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Your Observer

Students arrive at Southside Elementary aboard a school bus. (File photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 3, 2022
Sarasota schools will add ID card readers to buses next year

Students will swipe their ID as they board, disembark school buses.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 3, 2022
‘Yes’ on the two referenda

Sarasota County voters have shown since 2002 that they’ll support good schools with their money. Expect that again on March 8. Meanwhile, voters should go back to countywide voting for commission seats.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2022
East County weather page photo: February 3

Steve Gordon took this photo of sandhill crane parents taking their colt out for a snack in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2022
Sarasota weather page photo: February 3

Gordon Silver captured this sunset over Sarasota Bay from Centennial Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2022
Longboat Key weather page photo: February 3

Joanne Hummert captured the glistening reflection of the Gulf of Mexico on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Junior John Sirignano says caring for his sock baby, Oswald, has made him excited to become a real parent in the future. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 3, 2022
High schoolers learn parental lessons by caring for sock babies

With sock baby assignment, Lakewood Ranch High students learn while walking in parents' shoes.

  • East County
  • Schools
    In Memoriam |
  • February 3, 2022
Robert James Wollard

Robert James Wollard went to be with his Lord on January 24, 2022.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Sharing is located at the corner of Second Street and Pineapple Avenue.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 3, 2022
City's public art master plan looks ahead to an even more creative city

Sarasota works its way toward a master plan for public art, setting guiding principles for a lot more than roundabouts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 2, 2022
Brody files to run for Ziegler's County Commission seat

Sarasota City Commissioner and former mayor first to file for District 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although it won't look exactly the same, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's learning villages will look similar to this kindergarten through third grade model. (Rendering courtesy of Charter Schools USA)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Prep will take different approach on education, principals say

The new Lakewood Ranch K-12 charter school's WISH model focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

  • East County
  • Schools
County Commissioner Alan Maio cutting the ribbon in front of the new downtown cooling plant. (Photo courtesy of Sarasota County)
    By
  • Blake Fussell
  • February 2, 2022
New cooling plant opens in downtown Sarasota

The new cooling plant will provide air conditioning for eight county buildings and is expected to be 40% more efficient than the old cooling plant.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key's Quick Point Nature Preserve is about 32 acres. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 2, 2022
Review shows Longboat Key unlikely to develop town-owned land in Emerald Harbor, Longbeach Village

The town has developed most of its easements for their intended purposes and are generally the ongoing maintenance responsibility of the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The five-citizen Surtax IV Ad Hoc Committee recommended $10 million to extend Legacy Trail beyond downtown to University Parkway.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 2, 2022
Sarasota panel finalizes list for surtax projects

City plans on receiving about $191 million over 15 years if fourth iteration of countywide 1% tax passes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview senior Alef Pezan (19) goes up against the Venice defense for a header.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Riverview soccer's offense finds its footing

The Rams scored four goals in a district tournament victory over Venice High

  • East County
  • Sports
Boys soccer player Luke Spycher was humorously told to "be a goldfish" by Riverview coaches in 2022.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Luke Spycher

The Riverview boys soccer senior talks his origins in the game and his favorite hobby

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarah Glass leads the children in dance each week.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 2, 2022
Free dance class is Sarasota woman's way to give back

After a series of medical setbacks, Deanna Williams remembers what dance meant to her.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch freshman Olivia Hadad laughs as she is picked up off the grass by sophomore Sophie Lemus. Hadad scored a goal in the Mustangs' 4-0 win against Plant City High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 2, 2022
Prose and Kohn: Mustangs girls soccer gallops into postseason

Lakewood Ranch believes it has the talent and heart to make a deep run

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 2, 2022
Pair of Sarasota-area homes sell for $3 million each

A pair of homes in Sarasota topped sales at $3 million each.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Blake Fussell
  • February 2, 2022
Sarasota Cops Corner: Who's a good boy?

Police reports from around Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Students pay attention as Jennifer Dowling, a math teacher, finishes a lesson in her new classroom. The classroom is a part of the six-classroom addition that was completed in November. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 2, 2022
Renovations almost complete at Braden River Middle

BRMS teachers are thrilled with the $26 million addition and renovations project.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mote Ranch residents Susan Byron and Lorelei Lindenaux-Balazs are concerned a planned roundabout in the Mote Ranch community will be dangerous and will affect the aesthetics of their community. (Photo by Jay Heater)
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 1, 2022
Manatee roundabout project goes forward at Mote Ranch despite neighborhood concerns

Manatee County officials say a roundabout is essential at Honore Avenue and Old Farm Road.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 1, 2022
Allegiant adds Austin to SRQ destinations

Airline will begin service to the Texas capital in April.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 1, 2022
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Quittin' time nap, Part 1

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
In 2021, Joseph Sena sold her home at 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive to James and Amanda Holanda, of Montgomery, New Jersey, for $10.15 million. Submitted
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 31, 2022
Longboat's 2021 real estate prices were top of the market

34228 ZIP code had the highest median sales price for single-family homes in Sarasota County.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Brain Health Initiative founder Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2022
Led by Brain Health Initiative, the industry builds information bridges

Lakewood Ranch's Brain Health Initiative among groups pushing for preventative action to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

  • East County
  • News
The goal of the task force, assembled by Sarasota County Health and Human Services Director Chuck Henry, has been to find the priorities for creating a Mental Health Dependent Special District.
    By
  • Blake Fussell
  • January 31, 2022
County mental health task force's report addresses community needs

The task force presented a report to the commission that prioritizes mental health needs in the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
If Sarasota County voters approve a referendum in November, the town of Longboat Key is due to spend $7.47 million from fiscal years 2025-2039 on public safety vehicles and equipment. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 31, 2022
Longboat to use Sarasota County surtax funding for capital projects

Town staff will brief the Town Commission on its plans to allocate $15.1 million in funding.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Closed to golfers since the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in mid-2020 as a series of nature trails, Bobby Jones is in line for a restoration of its original 18 holes. (Eric Garwood)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 31, 2022
Bobby Jones trails to close to allow initial golf course restoration

Renovated golf course could be open by November, city says.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 31, 2022
Bird Key home is week's top seller at $6.23 million

A home in Bird Key topped sales this week at $6.23 million

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Albert Castiglia, a blues guitarist, will be a headliner at Giving Hunger the Blues. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 31, 2022
Giving Hunger the Blues concert returns to Nathan Benderson Park

The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the 24th annual Giving Hunger the Blues at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mary Ann and Kirt Bopp, who are from Missouri, still get their 5-mile walks in every day despite the cold. Kirt Bopp said he was really only bothered by the wind, but Mary Ann Bopp was cold.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 31, 2022
Longboat Key residents compare and contrast feelings on winter

Former northerners are split on how they weather the tiny winter in Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Organizers Ginny Akhoury and Bonnie Schneider
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 31, 2022
Royal Rummage planning begins for March sale

The St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church volunteers have been organizing since early January.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 30, 2022
Junior League puts on fundraiser at Big Cat Habitat

The organization held its 5th annual Jungle Jamboree on Jan. 29.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 30, 2022
St. Armands Circle hosts 19th annual art festival

Dozens of artists sold hundreds of pieces, despite the chill of the day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 30, 2022
Gulfshore brings back community sale

The neighborhood has hosted a garage sale of sorts for more than two decades.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rocco Mangel is set to open Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar at University Town Center by December. It will be his ninth location in Florida. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • January 30, 2022
Rocco's Tacos owner aims for Dec. 1 opening at UTC

University Town Center in Sarasota will be Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar's ninth location in Florida.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He's No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be active at the Senior PGA Championship.
  • April 7, 2026
The PGA Tour Champions could use a jolt of charisma
2
The Tingley Library in Bradenton Beach, pictured in October 2025, is in need of repairs estimated at $230,000.
  • April 7, 2026
Tingley Library makes plea to community
3
A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
  • April 7, 2026
Construction permit issued for downtown Sarasota historic restoration project
4
From left to right, Maya Carpentiere, Amanda Gonzalez, Christiana Allison, Grayson Buchanan, Sheila Wallis and Ryan Duga star in Florida Studio Theatre's children's production, "The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster and Other Winning Plays."
  • April 7, 2026
Three Sarasota theaters jump on the trolley
5
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

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