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Your Observer

There are about 200 miles of seawalls in Longboat Key.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 24, 2022
Longboat study aims to prepare town for rising tides

A multi-phased approach was designed to offer a range of ideas on sealing off the sea from island properties — and how to pay for it.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris McComas, the co-founder of MVP Sports and Social, hopes he can get a hole-in-one while using the putter as a pool stick. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2022
MVP Sports and Social starts mini golf league in Lakewood Ranch

The new mini golf league at The Fish Hole in Lakewood Ranch offers unique challenges.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ellianna Rogers, who is 14, brings Tilly out of her stall so they can head to the arena. The SMART camp is the first time Rogers has been able to ride a horse.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2022
SMART campers get back in the saddle in east Bradenton

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy's summer camp gives campers a chance to improve their riding skills.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
An artistic rendering of the enhanced Koski Production Center. (Courtesy image)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 24, 2022
Asolo Repertory Theatre opens expanded rehearsal space

For years, Asolo Rep has longed to spread its wings and build a bigger rehearsal space. Finally, that day has arrived.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2022
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 23

Sergio Albuquerque took this snapshot of a calm, sunny day on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 23

Gordon Silver captured this brave white ibis walking past an alligator near the Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2022
Sarasota weather page photo: June 23

Richard Bottorff captured this photo of a great horned owlet looking down from a tree the Saddlebag Creek neighborhood in Myakka City.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Avid anglers, Dawn Milstead and Laura Groppo, spend a lot of time on the water.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 23, 2022
Pair of boaters help save tangled turtle near Longboat Key

A fishing trip turned into a successful rescue operation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 23, 2022
Rotary Club passes the gavel to new president

Bo Fuller passed the gavel to Jeff Driver at the club's annual ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Members of the Sarasota County School Board meet Tuesday, June 21 in Longboat Key Town Hall.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 23, 2022
Longboat leaders tout demand for continued education during school board visit

Funding for a library and community center has gained initial nods from the County Commission, but school district participation was sought as well.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home at 1373 Harbor Drive was built in 2006 and offers four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and more than 5,800 square feet of living area. (Photo by Eric Garwood)
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 23, 2022
Harbor Acres home sold for $5.3 million

A Harbor Acres home tops the week's sales at 5.3 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Lisa Krouse has been interim executive director of the EDC of Sarasota County for one year. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 23, 2022
Overhauling in overdrive: Lisa Krouse describes the past year of revamping the EDC

As the third top execitive of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County in recent years, Lisa Krouse looks back in the organization's progress over the 11 months.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Many of the flowers are made from pages from a colorful flower book. (Photo by Harry Sayer)
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 23, 2022
Sarasota artist with cancer makes paper flower garden

Sandy Payson has embraced life while battler cancer by crafting flowers with scissors and her own imagination.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Sailors alum Conner Whittaker, who just finished his freshman season at Florida State, held a 2.48 ERA over 36.1 innings in 2022. (Photo courtesy of FSU Athletics)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 23, 2022
Former Sarasota High baseball star was a key piece of Florida State's bullpen in 2022

Conner Whittaker held a 2.48 ERA over 36.1 innings as a freshman at FSU. He thanks his high school coaches for making his transition to college ball a smooth one.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Meals on Wheels PLUS driver Steve Gadberry, left, helps prepare bags of hot meals at the Meals on Wheels kitchen, in Bradenton. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 23, 2022
Meals on Wheels Plus celebrates 50 years of serving the community

The nonprofit, which in 2020 hit a total 11 million home-delivered meal served since its 1972 inception, now delivers more than 320,000 meals a year.

  • East County
  • Business
The State Attorney General's Office said it will charge Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse with one count of driving under the influence for an accident April 20 on GreyHawk Boulevard. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 22, 2022
Florida State Attorney's Office files DUI charge against Manatee commissioner

George Kruse will be charged with one count of driving under the influence.

  • East County
  • News
Jamier Jones announced June 17 that he will be transferring to IMG Academy from Riverview High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 22, 2022
3 things Sarasota sports fans need to know this week

Notes on some college athletes you should drive to see, a big-time high schooler making a big-time move and a baseball alum finding success in an unlikely place.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Earth moving equipment is shaping the traffic circle of the roundabout project at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 22, 2022
Gulfstream Avenue roundabout finally taking shape

With grading well underway, the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue is finally looking like a traffic circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dolphin Aviation scholarship winners Jaxson French, Gabriel French, presenter Shannon Ciaravella, Chloe Sebiro, Halden Parker and Sephena Jackson. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 22, 2022
Local students awarded at Dolphin Aviation scholarship ceremony

The ceremony was held June 20.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joey Leto in June 2022
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 22, 2022
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Joey Leto

The BMX pro and Lindenwood University rising senior is returning home to teach youth camps at Sarasota BMX this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
There are four event sites in Sarasota with about 10,000 square feet or more. One of them is the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. (File photo)
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • June 22, 2022
Where’s the party?

Sarasota is known for its robust social scene full of fundraisers and events. But with its lack of large-capacity venues, area organizations fret about where to host their events in the future.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A notice of the Tuesday public hearing was posted at the north gate to Bay Isles.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 22, 2022
Key Club granted more time for pickleball plans

Noise arguments revolve around questions about public access and sound-rule exemption.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jennifer Santora, a former third grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, helps Caley Ochoa with a math problem. Teachers will go through trainings to learn more ways of supporting students. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 22, 2022
Manatee School District implements new project to improve school climate

Thirty-three percent of students surveyed say the actions of fellow students hurt their performance, so the school district hopes Project Spark leads to better learning environment.

  • East County
  • Schools
Captain Ed Kolodzieski and two clients enjoy a sunny day on Sarasota Bay in a Duffy Sun Cruiser. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 22, 2022
Local business corners market on electric boats

Ed Kolodzieski won't just order an electric boat for you. You can visit his showroom and take one home the next week.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The home at 96 N. Washington Drive sold for $6.5 million. (Photo by Lesley Dwyer)
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 22, 2022
St. Armands home sells for $6.5 million

A St. Armands home in John Ringling Estates tops the week's sales at $6.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 22, 2022
Longboat Key eyes lower millage, tax reduction

Property sales and new construction could help pave the way for lower property levies for homesteaded residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mary Russell, 24, takes a bite of her gold medal at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Russell won the women's 100 yard freestyle (1:30.34). (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 22, 2022
Del Webb swimmer makes a special memory at Special Olympics USA Games

Mary Russell, 24, won a gold medal in the women's 100 yard freestyle (1:30.34) at the event, which was held Jun 5-12 in Orlando.

  • East County
  • Sports
In November, Town Manager Tom Harmer announced the Karons would donate up to $500,000 to fund and design the construction of the Town Center stage in exchange for its naming rights. (Courtesy rendering)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 21, 2022
Town Center Green's over-budget bids prompt rethink

Longboat Key hopes that additional private money can be attracted to keep the stage project on track.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Stephanie Peabody's Brain Health Initiative has launched a collaborative program with the School District of Manatee County. (File photo)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2022
Lakewood Ranch schools chosen to implement Brain Health Initiative collaboration

The School District of Manatee County will work with Brain Health Initiative to create a better learning environment.

  • East County
  • News
Cheney Morris. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 21, 2022
East County Athlete of the Week: Cheney Morris

The LRSA Lightning girls swimmer, who specializes in the individual medley, is headed to the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics in July.

  • East County
  • Sports
Construction of The Evolution at Golden Gate Point has been halted for several months as Gates Construction awaits delayed delivery of floor-to-ceiling windows.(Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 21, 2022
Stalled condo tower on Golden Gate Point set to resume construction in July

A supply chain issue halted construction of The Evolution condominiums at Golden Gate Point, but work is expected to resume in July.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chamber president and CEO Heather Kasten pays tribute to the 27 videos at the beginning of the ceremony.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 21, 2022
Small businesses get the spotlight at chamber awards luncheon

The Sarasota Chamber awards luncheon was held June 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 21, 2022
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Doggy Paddle

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This Country Club East home at 7625 Haddington Cove sold for $1,837,000. It has three bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,835 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 21, 2022
Country Club home tops sales at $2.15 million

A Country Club home tops the week's sales at $2.15 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
(Courtesy of the town of Longboat Key)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 21, 2022
Large boat moored in Longboat canal prompts examination of town rules

Residents of a Longboat community are frustrated by the presence of a large boat impeding access and egress from the canal.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The beach on Greer Island is a popular boating destination.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 20, 2022
Longboat leaders finalize pair of no-boating zones on Greer Island

Two areas nearest private land are now designated as bathing zones.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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
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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
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Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
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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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