, 4-H

Cameron Dakin Dairy and Bunyak Club Calves lead the way providing animals to show at the annual fair in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • January 3, 2023
10 Sarasota events you simply can't miss in 2023

Mark your calendars. Here are the top 10 events coming this year in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Winners of the 2019 tournament's Division 1, Andy and Karen Adams, Sandra Weiss and Chris Wetzig.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 2, 2023
Observer Challenge returns in February

The Observer Challenge is scheduled for Feb. 3-5 at the Longboat Key Tennis Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pedestrian killed in accident on Lockwood Ridge Road
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 2, 2023
Pedestrian killed in accident on Lockwood Ridge Road

Florida Highway Patrol says a 76-year-old Bradenton man walked into the path of a car driven by an 80-year-old woman.

  • East County
  • News
Gary Coffin will take his District 1 commission seat in March 2023.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • January 2, 2023
Five questions with commissioner-elect Gary Coffin

Coffin discusses his decision to seek the role, his leadership style and pressing issues on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Clayton Dees (5) will enter his second year as a starting quarterback as a senior for Lakewood Ranch in 2023.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 2, 2023
Top 10 East County athletes to watch in 2023

These athletes combine experience and talent to find success in their respective sports.

  • East County
  • Sports
Deep water remains at the entrance to Swim City off U.S. 41 just as the roundabout opens and the driveway is accessible to traffic.
  • By Andrew Warfield
  • January 2, 2023
Opening of the Gulfstream roundabout greets Swim City with a new challenge

Swim City anxiously awaited the opening of the Gulfstream Avenue roundabout. Late-stage construction on U.S. 41 brought a new challenge: a flooded parking lot with nowhere for the water to go.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Phase 1 Chiropractic
  • January 2, 2023
The Chiropractic and Holistic Care You've Been Looking For

Chiropractic Care with a Difference.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Claire Dornak of North South Wealth Management/Ranch Hand tries to pass the ball down the field as Barefield/Hawkwood's Vasco Iriate challenges her in the season opener at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 1.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 1, 2023
A new year and season at the Sarasota Polo Club

Fans jammed the sidelines to tailgate as the 2023 Sarasota Polo Club season hit the field.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ron Soto preps Sarasota's beloved pineapple for the 2023 New Year's Eve Block Party and Pineapple Drop.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • January 1, 2023
Sarasota celebrates the arrival of 2023

Sarasota partied to welcome the new year with its annual Pineapple Drop.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Sue Flansburg, Palm Aire's Marie Sucro, and Fran Meyerson observe the bird activity at Celery Fields.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 1, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Avian Club spreads its wings

The organization, which originally specialized in domestic birds, has now extended its focus to wild birds.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Krohn family set up their VIP tables with settings for everyone.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 1, 2023
10 can't-miss events on Longboat Key in 2023

Mark your calendars. These are the top 10 events for the year on Longboat Key.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
« 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

Sponsored Content
1
  • June 3, 2026
Keys & Courses: A High-Energy Dueling Piano Dinner Party
2
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
  • June 3, 2026
Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only
3
University Town Center is poised to welcome more than a dozen new tenants, Ikea this summer to Dick's House of Sport in 2027.
  • June 3, 2026
13 new retailers, eateries coming to University Town Center
4
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service
5
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free