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Your Observer

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
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 26, 2021
No-swim advisory lifted for Bird Key Park

Follow up testing indicates allowable levels of bacteria in nearby waters.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 26, 2021
Developers submit offers for St. Armands parking lot

The city has received five proposals to purchase a Fillmore Drive property near St. Armands Circle, though parking issues may complicate any sale.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Funding from the penny sales tax has in years past been used for the Robert L. Taylor Community Center, among other projects.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 25, 2021
Committee considers priorities for sales tax extension

Before voters decide whether to extend the county’s penny tax for another 15 years, city officials will prepare a list of infrastructure projects for funding.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Philadelphia's Alex Rendon flaps his wings to finish the Florida Turkey Trot 5K at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on Thanksgiving morning. "I'm crazy," he says.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 25, 2021
Florida Turkey Trot in Sarasota draws almost 3,000 participants on Thanksgiving.

Nathan Benderson Park of Sarasota hosts 3,000 runners for Florida Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2021
East County weather page photo: November 25

Gordon Silver captured this monarch butterfly gathering nectar in Del Webb of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: November 25

Gordon Silver captured these palms along a colorful sky on Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: November 25

Patricia Muller captured this photo of the sun rising over Sarasota Bay from Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2021
Give back to the community this holiday season in Sarasota, Manatee

It’s easy to help others have a festive and memorable holiday season while making a difference in your town.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Badger Bob's Services
  • November 25, 2021
Cold Turkey

Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool During Thanksgiving.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Max, Jake, Roger and Alisa Pettingell. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 24, 2021
Roger Pettingell hosts 19th annual Pie Day

The Coldwell Banker realtor's pie tradition is one of his favorite parts of Thanksgiving.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and Friends of the Braden River Library President Judy Mullen cut the ribbon to officially open the new 4,250 square foot expansion to the Braden River Library on Nov. 17.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • November 24, 2021
Studio 70 highlights Braden River Library expansion

The 4,250 square foot expansion of the Braden River Library includes a "Makerspace" along with meeting areas, study rooms and more.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch resident Crystena Starre picks up an order from "Horhay" of the Horhay's Mac & Cheez food truck at Waterside on Nov. 17. Food trucks will soon be allowed for social functions inside CDD 2 in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • November 24, 2021
Food trucks may soon be allowed in some Lakewood Ranch communities

The Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 2 will vote soon on allowing food trucks to special events.

  • East County
  • News
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Once again, what's the best bridge?
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