Your Observer

Ian Swaby
June 20, 2022

Area scientists study why Lakewood Ranch ponds have been turning brown

The Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority enlists scientists from the University of Florida to help with the "browning" ponds.

East County
News

Lesley Dwyer
June 20, 2022

Longboat Harbour resident, retired firefighter shifts to up-and-coming photographer

John Harkness retired on Longboat Key in 2018 from a firefighter career and began photography with his iPhone two-and-a-half years ago.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
June 20, 2022

Lakewood Ranch residents learn better phone photography in a snap

The unique phone camera class at James Patton Community Park was offered by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

East County
Neighbors

Harry Sayer
June 20, 2022

Newtown puts on Juneteenth celebration

The afternoon event was held June 18 in the heart of the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
June 20, 2022

Former Mustangs reunite in the Florida Gulf Coast League summer softball season

Four Lakewood Ranch High alums are on the 2022 Lakewood Ranch Rodeo of the Florida Gulf Coast League.

East County
Sports

Harry Sayer
June 19, 2022

Cats and dogs return for Project Pride pet parade

The annual walk through Bayfront Park was held June 18.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
June 18, 2022

Temple Beth Israel has announced first co-presidents in its 43 years

Marion Levine and David Gorin, who took the helm in early June, agree that the job is simply too much work for one person.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
June 18, 2022

Dad's Day Block Party at the Mall at UTC in Sarasota brings early Father's Day gifts

Former Buc Alex Smith and former Lightning player Ruslan Fendotenko thrill fans at Dad's Day Block Party.

East County
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
June 18, 2022

Longtime Sarasota furniture store owner, philanthropist Ed Kalin dies at 101

"It doesn't cost anything to be nice, and it pays dividends" was one of Ed Kalin’s favorite sayings.

Sarasota
News

Andrew Warfield
June 17, 2022

Town hall reveals proposals to address workforce housing crisis

Sarasota's recent success isn't equally distributed as the resulting spike in housing costs are pricing essential workers out of the city.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
June 17, 2022

Braden River Middle renovations near completion

The School District of Manatee County takes advantage of summer months to continue renovations, which include a newly configured administration area and a cafeteria expansion.

East County
Schools

Lesley Dwyer
June 17, 2022

Hard work recognized at town hall

Maika Arnold won the Town Manager Award and, unofficially, the quickest commuter award.

Longboat Key
News

Jay Heater
June 17, 2022

Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch presents $76,850 in grants

Twenty-five nonprofits benefit from the generosity of the Lakewood Ranch women's group.

East County
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
June 17, 2022

Sarasota 10th among Florida counties in three-year business growth

Financial tech company SmartAsset ranks Sarasota County among the 10 fastest business growth counties in the state over the past three years.

Sarasota
News

Adam Hughes
June 16, 2022

Harbor Acres home sells for $9.3 million

A Harbor Acres home tops the week's sales at $9.3 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
June 16, 2022

East County weather page photo: June 16

Jack Kelley took this photo of a hibiscus in bloom in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 16, 2022

Sarasota weather page photo: June 16

Gordon Silver captured this photo of a red winged blackbird along a lake bed in Myakka River State Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 16, 2022

Longboat Key weather page photo: June 16

Gary Wise captured this photo of a black skimmer bird nesting on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
June 16, 2022

Sarasota Crew rowers win Women's U17 2x national championship

The 2022 USRowing Youth National Championships were held at Nathan Benderson Park from June 8-12.

Sarasota
Sports

Ryan Kohn
June 16, 2022

2023 US Masters Swimming Summer National Championship coming to Sarasota

The championship will be held Aug. 2-6, 2023, at the Selby Aquatic Center.

Sarasota
Sports

A time to celebrate |

June 16, 2022

Dr. Doug Lyssy & Brittany Lakhani

Dr. Doug Lyssy, a full time resident of Longboat Key, and Brittany Lakhani tied the knot on May 14, 2022.

Longboat Key
Celebrations

Lesley Dwyer
June 16, 2022

The Beach Harbor Club welcomes its first baby

Blair Marie Sobotka is the first newborn to live at the Beach Harbor Club since it opened in 1970.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
June 16, 2022

Basketball camp fires up future Lakewood Ranch High players

The annual camp at Lakewood Ranch High also gives its current players a chance to coach.

East County
Sports

Liz Ramos
June 16, 2022

Progress continues on Nate's Honor Animal Rescue expansion in Lakewood Ranch

Several amenities are now finished while work on pet cottages, a playground and an adoption center continues.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
June 16, 2022

Turtle gets trapped under a beach chair

Patrick Engle was vacationing from Pennsylvania when he found a turtle trapped under a beach chair.

Longboat Key
News

Harry Sayer
June 16, 2022

Sarasota's Brian Ferguson coordinates realism for 'Top Gun: Maverick'

Ferguson, who grew up in Sarasota, was inspired to join the Navy by the first "Top Gun" film.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
June 16, 2022

Myakka 'safety net' provides hope for lemurs

The Lemur Conservation Foundation needs donations to help keep lemurs from going extinct. But don't feel slighted if they don't invite you in. Humans have been the enemy for the past 2,000 years.

East County
Opinion

Lesley Dwyer
June 15, 2022

Local businesses network and lunch at Cafe L'Europe

The Players Centre for Performing Arts is asking for help writing letters to the City Commission.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Louis Llovio
June 15, 2022

Sarasota building inspector calls for immediate safety measures at Mira Mar

The property inspection found "overall decline," and a local expert said the city is liable if the building collapses.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
June 15, 2022

Lakewood Ranch rowers compete against nation's best at Youth Championships

Three Lakewood Ranch rowers were among the 3,500 competitors at the 2022 USRowing Youth National Championships.

East County
Sports

Ryan Kohn
June 15, 2022

Prose and Kohn: Spring college athletes get it done

A final look at our area's alumni now that the NCAA spring season is coming to a close.

Sarasota
Sports

Andrew Warfield
June 15, 2022

Planning Board rejects apartments for Sarasota Kennel Club site

Citing airport operations noise concerns, the Sarasota Planning Board recommends against the approval of an apartment community at Sarasota Kennel Club.