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Your Observer

A crew from HP Communications works on installing a small cell pole along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at Players Drive. Small cell sites have a coverage radius up to 2,000 feet. File photo.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • December 3, 2021
Inconsistent cell coverage frustrates some Lakewood Ranch residents

Some residents still making waves about Lakewood Ranch area cell phone coverage. Verizon, AT&T say they have future plans that will improve cell phone coverage in the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 3, 2021
Sarasota County fire chief accepts conditional offer to come to Longboat

Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote an email to commissioners that Michael Regnier would serve as assistant chief.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 3, 2021
Iconic 1950s ZigZag House for sale in Lido Shores

Acclaimed ZigZag house is an authentic example of the style known as the Sarasota School of Architecture.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Laekwood Ranch Medical Center's Donny Long (left) gets some help loading lunches onto a cart for delivery from Esplanade's Rob Commissar and Marym O'Connor.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • December 2, 2021
Esplanade residents provide free lunch for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center workers

Esplanade residents buy 1,033 boxed lunches to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center workers.

  • East County
  • News
MCAT requires riders to make their trip reservations by 5 p.m. the day before. Photo provided by Manatee County.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 2, 2021
Longboat Key, Manatee leaders discuss island transit solutions

SCAT has offered its on-demand service since June. MCAT requires riders to make their trip reservations by 5 p.m. the day before.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 2, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: December 2

Mary Kondrat photographed a downpour off of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 2, 2021
East County weather page photo: December 2

Christine Rossi captured this family of sandhill cranes doing their rendition of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 2, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: December 2

Darlene Edelman captured this photo of a fall sunset in University Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 2, 2021
Lido Key, Longboat members of Temple Emanu-El try Hanukkah on the beach

On the fourth night, members gathered on the beach for a unique celebration.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood RanchInter-District Authority Operations Director Paul Chetlain said that staffing issues for both Lakewood Ranch and vendors have created a backlog of work for staff.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • December 2, 2021
Staffing, supply issues lead to backlog for district workers in Lakewood Ranch

Patience requested as Lakewood Ranch Operations returns to pre-COVID staffing.

  • East County
  • News
Hired in September 2020, Players Centre CEO William Skaggs is overseeing the theater’s move to Lakewood Ranch while pursuing interim options for performances during construction of a new venue. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 2, 2021
Players Centre pursues lease of Sarasota's Municipal Auditorium

The city and the Players Centre for Performing Arts could partner on the use of a city-owned bayfront facility for the next five years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although Cigar Paradise’s St. Petersburg location includes outdoor seating, representatives for the business pledged a St. Armands store would not apply for a sidewalk café permit. Image courtesy Cigar Paradise
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 2, 2021
Cigar bar plans St. Armands location

A proposal for a new business on the Circle drew questions from neighbors concerned about the smell.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Charter Review Committee supports changing the city government to create an elected mayor position, but the advisory board wants the mayor’s powers to be limited.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 2, 2021
Committee discusses details of elected mayor proposal

Members of the city’s Charter Review Committee expressed a desire to limit the powers of the mayor, maintaining the city manager as a strong administrative leader.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 2, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.2.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Crews began water-sample testing on July 1, 2020, near the site of the sewage spill. Photo courtesy of www.rustychinnis.com.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • December 1, 2021
Longboat Key requests funding help from Manatee for sewer line project

The request came during Wednesday's meeting with the Longboat Key Town Commission and the Manatee County Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sentinel chickens are routinely analyzed to check for signs of mosquito-borne illnesses that could affect humans.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 1, 2021
Chicken retirees can be adopted, county says

Former Sarasota County sentinel chickens offered to good homes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Meals on Wheels PLUS volunteer Julianne Niebour, Meals on Wheels PLUS President and CEO Maribeth Phillips, Elks Secretary Brett Davis and Meals on Wheels PLUS Vice President Judi Bjork have fun at the 2019 shoe box drive. File pho
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 1, 2021
Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee hosts shoebox drive at Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge

Meals on Wheels Plus hopes to collect at least 1,000 wrapped and filled shoeboxes for seniors.

  • East County
  • News
Although some Siesta Key residents offered vocal opposition to plans for a hotel on Calle Miramar, a majority of the County Commission said the proposal adhered to all applicable regulations. File rendering
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 1, 2021
Siesta Key resident files suit challenging hotel approval

Although county officials determined a Siesta Key Village hotel project was consistent with applicable regulations, one resident is asking a judge for a second opinion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Palm Aire Country Club Board Member Vicki DeHaai, Board President Bernie Duggan and Vice President Marilyn Keyes cut the ribbon to open the course.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 1, 2021
Palm Aire's Champions Course in Sarasota reopens after $2 million renovation

Palm Aire Country Club members celebrate reopening of their Champions Course in Sarasota after $2 million renovation.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 1, 2021
Longboat all in Sarasota?

It makes sense. But two things are missing: a champion to pull it off and citizens who want it.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 1, 2021
Longboat Island Chapel delights with Christmas in the Garden

The chapel's Friendship Garden currently hosts more than a dozen decorated trees.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Caroline King.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 1, 2021
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Caroline King

The Riverview High girls basketball senior had 14 points and six rebounds against Brooks DeBartolo High on Tuesday

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Junior Aaliyah Capers is playing some guard for the Pirates in 2021 after exclusively playing in the paint her first two seasons.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 1, 2021
Braden River girls basketball is staying the course

Despite losing star O'Mariah Gordon to graduation, the Pirates expect the program's success to continue

  • East County
  • Sports
The Tabernacle Church's Living Nativity is a tradition for Michael Mascitto and his mother, Klara Mascitto, sister Christina Mascitto Goodwin and brother Joseph Mascitto. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 1, 2021
Tabernacle Church's Living Nativity a tradition for east Bradenton family

The Mascitto family ventures back in time annually to create Living Nativity.

  • East County
  • News
Cliff Coddington manages the 10,000-acre Longino Ranch, which is a conservation easement.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 30, 2021
Florida Cattlemen's Association president beefs up agricultural education in Manatee County

Cliff Coddington earns Manatee County's Agriculturist of the Year award.

  • East County
  • News
John Nicoletti (left) and Dave Huff) traveled to Longboat Key from Sebastian, Florida.
  • By Nat Kaemmerer and Mark Bergin
  • November 29, 2021
For Longboat Key snowbirds, many happy returns

With the doors open to overseas and Canadian visitors, residents see potential for a strong season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 29, 2021
Longboat Key faith communities host 2021 Thanksgiving service

The tradition brings six houses of worship together for a night of reflection and celebration.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • November 29, 2021
Temple Sinai begins eight days of Hands On Hanukkah event

The family event will be at the Mall at UTC through Dec. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Last month, Longboat Key Turtle Watch Vice President Cyndi Seamon met with Longboat Key Town Projects Manager Charlie Mopps to discuss improvements to the North Shore beach entrance. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • November 29, 2021
Longboat Key to hold public meetings on its new sea turtle protections

The town is planning to hold meetings to discuss changes beachfront property owners will need to make.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • November 29, 2021
Chabad of Sarasota brings A Taste of Chanukah festival to Sarasota

The winter festival was held Nov. 28.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heather Rippy put up her Christmas decorations earlier than normal, but found a lot of holiday shoppers pre-Thanksgiving.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 29, 2021
Longboat Key is beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go on the island, it's apparent the season is upon us.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 28, 2021
Longboat Key celebrates third annual Light Up Longboat event

Town residents gathered to spread Christmas cheer and light the oak trees in Town Center Green.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The home on Gulfside Road was Built in 2010. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,201 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 28, 2021
Gulfside Road home sells for $6.3 million

Sleepy Lagoon property is the top seller in the Longboat Key area for Nov. 15-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Built in 2007, the home at 1758 Cherokee Drive has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,279 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 28, 2021
Cherokee Park home sells for $3.85 million

Property on Cherokee Drive is the top-seller for the week of Nov. 15-19 in the Sarasota area.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • November 28, 2021
Santa Claus returns to Siesta Key Holiday Parade

The 36th annual Light Up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade was held Nov. 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 26, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Time to call it a night

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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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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