• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

The aging building donated by Murf Klauber and moved to Bayfront Park may be replaced with a private-public fundraising effort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 865 Longboat Club Road sold for $17.5 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 9,328 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 20, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A home in Regent Court on Longboat Club Road tops the week’s sales at $17.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season

The Longboat Key Club held one of its final farewell events of the season with a music-centered lawn party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gia DePastino was one of five seniors on the Sailors' 13-person roster in 2026. She'll play for Warner University at the NAIA level this fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 20, 2026
Despite regional final defeat, Sarasota High softball succeeded

The Sailors posted their most wins in over a decade and were district champions this season under a new coach.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
It's high school graduation season again in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hundreds of former seniors walk the stage to accept their diplomas.

  • East County
  • Schools
The home at 309 Ringling Point Drive was built in 1999 and has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,918 square feet of living area. It sold for $5,325,000.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for May 4-8 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home in Bay Island on Norsota Way tops the week’s sales at $7.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein

At a lively party with nearly as many guests as his age, the longtime Longboat Key resident celebrated his centennial birthday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead

LRHS graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
Work is winding down in the first phase of the Phillippi Creek dredging project.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 19, 2026
Work wraps up on first segment of Phillippi Creek dredging

More digging in the crucial waterway is under way and planned for 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The oval median at Bay Isles Road will be refreshed in a landscaping project that will uproot the unkempt plants in the median.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 19, 2026
Bay Isles landscaping project begins

The medians along Bay Isles Road should be refreshed in time for an Independence Day parade.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Reece McCabe concluded his high school weightlifting career with success on the state level in both Traditional and Olympic style.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 19, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Reece McCabe

The Lakewood Ranch High senior brought home a pair of medals from the FHSAA Class 3A boys weightlifting state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cady Jones (left), Sarai Castro (center) and Kaydence Evans (right) celebrate Braden River High softball's first state semifinals berth since 2016. The Pirates are now two wins away from their first state title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 19, 2026
Tremendous turnaround for Braden River High softball

The Pirates struggled mightily in 2025, but this season has been a much different story.

  • East County
  • Sports
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

Hillary Ellis will fill a seat created by Senate Bill 2508.

  • East County
  • News
ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan speaks at the Longboat Key Disaster Preparedness Seminar organized by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Thursday, May 14.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 19, 2026
Panel gives tips to prep for the worst on Longboat Key

Just before the start of hurricane season, disaster preparedness seminar included misconceptions addressed, forecasts shared and serious warnings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Daniel Sanchez, Christopher Schrum and Griffin Shay head onto the field.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2026
Another record graduation rate at Sarasota High School

Students headed to Cleland Stadium at Ihrig Field to turn their tassels and toss their caps on May 15.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Students toss their caps as the status of graduation is conferred.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2026
Riverview High School students take the next step

Graduates of Riverview High School filled Robarts Arena on May 16 to bid farewell to high school and welcome their continuing path.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Anesha Green (center) celebrates with her mother, Shemere Green, and father, Cedric Green.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 19, 2026
Booker High School celebrates hundreds of seniors

Families and students filled Robarts Arena on May 16 with a record graduation rate as students prepare for their next chapter.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A woman approached by her ex at a beach an hour away from home calls Longboat Police
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
A woman approached by her ex at a beach an hour away from home calls Longboat Police

Months after the two broke up, and with suspicions of being followed, a woman called police on her ex boyfriend. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines

School board members and school community members debate what the dress code should be and whether school uniforms are an option.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tyre Smith is in his second year with Sarasota Rugby Club. He switched over from football after competing with Riverview High School and Wittenberg University.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Rugby Club hits the sand

Stepping away from its grass pitch, the club held its first annual 'Siesta 7s' beach rugby tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Work is underway at 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents in the first phase of Tom Leonard’s plan to bring the Shore Restaurant back to St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
Shore’s return to St. Armands underway with gutting of building

Whether hotel units are included in the buildout is contingent on city approval, but Tom Leonard is making his case early.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The St. Regis Longboat Key arch is installed on a private groin that extends into the Gulf.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
Longboat Key makes case against St. Regis arch

Jurisdiction claims and FDEP permit both addressed in town’s suit against St. Regis.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
City of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short shares an update on the Anna Maria Pier to Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams (left) and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton (right) at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting May 6.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 18, 2026
Barrier island mayors meet to discuss pier, parking and phone pings

The mayors of Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach met May 6 to discuss issues facing the barrier islands and projects that are underway or planned.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

From the rolling hills of Washington state to the close-up gaze of a cheetah, images captured by this group of photographers impressed viewers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Author Susan Hanafee speaks to the evolution of the character Leslie Elliott, who goes on a truth-seeking adventure set in Sarasota in the murder mystery "Scavenger Tides." Bird Key Women's Association members read the book before hearing from the author at their May 13 meeting.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 18, 2026
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group

Bird Key Women's Association members heard from Susan Hanafee at their latest meet-up.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program

The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program is rebuilding — focused on access, community and the future of youth sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 8217 Pavia Way sold for $1.65 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,427 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 17, 2026
Lake Club home tops Lakewood Ranch-area sales at $1.65 million

A dozen homes top $1 mllion in East County's week in residential real estate sales.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 17, 2026
It's time for tea on Longboat Key

The Paradise Center helped residents embrace the easygoing pace of summer with a relaxing social afternoon of tea and coloring.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF

Jeff Toale carries forward a family legacy while helping shape a more connected, compassionate Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Community Foundation and the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Orchestra bought a site on Fruitville Road for its Music Center in 2023.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 16, 2026
Want to be where the people are? You have to go east.

The out-east story keeps adding new chapters, from county office buildings to a globally known furniture store.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

Two seats will become available when citizen slots expire at the end of June.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County this week activated the traffic light, the first of its kind in a roundabout in the area, the county said.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 15, 2026
Traffic signal added to Apex Road roundabout

Sarasota County hopes to alleviate busy-time traffic backups at the Lakewood Ranch Boulevard intersection.

  • Sarasota
  • News
It’s time to remove our own regimes
  • By Joel Schleicher
  • May 15, 2026
It’s time to remove our own regimes

Our local, state and federal governments don’t slaughter citizens as they do in Iran, but there are similarities. We’ve become servants to our regimes.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Kayla Taylor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amanda Parrish was named interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in January.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County economic development evolves

An organization dedicated to boosting the local economy was in a pickle late last year. Lakewood Ranch executive Amanda Parrish was the right person, at the right time, to make things right.

  • East County
  • News
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
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
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
5
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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 © 2026 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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free