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Your Observer

    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 30, 2021
Lido Key home sells for $7.7 million

The home at 1435 Westway Drive tops sales for the week of July 19-23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
USA Baseball, the Sarasota-Bradenton local organizing committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation announced Thursday that the 2021 U-18 Baseball World Cup would be postponed to 2022 out of COVID-19 concerns.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 30, 2021
U-18 Baseball World Cup postponed to 2022

The event was to be held at Ed Smith Stadium and Bradenton's LECOM Park in September.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    In Memoriam |
  • July 30, 2021
Ruth O. Frank

Pioneer. Globetrotter. Designer. Athlete. Trendsetter. Epicure. Philanthropist. Songster. Provocateur. Innovator. Matriarch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Deanna Murchie and Susan Giroux show the new dog kennels they have added to their Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch site in Myakka City. Could the county benefit from a public-private partnership with the nonprofit?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 30, 2021
Manatee County should slow down on building new animal shelter

If Bishop Animal Shelter donation comes to fruition in Bradenton, Manatee County might not need to build a new shelter.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Longboat Key Fire Station 92 is located at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 29, 2021
New Longboat Key fire station to open in August

Southside firefighters have operated out of a temporary trailer since June 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tina Panagiotopoulos and Manny Ninos have known each other since 1982 when they met in Massachusetts.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 29, 2021
Tina's Beauty Salon to close at the end of August

Tina's Beauty Salon has been open since 1987. Tina Panagiotopoulos will move to a new salon while barber Manny Ninos says he's retiring.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The applications submitted to the city for Luxe on Tenth include plans for the ground-level footprint of the apartment complex at 1313 10th Street. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 29, 2021
Development plan sparks conflict on affordable housing policies

When the city receives a proposal for a new project, how hard can officials push for changes not explicitly required in the zoning code? Depends on who you’re asking.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 29, 2021
It’s time for new leadership

There comes a time in the life of every company when it needs new energy, new perspectives and new ideas. Unfortunately, that also means some of those who grew the business need to go. A case in point.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, works with Ted Lindenberg, the director of Books for Kids, to ensure volunteers can go into classes to read and distribute books. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch rotarian receives award for Books for Kids program

Country Club's Ted Lindenberg receives Local Impact Award for promoting literacy.

  • East County
  • Schools
This Harbour Walk home at 553 Fore Drive sold for $1.5 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,701 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 29, 2021
Harbour Walk home in east Bradenton tops home sales at $1.5 million

Lakewood Ranch area real estate transactions include an Esplanade home that sells for $1.2 million

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Earlier this year, architect Dan Lear produced concept images showcasing what four-story buildings might look like on St. Armands if the city increased the maximum buildable height on the Circle. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 29, 2021
St. Armands land changes under review

Is it a good idea to allow taller buildings on the island? How about a hotel on the site of the Fillmore parking lot? The community is weighing answers to these questions and more.

  • Sarasota
  • News
By adding commercial tenants, Rick Piccolo said the airport would be less reliant on air traffic for financial stability. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 29, 2021
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport plots commercial projects

Restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, office space and more could be coming to airport-owned land along University Parkway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
One of Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's signs is at the New Pass Grill and Bait Shop.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 28, 2021
On Sarasota Bay, seagrass scars from boats cut deep

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has installed signs around the area to bring awareness to seagrass scarring.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town will limit public beach parking at 100 N. Shore Road until Aug. 9 to allow its contractor to more easily move equipment.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 28, 2021
North Shore beach parking limited for beach renourishment project

The town will limit beach parking on North Shore Road until Aug. 9.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The district's millage rate will decrease by 3.8%, but residents may still pay more in taxes. because of an increase in the median property value.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 28, 2021
Sarasota School Board adopts tentative budget, millage rate

The district's millage rate will decrease by 3.8%, but residents may still pay more in taxes.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Melanie Bevan, the chief of the Bradenton Police Department, Jennifer Gilray, the assistant director of MTC's east campus, and Jay Romine, the law enforcement program director at MTC, work to open a firing range and driving course
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 28, 2021
MTC to have new firing range and driving pad in Myakka

MTC joins with the Bradenton Police Department to build a new shooting range and driving pad in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Schools
The bloom of the corpse flower is an exciting event at Selby Gardens. (Clothespins not provided.)
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 28, 2021
Corpse Flower blooms at Selby Gardens

The putrid flower made its rare bloom on July 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Emma Weyant won a silver medal in the Women's 400-Meter IM at the Olympics on Saturday night. Photo courtesy Mike Lewis/USA Swimming.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 28, 2021
Local athletes make Sarasota proud at Tokyo Olympics

Two of Sarasota's four athletes at the Olympics are coming home with hardware.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The "Hagen Brody" burger comes with cheddar cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce and more on a brioche bun.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 28, 2021
Ford's Garage in UTC area names burgers after Sarasota figures

Feeling hungry for a Larry Thompson burger? The Ford's Garage restaurant has you covered.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The bridge over the Braden River, part of an extension of 44th Avenue east from Cortez Road to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, is 0.26 miles long.(Courtesy of Manatee County)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
44th Avenue bridge over Braden River 75% complete

Manatee County provides an update on massive project that will connect Lakewood Ranch with Cortez Road.

  • East County
  • News
During Jack Wagner's younger days he was a top sailor in the Detroit area.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 28, 2021
Lakewood Ranch centenarian became an exceptional sailor in Mackinac races

Centenarian Jack Wagner loving life at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dom DiMaio has stepped down after two years as president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 28, 2021
Search for Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance leader begins again

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance would covet a leader who would stay longterm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, said without reaching herd immunity, COVID-19 has many chances to mutate into more contagious or severe strains. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
Delta variant rising in Manatee County as governor urges vaccinations

Manatee County health officer says children under 12 could spread COVID-19 to their classmates.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Communities’ 3D “community Xplorer map” was awarded a gold award for best innovative use of technology at the Southeast Building Conference’s 42nd annual Aurora Awards.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 28, 2021
Lakewood Ranch's 3D map earns gold award

Lakewood Ranch's 3D Community Xplorer Map earns Aurora Award from builders.

  • East County
  • News
Kingdom Business Alliance Co-founders Greg Claxton and Scott McKay stand with member Mindy Poff after a Tuesday morning meeting at the Grove. The alliance meets every single week.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 28, 2021
Lakewood Ranch-based Kingdom Business Alliance keeps God first

The Kingdom Business Alliance has grown to 29 members in six months.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Tucker and her partner, Lucas Kozeniesky, took a silver medal in the Mixed 10-meter Air Rifle.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 27, 2021
Sarasota's Mary Tucker takes Olympic silver medal in Mixed Air Rifle

Tucker previously finished sixth in the Women's Air Rifle.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Save Siesta Key board members Tracy Jackson and John Davidson welcomed a tax increase if it led to greater local control over key decisions on the barrier island.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 27, 2021
Save Siesta Key leaders discuss tax to support municipality proposal

If residents want to incorporate Siesta Key to create a new local government, the change would come at a cost to homeowners.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Ross Johnston attributed his love of connecting people and volunteering for his Young Professional of the Year win.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 27, 2021
Ross Johnston named Young Professional of the Year

Community figure Ross Johnston recently won a Young Professional of the Year award at a YPG event July 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chloe Bernal, a 2021 graduate of Booker High School, was named one of 300 Bank of America Student leaders.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 27, 2021
Sarasota student leader learns value of volunteering

A Booker High School graduate was named one of 300 Bank of America Student Leaders.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Protesters clap and cheer at the end of a press conference to wrap up a protest against the possibility of increased abortion restrictions in Manatee County at a commission meeting Tuesday.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 27, 2021
Abortion-rights activists protest attempts to add abortion restrictions in Manatee County

Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher raised the idea of tightening local abortion restrictions at a June commission meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Brody Wiseman's Sailors football team has not been shy about its ambitions for the 2021 season: beating Riverview High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 27, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Sarasota-Riverview football rivalry is in mid-season form

The two programs has a social media spat this week, setting the table for a fiery 2021 contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 27, 2021
Skate community cheers on Jake Ilardi at Tokyo Olympics

Local skateboarders and supporters attended an Olympics watch party on July 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh has spent nearly two decades with the company, working in roles including publisher, chief digital officer, editor and advertising sales executive. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 27, 2021
Emily Walsh named president of Observer Media Group

As CEO Matt Walsh takes a step back from the company, Emily Walsh is eager to continue her family’s lineage as leaders in the community and in the local media industry.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • July 27, 2021
Robert T. Ruff

Robert T. (Bob) Ruff, a 40-year resident of Longboat Key, died at his home in Longboat Key on July 13th, 2021, after having celebrated his 93rd birthday just two months before.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
John Schindler is the new director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High School. He looks forward to continuing the successes and traditions of the band programs.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 27, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High School has new director of bands

New band director John Schindler wants to maintain the Marching Mustangs' success and traditions.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 27, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: I'll let myself out, thanks

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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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
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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
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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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