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Your Observer

  • By Adrian Moore and Richard Hiller | Contributors
  • June 15, 2022
Florida pension fixes in budget are great but only the first step

With the passage of House Bill 5007, the Florida Retirement System’s Investment Plan is much closer to being a model of effective public retirement plan design.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The author would like you to know that no people were given food poisoning from his cooking. (Photo: Jim Hendry)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 15, 2022
Writing is easy, but cooking is hard

How does a journalist with very few cooking skills get by when he's dropped into a Publix cooking class? He burns the bread.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 15, 2022
Sarasota Cops Corner: There's pot in my underwear

The suspect lookalike was guilty of something, putting it bluntly.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 15, 2022
Dream Weaver closing after 32 years on St. Armands Circle

You might associate Joan Morgan with high-end clothing. But now she's looking forward to living off the land.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 15, 2022
Workshop studies the need for East Manatee Fire Rescue to add paramedics

Fire Commissioner James Carlino 70% of calls for the department are medically related and that it thus makes sense that the best medical care should be provided.

  • East County
  • News
Sheila Waid feels like she's returning home as the new principal at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School. Waid served as a student support specialist at McNeal Elementary from 2015 to 2018.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 14, 2022
East Bradenton educator returns to McNeal Elementary as principal

Sheila Waid lands her first principal role after three decades in education.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • June 14, 2022
Sarasota board votes down developer's plan to raze 100-year-old building

The Historic Preservation Board unanimously refused the request to tear down Mira Mar in order to build 70 condos.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday the pilot of a small plane was not injured in a crash into the Myakka River.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 14, 2022
Pilot walks away from plane crash in Myakka

Small plane ends up in the Myakka River, but the pilot is not injured.

  • East County
  • News
North Shore Road is a popular spot for visitors coming over the north bridge but is limited. (File photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 14, 2022
Police underline road safety for Independence Day

Longboat Key Police Chief George Turner stresses safe driving and planning ahead for parking on Fourth of July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Solid Waste Division Manager Rob Shankle assured the Observer that Manatee County's recycling program remains operational.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 14, 2022
Manager says Manatee County’s recycling program on solid ground

Although the city of Bradenton canceled its home recycling pickup, Manatee County says its program is going well.

  • East County
  • News
Francesco Saviano.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 14, 2022
East County Athlete of the Week: Francesco Saviano

The Lakewood Ranch Chargers soccer player scored the winning goal in the team's Memorial Day tournament championship game at Premier Sports Campus.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Greer Island lagoon between the Longboat Pass Bridge and the Gulfside beaches. The plan is to dredge sand from the canal feeding it this year. (File photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 14, 2022
Coastal engineers fight battle of Longboat Key erosion

The latest beach renourishment project came in early and under budget, but Longboat Key faces a long-term fight to alleviate the effects of erosion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
St. Armands Circle paid parking data shows visits to the Lido Key business district remains robust even after season. (Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 14, 2022
Paid parking, Bay Runner data shows benefits for St. Armands BID

The Sarasota parking manager tells the St. Armands BID board that paid parking and Bay Runner activities remain robust after season concludes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • June 14, 2022
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Gone Fishing

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
An aviation maintenance school is coming to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 14, 2022
State budget helps fund new aviation school at SRQ

The coming Aviation Maintenance Technician School at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will open opportunities for MTC and Suncoast Tech students.

  • East County
  • News
From left, Sarasota City Commission candidates Sheldon Rich, Dan Lobeck, incumbent Jen Ahearn-Koch, Debbie Trice and Carol Shoffstall participated in CCNA's candidate forum on Saturday. (Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 14, 2022
Hot topics, and maybe a dirty trick, highlight commission candidate forum

Sheldon Rich alleges political subterfuge as fellow city commission candidates answer questions at Saturday's CCNA forum.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This Country Club East home at 7421 Seacroft Cove sold for $2,226,000. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,076 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of Roger Clyne.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 14, 2022
Country Club East home tops sales at $2.23 million

A Country Club East home tops the week's sales at $2.23 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The observation deck at Joan Durante Park was rebuilt with the boardwalk and overlooks Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 13, 2022
The boardwalk at Joan Durante park is open

The original boardwalk was lifted off its footers in November 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Penelope Hagen loves living on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 13, 2022
School-aged children account for only 1% of Longboat's population

Children make up almost a quarter of the population nationally.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Angelo DiFiore poses with Sofia's Assistant Manager Jorge Zavalaga. The restaurant is expected to open the first week of August.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 13, 2022
Mediterranean dining comes to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Sofia's, a Mediterranean-themed restaurant, is set to open in early August.

  • East County
  • Business
John Pyle of Sarasota was arrested nearly five years after disappearing while facing multiple counts of child pornography.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 13, 2022
Sarasota man arrested in Mexico on child pornography charges from 2016

John Pyle’s nearly 5-year flight from justice ends after his arrest near Cancun, Mexico. He awaits extradition from Miami to Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Seaward Development promises its plans will pay homage to Mira Mar's 100-year history. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • June 13, 2022
Mira Mar building could be demolished to build more downtown condos

Sarasota-based Seaward Development promises its plan will pay homage to Mira Mar's 100-year history.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota's Bay Runner trolley service has transported more than 41,000 passengers between downtown and Lido Key in its first three full months of operation. (File photo)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 13, 2022
City earns top mobility award marks for Bay Runner, e-scooter programs

Still in their infancy, Sarasota's Bay Runner and e-scooter/e-bike programs are met with international acclaim.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peninsula Sarasota and its 23 luxury condominiums will occupy this site on Golden Gate Point if approved by the Sarasota City Commission. (Photo by Andrew Warfield)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 13, 2022
More condos headed to Golden Gate Point

The city's Planning Board unanimously approves the 23-unit Peninsula Sarasota luxury condo development at Golden Gate Point.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Officer Jeremy Christie rescued a baby mockingbird near Lido Beach.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 13, 2022
Police officer rescues a mockingbird

Sarasota Officer Jeremy Christie transported the mockingbird to Save Our Seabirds.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 12, 2022
The Exchange awards local art groups and students

More than $300,000 was awarded to 18 arts organizations and 15 students on June 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's John Savage volunteers as the "Hawkeye," who keeps his eye on the rowers from the top of the finish tower to make sure they stay safe.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 11, 2022
Sarasota's Nathan Benderson Park seeks more volunteers

With additional events upcoming, Nathan Benderson Park issues call for more volunteers.

  • East County
  • News
Niko Goesel waves from her car.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 11, 2022
Pride car parade drives through downtown Sarasota

The Project Pride SRQ parade was held Sat. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Keira, Xiamara, Alana and Celena Eberly had their faces painted.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 11, 2022
Mote celebrates World Oceans Day with interactive education

Games, experiments and painted faces filled the courtyard at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Van Wezel Foundation has named Julie Schwartz director of development.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 10, 2022
Van Wezel Foundation brings new director of development from Carnegie Hall

Julie Schwartz brings to the Van Wezel Foundation two decades of experience with renowned cultural organizations, including the renowned New York City venue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although a final decision has yet to be made on an indoor gymnasium at Premier Park, this sketch by Manatee County shows that a gym could be placed next to the $13.6 million aquatics facility, which has been approved. (Courtesy)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 10, 2022
Manatee exec says indoor gymnasium would be boon for tourism

Elliott Falcione says Premier Park in Lakewood Ranch should have an indoor athletic facility component.

  • East County
  • News
Tidewell Hospice employees Tami Caruso, Maria Paliotta and Kristen Franke, chat over barbecue during the open house.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 10, 2022
Robert Toale & Sons opens Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch with a bash

The Celebration of Life Center opened with a ribbon-cutting June 8.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Kimberley Barr is honored at the Young Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony May 15 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 10, 2022
Myakka City Girl Scout earns gold with Project Prom Dress

Kimberley Barr earns Girl Scouts Gold Award by making prom attire available to students.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The church chose not to alter its sanctuary building, opting instead to build the events center that currently awaits construction.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 10, 2022
Living Lord Lutheran Church in Lakewood Ranch begins expansion

The new construction project will introduce a 2,274-square-foot events hall.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 9, 2022
Bearadise Ranch hosts first Kamp Kodiak in Myakka City

Children learn about bears and participate in activities including sack races, karaoke and arts and crafts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 9, 2022
East County weather page photo: June 9

Bruce Silverman took this photo of a pineapple plant in Rosedale in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
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
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
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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