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Your Observer

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 18, 2022
Biggest economic crisis in Florida history

Florida’s $3.6 trillion property insurance market is in collapse. Whether Florida’s economy will be rescued will be a political duel: Gov. Ron DeSantis vs. Speaker Chris Sprowls and the state’s plaintiff attorneys.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 18, 2022
Fabulous Arts Foundation music fest draws crowds at Rosemary District

The festival was held May 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 18, 2022
Lido home sells for $5.5 million

A Lido home on Bryant Drive tops the week's sales at $5.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Victoria Kasdan established Making an Impact as a nonprofit and quickly started bringing in money from grants and donations. Linda Hoy started the guide, which has now grown to showcase nearly 300 nonprofits. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2022
Community Connections Resource Guide has quickly become an invaluable tool

When it comes to navigating social services, these ladies wrote the book.

  • LWR Life
Art & Soul students like Sofia Basile, Juliana Fazio, Irelynn Ettinger and Raelynn Dine can choose from classes that include jazz, ballet, tap and hip hop. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • May 18, 2022
Founder of Art & Soul believes dance can be transformative for people of all ages

Alana Turner harnesses the power of dance to change lives.

  • LWR Life
The median price for a single family home on Longboat was up 98% year over year to $2.64 million; the median price for condos was up 32% to $930,000, according to figures from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 18, 2022
Longboat property tax values expected to rise by double-digit percentage

Town leaders begin talk of reducing millage as budget sessions begins.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 18, 2022
Sarasota Cops Corner: Cutting the cord

Police reports from around Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The Lakewood Ranch softball team greets Grace Hogie (18) at the plate following her home run against West Orange High on May 12. Hogie said the team's confidence on offense is sky high.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 18, 2022
Lakewood Ranch softball team follows similar path toward state championship

Mustangs Head Coach T.J. Goelz has instructed his players to repeat last season's work ethic.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 16216 Clearlake Ave. sold for $3.1 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,879 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 18, 2022
Lake Club home tops sales at $3.1 million

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $3.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Toquya Jones, a food service worker, prepares lunch for students at Braden River High School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 18, 2022
Manatee School District works to address cafeteria, custodial staff shortages

More cafeteria and custodial staff are needed to ensure quality for the district's students.

  • East County
  • Schools
Florida Representative Tommy Gregory presents Rebecca, Katie, Robert, and Dan Powers with a plaque, alongside Andy Orrell of the FDOT.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 18, 2022
SR 64 roundabout named for students who died in an accident at the site

The families of Chase Coyner and Matthew Powers receive memorials from State Rep. Tommy Gregory.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
James Satcher introduced a motion that could result in the right of Manatee County employees to carry while at work.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 17, 2022
Late addition of concealed carry meeting agenda item raises questions about transparency

Commissioner James Satcher adds concealed carry issue four days before commission meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Isaac Ashley.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 17, 2022
East County Athlete of the Week: Isaac Ashley

The Lakewood Ranch High junior wide receiver caught three touchdowns May 13 in the football team's spring scrimmage and is poised for a big fall season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Allegiant now flies to 30 cities from SRQ.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 17, 2022
Allegiant adds Minnesota flight to Sarasota airport

The twice-weekly service launches from SRQ in October.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, sees great potential in the park. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 17, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy chair shares bright future for the park

Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, shares his dreams to make Benderson Park a thriving gathering spot for the surrounding community.

  • LWR Life
In his leadership role at Coastal Orthopedics, Dr. Arthur Valadie recognizes the need to expand to meet the needs of a growing population out east. (Photo by Mark Wemple)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 17, 2022
Coastal Orthopedics completes a major expansion

A construction and build-out project with a price tag of more than $30 million positions a fast-growing medical group to meet East County’s current and future demand.

  • LWR Life
Paul, Mark and Rob Caragiulo first investigated expanding their restaurant business into Lakewood Ranch more than 20 years ago. They’re soon opening a branch of downtown eatery Owen’s Fish Camp in Waterside. (Photo: Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 17, 2022
New restaurants keep popping up in Lakewood Ranch

The lure of East County and its thousands of hungry newcomers is a magnet for Sarasota restaurateurs.

  • LWR Life
JoAnn Shakon and Jim Wingert of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch join with Mike Hornyak of The UPS Store to show off donated books.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 17, 2022
UPS Store in Lakewood Ranch donates 1,707 books to the Rotary's Books for Kids program

The Books for Kids program distributes more than 30,000 books a year now and has given away more than 100,000 books since 2013.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 17, 2022
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Tell that snake this is our beach

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Boaters were gathered on the sand spit of Greer Island on May 14.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 17, 2022
Longboat Key hopes line in the sand will solve boating problem

The establishment of a public beach swim area can keep vessel operators from beaching near homes or a sensitive lagoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Work will take place in two areas, the 2200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive and mid-island, in the 4700 block (above).
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 16, 2022
Overnight work planned on Gulf of Mexico Drive this week

Lane closures will likely be required.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 16, 2022
Crowds march in Sarasota in support of Roe v. Wade

The march was held May 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bill and Judy Carman. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 16, 2022
Former St. Armands Circle business owner and staple dies at 79

Judy Carman, who owned Carman's Shoes and Handbags with husband Bill, was dedicated to her family first and foremost.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephen Moody works with the stylists at Yellow Strawberry.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2022
Lakewood Ranch hair stylists get lessons from a legend

Stephen Moody, a noted educator of stylists, teaches his craft at Yellow Strawberry Salon.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A history of the club served as a placemat for attendees.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 16, 2022
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key celebrates 50 years

The club held a brunch at the Lazy Lobster to raise funds for their efforts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 16, 2022
Temple Beth Israel hosts May Shabbat dinner

More than 70 members and guests attended the social dinner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Open house sessions on the complete streets concepts will be held May 23 for 10th Street (upper, outlined in red) and Boulevard of the Arts.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 16, 2022
'Complete street' concepts for key Sarasota corridors to be unveiled next week

A complete street is an age-friendly design that promotes safe, multimodal travel whether walking, biking, riding transit or driving a vehicle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
ODA senior Tristan McWilliam stands atop the podium after his 1,600 meter run in the Class 1A championships. McWilliam won the race in 4:17.97.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2022
ODA senior earns gold in the Class 1A boys 1,600-meter run at state championships

Distance runner Tristan McWilliam wins the area's only state track gold medal; Lakewood Ranch High's Grace Marston earns silver.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 15, 2022
World of Wonder Academy showcases students' art in Lakewood Ranch

After finishing each book, the class worked on an art project based on its theme.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 15, 2022
St. Armands bayfront home on market for $12 million

The South Washington Drive home has 150 feet of bayfront views.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch resident Cynthia Friedman pets a mini Aussie, Willow.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2022
Barks and Brews event in Sarasota benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

The event at The Green at UTC featured adoptable dogs, craft brews and live music.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 15, 2022
Local athletes clean up at FHSAA track and field championships

Gold, silver and bronze medals were all brought home from the championships, which were held May 11-14 in Gainesville.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ringling at Indian Beach Apartments is among the Class C communities brokered by Phil Ginexi and The Apartment Firm. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2022
More than limited supply is to blame for rise in apartment rents

Don't just blame profiteering for the rise in apartment rents. As demand continues to exceed supply and interest rates climb, cost to purchase or upgrade complexes rise too.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 14, 2022
Heroes come to life at Free Comic Book Day

Costumes range from simple to extravagant at annual event designed to connect readers with a classic art form.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 13, 2022
Cardinal Mooney students graduate at Van Wezel

The graduation ceremony was held May 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 13, 2022
Josh the Otter swims by Tuttle Elementary School

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key taught students about water safety with Josh's help.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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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

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