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Your Observer

Patty Haeussler, a social studies teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, was named a Social Studies Teacher of the Year by Florida Council for the Social Studies. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 9, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High social studies teacher earns recognition for her passion.

Patty Haeussler was named Social Studies Teacher of the Year by Florida Council for the Social Studies.

  • East County
  • Schools
Vincent Billi spent days looking for survivors at Ground Zero.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Construction expert recalls rescue operation

Vincent Billi recounts his experience attempting to rescue survivors at Ground Zero on Sept. 11

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jane Herrin. File photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Fire marshal was with Bush team at Emma Booker

Herrin was in the same building as the President and watched the tragedy unfold from the media center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Steve Lubrino still has his Ladder 102 hat he wore as a New York City fireman who was fortunate to survive the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Former New York City fireman shares memories of the attack

Lakewood Ranch's Steve Lubrino, a New York City fireman who survived the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, says 9-11 stories need to be told.

  • East County
  • News
Mark Speciner, a social studies teacher at Booker High School, has his mother, Lila Speciner, share her experiences of being in the World Trade Center during the attacks on 9/11 as an introduction to his lessons about Sept. 11.
  • By Liz Ramos and Brynn Mechem
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Teachers change how they approach history of attacks

Twenty years later, teachers are finding themselves teaching students who weren't alive on Sept. 11

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: 24 hours in Sarasota

President and his team stayed on Longboat Key.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Local events planned

Organizations across Sarasota and Manatee counties hold events to remember 9/11 on its 20th anniversary.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jeff Borysiewicz said his shops derive the majority of their revenue from retail sales, but the presence of a bar and late-night hours drew concern from some downtown residents. Image courtesy Corona Cigar Company.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 9, 2021
Cigar bar proposal rekindles scrutiny of downtown liquor sales

How many bars is too many in downtown Sarasota? Depends on who you’re asking.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The City Commission will hold its meetings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, though some public hearings will still be required by statute to be held in the evening.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 9, 2021
City Commission switches to daytime meetings

Eight months after moving commission meetings to the evenings, the board decided to make another schedule change.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 9, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 9.9.21

Enjoy this week’s edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Thuy Nguyen is always thinking of her next new thing.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • September 8, 2021
Sarasotan tries new things on YouTube Channel

Sarasota woman enjoys the thrill of trying something new and releases her adventures each week on YouTube.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In May, the county decided to list the 5.3-acre downtown tract as surplus land and pursue a move to a county-owned property near Interstate 75 at 1301 Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 8, 2021
County enters negotiations on sale of downtown building

The county will discuss selling its Ringling Boulevard offices with six interested purchasers who have submitted bids of $20 million or higher.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • September 8, 2021
Joseph P. Callahan

Joseph (Joe), age 96, of Longboat Key, Florida and Massapequa, New York passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2021 surrounded by his two daughters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Despite the 2021 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships having been canceled, the United States Dragon Boat Federation has decided to name its official team roster anyway — and five local rowers have made the cut.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 8, 2021
Five Benderson Park dragon boat paddlers named to US National Team

The World Dragon Boat Racing Championships have been canceled for 2021, but the team honors remain.

  • East County
  • Sports
Work continued in April on a 50-acre parcel in Myakka City even after Manatee County code enforcement officers had received complaints about a possible lack of the proper permits. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 8, 2021
Possible code enforcement favoritism leads to six Manatee County employees being placed on leave

Manatee County inspector general's investigation leads to six county employees being placed on administrative leave.

  • East County
  • News
Kim Seery, a Myakka City resident and treasurer for Preserve Our Wildlife Environment and Resources, doesn't want development to cross the Future Development Area Boundary line.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 8, 2021
Manatee County Commissioners continue discussion of Myakka boundary line

Commissioners listen to concerns about moving the Future Development Area Boundary line.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney senior quarterback Tayven Clark reaches over the goal line for a touchdown on a designed run against Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 8, 2021
Cardinal Mooney football's offense takes the next step

After averaging 16.5 points per game in 2020, Cardinal Mooney is off to a much faster start in 2021

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Eddie Zaun
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 8, 2021
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Eddie Zaun

The Cardinal Mooney freshman baseball player was named to the 14U Perfect Game Select Festival in Fort Myers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Developer Gary Kompothecras plans to build a seven-story hotel, above, and a five-level parking garage, below, on two non-contiguous parcels near the south bridge to Siesta Key.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 8, 2021
Second Siesta Key hotel proposal receives endorsement

The county’s Planning Commission voted in favor of special exceptions to accommodate a 120-room hotel near the south bridge onto the barrier island.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 19-year-old roofer was killed by a lightning strike in Lakewood Ranch on Tuesday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 7, 2021
Roofer killed by lightning in Lakewood Ranch

Lightning strike at Greenbrook apartments kills 19-year-old roofer in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 7, 2021
Traffic moving again on Gulf of Mexico Drive after gas line break

Longboat's main artery was shut down in both directions around 4:35 p.m.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • September 7, 2021
Temple Beth Israel celebrates Rosh Hashanah

After spending the High Holidays apart in 2020, the congregation got back together.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • September 7, 2021
St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church celebrates Labor Day

The Men's Club put together an end-of-summer bash with plenty of food and fun.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Black skimmer fledge on South Lido Photo courtesy of Kylie Wilson
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • September 7, 2021
Shorebird nesting season on Longboat Key, Lido, ends with hundreds of fledged chicks

Despite predation, red tide and storm overwash, the season was a success.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
In early July, Fannie Bushin and 4-year-old oversized toy poodle Miles moved to Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • September 7, 2021
Dog groomer starts business in Longboat Key

Miami transplant comes to Longboat with her business and her special dog, Miles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Geoff O'Quinn and Anita Isenberg. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 7, 2021
Another project in the books for Lakewood Ranch resident

River Walk resident builds and donates little library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The town has designed phases one and two of the cement pipe replacement, which spans from Spinnaker Lane to Channel Lane.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • September 7, 2021
Longboat Key applies for federal funding to upgrade Country Club Shores utilities

The town of Longboat Key submitted a grant application, requesting $13 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
While at home, iLana Armida has been able to write songs, sometimes with the help of her parents, Kim and Tommie Simone.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 7, 2021
East Bradenton's rising star returns to her roots

Mill Creek's iLana Armida finds her artistic identity through the pandemic.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nonprofits are carefully watching to see if COVID numbers will impact their events.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • September 6, 2021
Nonprofits look ahead to uncertain season

Changing pandemic landscape makes planning difficult for event organizers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 6, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Why yes, we speak tourist

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The home at 1031 Contento St. was built in 1971. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,853 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 5, 2021
Siesta Isles home sells for $1.565 million

Home at 1031 Contento St. was the top seller in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey and Nokomis for the week of Aug. 23-27.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Built in 1965, the home at 513 Yawl Drive has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,346 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 5, 2021
Country Club Shores home sells for $2.2 million

Home at 513 Yawl Lane was the top seller on Longboat Key, Lido Key and Bird Key for the week of Aug. 23-27.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
SANCA President and CEO Tomás Herrera-Mishler resigned Friday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 4, 2021
SANCA president and CEO quits after one year in Sarasota

Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota sees its leadership shift as SANCA president and CEO resigns.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 3, 2021
Cardinal Mooney football outlasts Lakewood Ranch

The Cougars took an halftime lead over the Mustangs, then lost it, then got it back

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 3, 2021
Sarasota high school football roundup: 09.09.21

Cardinal Mooney, Sarasota and Riverview were all victorious Friday night.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 3, 2021
Peewee soccer kicks off in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch children make new friends while learning how to play soccer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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