• 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

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
Olivia D'Orazio, a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, has always wanted to serve in the military, so she joined the school's JROTC program. Now she plans to attend Auburn University for its ROTC program. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 13, 2022
Lakewood Ranch students earn big money in scholarships

Lakewood Ranch High's Olivia D'Orazio and Braden River High's Gabriel French are among the top students who strike gold with their academic work.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 13, 2022
Longboat Key swans lose chance at cygnets

One female laid an egg this year, but it was deemed not viable, says Key swan keeper David Novak.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Deanna Rollyson (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 13, 2022
Longboat Key resident aims to raise COPD awareness

Deanna Rollyson was diagnosed with COPD and is starting an effort to help other women with the disease.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2022
East County weather page photo: May 12

Gordon Silver snapped this polka dot wasp moth on lantana in Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 »
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
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford
2
Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.
  • June 4, 2026
Pineapple Kitchen owners close store, move to Amazon
3
An aerial rendering of Premier Park's upcoming racket and aquatic center.
  • June 4, 2026
Residents receive little warning about Premier plan detours
4
Owen Ayers played his first two seasons of minor-league baseball exclusively with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of Single-A. So far in 2026, he's spent time with the South Bend Cubs of High-A and Knoxville Smokies of Double-A.
  • June 4, 2026
Sarasota High baseball alumnus turns the corner with consistency
5
Dangers to children lurk within smartphones and other electronic devices.
  • June 4, 2026
Sexual abuse case with a minor offers a lesson in prevention

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