Your Observer

In Memoriam |

August 29, 2022

Vera H. Freeman

Vera H. Freeman 91, of Longboat Key passed peacefully on Aug. 11, 2022.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

In Memoriam |

August 29, 2022

Patricia Kirkpatrick Walsh Hunziker

Patricia Kirkpatrick Walsh Hunziker died on July 3, 2022 in St. Petersburg, Florida where she had lived for a number of years.

Longboat Key
Tributes & Obituaries

Andrew Warfield
August 29, 2022

Sarasota region housing stock grew 10.9% from 2010 to 2020

Far outpaced by population growth, new housing stock in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area grew more than the national average in the decade between the 2008 recession and COVID-19.

Sarasota
News

Eric Garwood
August 29, 2022

Sarasota deputies fatally shoot man who pulled a gun

47-year-old man reportedly pulled weapon from behind his back and chambered a bullet.

Sarasota
News

Liz Ramos
August 29, 2022

Equine therapy nonprofit adds more horsepower to its Myakka facility

With news horses on the way, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy can make a greater impact providing equine therapy to the community.

East County
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
August 28, 2022

Lakewood Ranch pioneer shares insights on building a community

After 20 years at the helm, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO Rex Jensen sounds off on what makes a community.

East County
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
August 28, 2022

Lakewood Ranch running back ready to roll, if lightning doesn't get in the way

Running back Kevin Everhart scores for Lakewood Ranch before season-opener cancelled by lightning in first quarter.

East County
Sports

Ryan Kohn
August 28, 2022

High school football roundup: Week one

Cardinal Mooney High and Booker High played a tight game while other area schools were involved in blowouts.

East County
Sports

Ian Swaby
August 27, 2022

Lakewood Ranch residents protest possible light industrial and office use along Lorraine Road

The Aug. 27 protest proceeded an Aug. 30 Sarasota County Commission meeting about the possible Business Corridor overlay.

East County
News

Eric Snider
August 27, 2022

Scribes club prides itself on giving writers good feedback — the kind way

A Lakewood Ranch writers’ club meets twice monthly to critique each other’s work and build lifetime bonds.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 27, 2022

New Florida program trains local commissioners on state, federal issues

Elected municipal officials with a limited background in local government can earn certificates for continuing their education through the Florida League of Cities.

Longboat Key
News

Ryan Kohn
August 26, 2022

Cardinal Mooney football wins defensive slugfest against Booker

The Cougars took an early 10-0 lead on the Tornadoes and held on to win 10-9 at home.

Sarasota
Sports

Observer Staff
August 26, 2022

Longboat Key weather page photo: August 25

John Uwins captured this cloudless photo of a calm day at the beach at Bay Isles.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 26, 2022

East County weather page photo: August 25

Laura Beck took a photo of this hibiscus in bloom in The Isles in Lakewood Ranch.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 26, 2022

Sarasota weather page photo: August 25

Dale Hayes captured this mother and baby owl in Myakka River State Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
August 26, 2022

Debate ensues over when St. Armands Circle holiday tree can be lighted

Citing city commissioners' wishes, the Business Improvement District board insists the new 60-foot tree be lighted before Thanksgiving. The Merchants Association director is making no promises.

Sarasota
News

Louis Llovio
August 26, 2022

Trio of projects set to transform a portion of downtown Sarasota

The flurry of activity from three major downtown-area projects in the fast-growing, art-infused city is too much for some but just right for others.

Sarasota
News

Ian Swaby
August 26, 2022

Cooper Creek Boulevard roundabout project underway in Sarasota

The University Town Center project is expected to enhance traffic flow and access to University Parkway.

East County
News

Ryan Kohn
August 25, 2022

Lakewood Ranch High football game canceled because of lighting

The game, which was a home game against Lemon Bay High, will not be rescheduled.

East County
Sports

Lesley Dwyer
August 25, 2022

Candy shop moves in next door to Kilwins on St. Armands Circle

River Street Sweets Savannah's Candy Kitchen, which just opened on the Circle, is the largest praline manufacturer in the country.

Longboat Key
Business

Adam Hughes
August 25, 2022

Oyster Bay property sells for $2.9 million

An Oyster Bay home on Lake Shore Drive tops the week's sales at $2.9 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Ryan Kohn
August 25, 2022

As college football begins, a bumper crop of area alumni to watch on the gridiron

Sarasota has infused a lot of talent into the NCAA ranks over the years. The 2022 group is no different.

Sarasota
Sports

Observer Staff
August 25, 2022

New restaurants on Longboat Key focus on fresh ingredients

Hugo II has been serving guests since April. LaVilla Mexican Restaurant will open its doors on Saturday.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Andrew Warfield
August 25, 2022

Redevelopment of Bath & Racquet Club moves closer to city approval

Entering its final Development Review Committee stage, the preservation and conversion the 53-year-old tennis complex into a multiuse project will go before the Planning Board this fall.