• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Islands West, one of the tallest buildings on the island, is among 39 town condominiums built in the 1970s.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 23, 2022
Longboat ready to move ahead on condo safety if Tallahassee doesn't

The topic is expected to be raised this week during a Legislature special session in Tallahassee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dale Hooey at the organ in 2021. File photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 23, 2022
All Angels organist retires on Longboat Key

Dale Hooey had been playing services for the church for 16 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High School students speak with Maribeth Phillips, the president and CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, about the need for donations and hunger statistics in Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 23, 2022
Lakewood Ranch High students raise $2,500 to feed the hungry

LRHS ceramics students provided funds to Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee that will pay for 2,500 meals to area families.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 23, 2022
Body of missing swimmer found off Longboat Key

24-year-old woman disappeared from Lido Beach on Saturday evening, police said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 22, 2022
Lakewood Ranch salutes veterans at Tribute to Heroes Parade

Tribute to Heroes Parade returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch after a two-year absence.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
ODA baseball (20-8) will play North Florida Christian (21-5) at 1 p.m. Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers in a FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 22, 2022
ODA baseball, Lakewood Ranch High softball headed to state tournament

The Thunder will play Monday in Fort Myers while the Mustangs will play Friday in Clermont.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • May 22, 2022
Graduation 2022: Booker High

The Booker HS Class of 2022 received their diplomas and walked into the future on Saturday afternoon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2022
Braden River High graduates shine in many ways at graduation

Stoles, medals and cords show graduates' accomplishments in ceremony at LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2022
Emotional farewell to Lakewood Ranch High graduates

Rain delays graduation a day at LECOM Park in Bradenton, so seniors are primed for their big day.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 21, 2022
Graduation 2022: Sarasota High

School officials watching the weather moved ceremony up an hour as graduates walk the stage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 21, 2022
Graduation 2022: Riverview High

About 600 seniors accept diplomas before hearing a classmate's address, urging them to "Keep. On. Climbing."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Michael Garey, John Wild and Jo Bell
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 20, 2022
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key nets about $1,600 on short-notice event

The club put together a brunch for its 50th anniversary to replace the old pancake breakfast.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kylie Wilson and Rosemary Kramer order food from The Maine Line.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 20, 2022
Whitney Plaza on Longboat Key hosts Claws for a Cause

Businesses in the north-end plaza partnered to donate money to the Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
George Kruse offered the only dissenting vote.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 20, 2022
Proposed rezoning of east Bradenton property sent to state for review

Neal Communities seeks approval to increase density for the new neighborhood.

  • East County
  • News
Based on concerns from residents in the area, Commissioner Vanessa Baugh hopes to have a traffic circle installed at the intersection of Lorraine Road and Players Drive.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 20, 2022
Lakewood Ranch motorists split over a planned traffic light or roundabout on Lorraine Road

Those who use Lorraine Road agree traffic control is needed but debate whether a signal or a roundabout is needed at Players Drive.

  • East County
  • News
(File photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 20, 2022
Internship donation aims to aid Quads water testing

Gulf Coast Community Foundation grants $10,000 to Audubon Sarasota for project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Nicci Kobritz, R.N., Nurse Practitioner Founder, Youthful Aging Home Care
  • May 20, 2022
Research Options Before a Crisis Forces Hasty Decision on In Home Health Care

Research Options Before a Crisis Forces Hasty Decision on In Home Health Care

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
This year's Lakewood Ranch High graduating class will have to wait one more day to graduate as the School District of Manatee County makes scheduling changes due to weather.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 19, 2022
School District of Manatee County makes graduation changes due to weather

The Lakewood Ranch High graduation moved to Saturday, and Braden River High's graduation is set earlier than previously scheduled.

  • East County
  • Schools
The view from the VIP tent at TerraNova. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 19, 2022
Myakka City equestrian facility aims to a jump above the rest

Behind a $30 million investment, a young entrepreneur is taking big strides to turn the TerraNova Equestrian Center into a leading destination.

  • East County
  • Business
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 19, 2022
The best day trips from the Sarasota-Bradenton area

These locales offer an action-packed itinerary for a quick getaway, just a short drive away.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Andre is the Lakewood Ranch Puppy Raisers’ token “black sheep.” (Photo by Heidi Kurpiela)
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 19, 2022
Raising puppies for Southeastern Guide Dogs is serious business

The Lakewood Ranch Puppy Raisers group lays the groundwork for a dog’s transition into more advanced guide dog training at Southeastern Guide Dogs.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2022
East County weather page photo: May 19

Gordon Silver captured this bald eagle sounding off along White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2022
Sarasota weather page photo: May 19

Steve Gordon captured this pair of owls at Myakka River State Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2022
Longboat Key weather page photo: May 19

Brian Wamback captured the sunset on a beach at Greer Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lindsey Post and Karen Clark are led to the Manatee County Law Enforcement memorial by the Fraternal Order of Police's Phil Silva. The late Douglas Clark, Post's father and husband of Karen Clark, was honored with a plaque.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 19, 2022
Manatee law enforcement honors those who died in the line of duty

Deputy Douglas Clark, who died in 2021, was the first Manatee County law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty since 1987.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 19, 2022
Supply on the rise in Sarasota real estate market

Inflation, mortgage rate increase cited in first year-over-year supply increase since spring 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Contrary to considerable public outcry regarding building height, the 18-story cap on the Bayfront remains intact.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 19, 2022
Building height incentive removed from city comprehensive plan amendment — for now

Citing a lack of accurate public knowledge about building heights, the commission moves the proposed amendment to add downtown density to create attainable housing onto Tallahassee without taller buildings as a tool.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Legendary Sarasota High baseball Coach Clyde Metcalf retired following the 2021-2022 season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 19, 2022
Prose and Kohn: Our columnist's favorite moments of the 2021-2022 high school athletic year

Championship wins, massive dunks, bearhugs and a well-deserved retirement: These moments run the gamut.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 503 Casey Key Road was built in 1957. It has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,358 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 19, 2022
Casey Key property sells for $5.7 million

A Casey Key property tops the week's sales at $5.7 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch's Jim Hill, a retired career U.S. Marine, will play with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble at the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 19, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble features own veterans during holiday concerts.

Lakewood Ranch Tribute to Heroes Parade, Sarasota National Cemetery host concerts to honor veterans.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The new span would be constructed beside Fort Hamer Bridge.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2022
Manatee seeks federal funding for second span of Fort Hamer Bridge

Funding for the east Bradenton bridge, among other initiatives, prompted a trip to Washington, D.C. by the Manatee County commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota High junior Alec Miller finished second in the Class 4A boys 1,600 meter run at the FHSAA track and field championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 19, 2022
Sarasota junior runner 'psyched' about performance at track and field championships

Alec Miller dropped approximately six seconds from his personal record on his way to a silver medal in the Class 4A 1,600 meter run.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 18, 2022
Longboat Key police officer Shawn Nagell retires

Nagell will take a break for six months but be back as a part-time officer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kristie Teal, development and event manager for Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, checks out a butterfly as it escapes.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 18, 2022
Butterfly release in Lakewood Ranch honors those battling cancer and their caregivers

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation hosted the event to raise nonmedical financial aid for patients.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 18, 2022
Friday night snack in The Lake Club?

A 12-pound dog met a potential new friend — or for.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Sen. Jeff Brandes, Florida District 24 | Guest Contributor
  • May 18, 2022
Marketplace of Ideas: A call for courage

When Florida lawmakers convene on property insurance, they will confront the biggest economic challenge in state history. They need to change the incentives to a market of free enterprise and competition that benefits consumers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
« 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 »
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

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
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
5
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

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 © 2025 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.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now