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Your Observer

    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 19, 2021
Longboat Key couple finish renovation on historic Whitney Beach cottage

The Prices' home started life as a beach condo in the 1930s, and they tried to keep it true to its Old Florida roots.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Traffic was bumper-to-bumper Tuesday night on the Ringling Bridge from St. Armands Circle to downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 19, 2021
Longboaters concerned about U.S. 41 roundabout construction

Gridlock traffic on Tuesday prompted frustration among drivers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As the city seeks to emulate events such as Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main concert series, downtown stakeholders are still undecided on key details, such as whether Main Street will be closed. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 19, 2021
Downtown group explores First Friday options

The Downtown Improvement District is slated to choose a partner for organizing monthly pedestrian-oriented events at a meeting next month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Save Siesta Key board members Tracy Jackson and John Davidson are part of an effort to submit an incorporation proposal to the state ahead of a Sept. 1 deadline. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 19, 2021
Siesta Key group readies incorporation submission

Save Siesta Key is in the closing stretch of a signature-gathering campaign in support of an independent island government.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
City commissioners Erik Arroyo and Hagen Brody led the push to include a list of pros and cons in the packet the city provides to property owners seeking historic designation. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 18, 2021
City revises historic preservation application

The City Commission is moving to adjust the information it provides to property owners seeking a historic designation, a proposal that divided elected officials.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction, Greg Bartoli, PopStroke founder, and Bryon Bell, president of TGR Design, get busy with shovels at the PopStroke groundbreaking at UTC in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 18, 2021
Tiger Woods' PopStroke breaks ground at UTC in Sarasota

PopStroke, designed by Tiger Woods and his TGR team, breaks ground at Sarasota's University Town Center.

  • East County
  • News
The Ohana owners have put signage on their private property to prevent people from trespassing.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 18, 2021
Beach, interrupted: Owner of unique Longboat property ends public access

The Ohana estate seawall for decades has extended far enough to often be in the surf.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Baraka Atkins is entering his third season as Booker High's head coach.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 18, 2021
Sarasota high school football previews: Booker High

The Tornadoes have the skill position players to surprise teams if they stay healthy.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Grant, a 1-year-old puppy, has been living with Lakewood Ranch's Teresa Will. He'll go to university at Southeastern Guide Dog's campus in Palmetto in October for more training.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 18, 2021
Southeastern Guide Dogs needs more puppy raisers in Lakewood Ranch

Southeastern Guide Dogs seeks puppy raisers in the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is one step closer to opening in August 2022 with the approval of its contract with the School District of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 18, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy one step closer to becoming a reality

With contract approval, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy focuses on a location.

  • East County
  • Schools
The individual float tanks are filled with 850 pounds of Epsom salt dissolved into 10 inches of water.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 18, 2021
Sensory deprivation tank a great way to float away your fears

Our reporter tests out a sensory deprivation float tank to examine the treatment's health benefits.

  • Health
Some members of the public said the city should solicit proposals from other interested parties, but multiple commissioners felt that would be unfair to the group that submitted the hotel and grocery store plan. File rendering.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 18, 2021
City advances consideration of St. Armands hotel proposal

A majority of the City Commission spoke positively about a plan to build a hotel and grocery store on the site of the Fillmore Drive parking lot, though some members of the public had reservations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Pirates take a water break during fall practice.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 18, 2021
East County football preview: Braden River High

Braden River High football has inexperienced players at the skill positions.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 18, 2021
Goldfish Swim School hosts family swim and screen in Lakewood Ranch

Families enjoy a night of swimming and watching "Gabby's Dollhouse."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Digital health apps can help — if users can afford them. Photo via Shutterstock.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 18, 2021
Health apps can help — if users can afford them

Are subscription weight loss and wellness applications worth the sometimes-hefty cost?

  • Health
Sasha Pastujov, born in the Lakewood Ranch area, will attempt to become one of the rare Florida-born players to reach the NHL. Photo courtesy Rena Laverty / USA Hockey’s NTDP.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 18, 2021
Prose and Kohn: From the Lakewood Ranch area to the NHL?

Sasha Pastujov is attempting to become the 15th player from Florida to reach hockey's pinnacle.

  • East County
  • Sports
Superintendent Brennan Asplen discusses the effects of COVID-19 on Sarasota County School operations during a workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Image via Sarasota County Schools.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 17, 2021
Sarasota school board plans special meeting on mask mandate

After school officials discussed the strain COVID-19 has placed on operations, multiple board members expressed an interest in revisiting the district’s optional mask policy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The construction associated with the roundabout project led to backups over the Ringling Causeway this morning.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 17, 2021
U.S. 41 roundabout construction causes traffic delays near Ringling Causeway

The implementation of a traffic shift at Gulfstream Avenue has led to frustration for motorists, with authorities advising drivers to avoid the area if possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Riverview High two-sport star Vince Cherry, right, will be the next boys basketball coach at Cardinal Mooney High. Photo courtesy Suzanne Koscho.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 17, 2021
Prose and Kohn: New Cougars boys basketball coach can be the Cherry on top

Vince Cherry, 28, will take over a program in need of stability.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    In Memoriam |
  • August 17, 2021
Monique Oliel

Monique Oliel, 92 passed away July 29th at Venice Regional Hospital, Venice Florida. A long time resident of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Gina Messenger, a member of the School Board of Manatee County, says there isn't a difference between an optional mask policy and a mask mandate with an opt out option.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 16, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves a mask mandate with opt out option

All students and employees will have the option to opt out of the School District of Manatee County's mask mandate.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Guest Author
  • August 16, 2021
Letters to the editor: Siesta Key hotel proposals

Siesta Key leaders sound off on recent opinion piece.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Neil McDonald and Mike Rusnak
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 16, 2021
Longboat Key UPS Store gets new owner

The McDonald siblings, who have owned the store for 15 years, are moving on.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A Myakka City man was killed in a two-car accident on C.R. 675 in Manatee County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2021
Myakka City man dies in two-car accident on County Road 675

A 33-year-old Myakka City man was killed Monday when his SUV veered into the path of a truck on County Road 675.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is being treated at Blake Medical Center for COVID-19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2021
Manatee County commissioner hospitalized with COVID-19

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is listed in stable condition at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 16, 2021
Town of Longboat Key celebrates "City Hall Selfie Day"

Nearly every department got in front of the camera to join the fun and meet the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 15, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: No walking back from this one

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Built in 2015, the home at 3970 Roberts Point Road has five bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,028 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 15, 2021
Siesta Key home sells for $6.2 million

Home at 3970 Roberts Point Road tops all sales in the Sarasota area for Aug. 2-6.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Unit 4 condominium at En Provence was built in 2002. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,800 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 15, 2021
En Provence condo sells for $3.75 million

The home at 2151 Gulf of Mexico Drive tops all Longboat Key-area sales for Aug. 2-6.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 14, 2021
Unconditional Surrender statue celebrated at ceremony

The rededication ceremony was held Aug. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Waterside's Hank Berzins, 9, finishes second in his age group. He said he was going "really fast" and that he could feel the wind blow through his hair.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • August 14, 2021
Lakewood Ranch area kids enjoy final summer camp at Benderson Park in Sarasota

Nathan Benderson Park's water adventure camp, held Aug. 2-6, featured kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 13, 2021
Longboat home lists for $10.25 million

7,000-square foot home offers 151 feet of beachfront.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
File photo
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 13, 2021
Rededication ceremony planned for Unconditional Surrender statue

The ceremony will take place at Bayfront Park on Aug. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The mottled duck is a unique subspecies found only in peninsular Florida, where it resides in both brackish and freshwater marshes.Â
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 13, 2021
Bird of the week: Mottled duck

With habitat loss, the species often can be found in developed drainage ditches or retention ponds.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 13, 2021
Sandbag stations open today in anticipation of Fred

Passage of tropical system near Manatee and Sarasota this weekend expected to bring heavy rains.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sue Ann and Mike Ciccone in front of the bar that Ciccone built for the house.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 12, 2021
Longboat Key couple Mike and Sue Ann Ciccone celebrate the island life

The couple recently moved to Longboat Key full time and spend their nights seeking happy memories.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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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