Your Observer

Mark Gordon
August 19, 2025

This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.

East County
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
August 19, 2025

Longboat community connects at networking doubleheader

Three Island Monkeys and Lo' Key Island Grille combined their efforts to co-host the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's latest networking event.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Letter to the Editor
August 19, 2025

Women's suffrage still a work in progress

The path to suffrage was not universal or equal; many barriers continued to exist for the full participation of all women, an Observer reader says.

East County
Opinion

Adam Hughes
August 19, 2025

Top residential real estate sales for Aug. 4-8 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in Lake Club on Pavia Way topped the week’s sales at $2.45 million.

East County
Real Estate

Madison Bierl
August 19, 2025

Below the surface: The truth about manatee safety

Factors including cold stress, boat collisions, fishing gear entanglement and habitat loss contribute to the increase in manatee deaths in Florida.

East County
News

Andrew Warfield
August 19, 2025

Selby Gardens wins Planning Board approval for Master Plan Phase 2

Despite concerns over tree removal and mitigation plans, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens gets the green light to proceed with $61 million Master Plan Phase 2 project.

Sarasota
News

S.T. Cardinal
August 19, 2025

Man walking in 'aggressive manner' has cops called on him

Police were called for someone walking aggressively in a synagogue parking lot. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Beth Luberecki
August 19, 2025

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's new CEO brings experience to its expansion

Rob Anderson relocated from Texas to Lakewood Ranch to run east Manatee County's largest hospital at a critical time for the facility. He aims to manage the growth smartly.

East County
News

Vinnie Portell
August 19, 2025

Former Major Leaguer relishes high school coaching gig

Ian Desmond brings an All-Star resume to his new job as Lakewood Ranch High School’s baseball coach. The father of five also brings some core values to the gig, like work ethic and a family-first ethos.

East County
Sports

By Letter to the Editor
August 18, 2025

Corcoran's success at New College can be attributed to low-hanging fruit

There are many questions that remain unanswered regarding curriculum changes and total leadership, an Observer reader says.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letter to the Editor
August 18, 2025

Roundabout construction will lock up University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch

There's no doubt the intersection at University Parkway and Deer Drive/Legacy Boulevard needs an upgrade, a reader says.

East County
Opinion

Eric Snider
August 18, 2025

The Concession hunts for its first Major

Sarasota and Manatee county tourism leaders are joining forces with a top-tier golf course in the region for a dream-big goal: land one of the sport's four major title events.

East County
Sports

Ian Swaby
August 18, 2025

Attendees live their best life in the Siesta Key Drum Circle

The event, held since about 1996, takes place every Sunday in Siesta Key, rain or shine.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
August 18, 2025

Help scientists while enjoying a day on Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay Watch is hosting its annual citizen science-led survey of scallops in Sarasota Bay.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

S.T. Cardinal
August 18, 2025

Public hearings scheduled in September for Longboat Key budget

The recommended budget for fiscal year 2026 is a decrease from 2025.

Longboat Key
News

Madison Bierl
August 18, 2025

New high school will be built in Lakewood Ranch

High School AAA is estimated to cost $200 million with the goal of opening in August 2027.

East County
Schools

By Manatee County
August 18, 2025

Coming October 6 to Unincorporated Manatee County... Big Bins

East County
Neighbors

Special Olympics athletes stand up to the challenge at Sarasota paddling event

The Stand Up Paddle event drew 155 athletes to Nathan Benderson Park.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 17, 2025

County delegation meeting set for Nov. 13 in Venice

The Sarasota County delegation is seeking public input prior to the 2026 Florida Legislature session.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
August 16, 2025

FST receives $150,000 gift for new Arts Plaza wing

The Muriel O’Neil Fund for the Performing Arts gift will support the sound and lights booth in the new mainstage theater at Florida Studio Theatre's new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.

Sarasota
News

Dana Kampa
August 16, 2025

Catch free summer concert nights on St. Armands Key

The four-part, free concert series aims to promote activity on St. Armands Circle while offering enlightening tunes for the public.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Elizabeth King
August 16, 2025

Whole Foods, Homesense planned for Sarasota Square redevelopment

The two retailers are expected to anchor a more than 500,000-square-foot mixed-use project.

Sarasota
News

Lesley Dwyer
August 15, 2025

Waterside Place sways to the Suncoast Swing Band

The band performed hits from Glenn Miller to Kool & the Gang.

East County
Neighbors

In Memoriam |

August 15, 2025

Suzanne Elizabeth Lenz Janney

Suzanne Elizabeth Lenz Janney passed away in Sarasota on August 9, 2025 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and pneumonia.

Sarasota
Tributes & Obituaries

Dana Kampa
August 15, 2025

Beloved tortoise pair at The St. Regis celebrates one year

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort rang in the first anniversary of Rose and Jack, the pair of Aldabra tortoises, moving to the resort on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 15, 2025

FDOT plans US 301 resurfacing

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold an Aug. 19 public meeting on plans to repave U.S. 301 between U.S. 41 and 10th Street in downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
News

S.T. Cardinal
August 15, 2025

Demolition has begun on Sandcastle Resort on Lido Key

Luxury hotel developer Opal has plans for the site but has not revealed what it will do.

Sarasota
News

By Adrian Moore, Leonard Gilroy
August 14, 2025

Some federal land in Florida should be sold

Florida should follow Texas' lead by focusing on legalizing accessory dwelling units, streamlining permitting and loosening restrictive zoning regulations.

Sarasota
Opinion

Andrew Warfield
August 14, 2025

New Sarasota County tax collector vows a balanced budget future

Vowing to eventually eliminate excess fees the office returns to the county, former County Commissioner-turned-Tax Collector Mike Moran says he needs to invest in more staff and current technology.

Sarasota
News

Adam Hughes
August 14, 2025

Top residential real estate sales for July 28-August 1 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home in Harmony on Peaceable Way tops the week’s sales at $2.95 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Vinnie Portell
August 14, 2025

Kickoff Classic games will reveal where area teams stand

Questions abound heading into this high school football season.

Sarasota
Sports

Ian Swaby
August 13, 2025

Sarasota School Board Chair Tim Enos to resign

The Sarasota County School District said District 5 representative Tim Enos had announced his resignation Aug. 13.

Sarasota
Schools

Observer Staff
August 13, 2025

Man spotted operating a wheelchair while intoxicated

After drinking many too many beers, a man rolled his wheelchair into the middle of Main Street and passed out. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.