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Your Observer

Amy Baker, Lysette Daniels and Marisa Baker check out the beach erosion in the 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2021
Hurricane Elsa's peak wind gust at SRQ airport: 54 mph

A frequently updated report on the progress of Elsa.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The average price of a single-family house in Manatee County increased from $463,015 in November to $567,549 in May.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 7, 2021
Eastern Manatee County developers say housing market will stabilize — eventually

Developers expect supply chain to self-correct at some point, but house prices may not return to pre-pandemic levels.

  • East County
  • News
Bo Fuller
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 6, 2021
Q&A: Bo Fuller, a newer club member, is taking over the presidency of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key

New Rotary Club leader hopes to get the club firing on all cylinders and bring in new members as the pandemic fades.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jacob Saur and Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher speak at a press conference urging local residents to make final preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 6, 2021
Manatee County urges final preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa

Congressman Vern Buchanan, other state and county officials said tropical storm-force wind could start as early as 6 p.m.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Mike Moran first proposed the special district.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 6, 2021
Talk turns to millage, other funding sources for county mental health district

Commissioners are considering whether to increase the county's millage rate by one-tenth of a mill to support the Mental Health Care Special District.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch merchants have been advised to secure all outdoor seating items until Elsa passes.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 6, 2021
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch merchants urged to take tropical storm Elsa seriously

Those businesses along Main Street at Lakewood Ranch advised to bring in all outdoor seating items.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • July 6, 2021
Chip Bella Gabrick

Surrounded by his loving family, Chippy, (15 years and 11 months) (formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio) peacefully passed away in his home with his mommy and daddy by his side.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • July 6, 2021
Attempt to silence social media clearly unconstitutional

Legislation to control social media flies in the face of Gov. Desantis' and the GOP's free-market values.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Former Booker High wideout Talik Keaton, a sophomore at Marshall, and other athletes can now promote brands on social media thanks to the NCAA's new Name, Image and Likeness laws, which went into effect July 1. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 6, 2021
Prose and Kohn: New NCAA laws boost Sarasota-area alumni's potential earnings

The Name, Image and Likeness laws went into effect July 1, and a former Booker High wideout has taken advantage

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ron Lambert, the director of bands, expresses his gratitude to students and families during a band picnic to honor seniors in the band programs. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 6, 2021
Lakewood Ranch High bands director Ron Lambert will retire in August.

Lakewood Ranch High's longtime director of bands will retire

  • East County
  • Schools
Ed Krepela serves on the board of Fairway Bay III, the Atrium.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 5, 2021
Longboat Key condo owners taking precautions after Surfside collapse

The deadly Surfside collapse has many Longboat Key condo owners looking into what precautions they should take.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The National Hurricane Center's projected path as of 5 p.m. Monday shows the storm arriving in our area on Tuesday.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 5, 2021
With Tropical Storm Elsa approaching, city declares state of emergency

Because of the approaching storm, officials have decided to cancel Tuesday’s City Commission meeting and close city offices for the day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A baby turtle that hatched in summer 2020 was held in a bucket overnight so it could go out in the dark and have a better chance against predators. Photo Credit: Nat Kaemmerer
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 5, 2021
Longboat Key's sea turtle protections to change in 2022

The new changes will take effect for next year's sea turtle nesting season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The city will not pick up trash, recycling and yard waste on Tuesday. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 5, 2021
City cancels Tuesday trash collection ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa

The city has not yet rescheduled trash pickup for those affected by the cancellation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gov. Ron DeSantis requested a pre-landfall emergency declaration in anticipation of impacts from tropical storm Elsa.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 5, 2021
Final day to prepare as tropical storm Elsa approaches Manatee and Sarasota counties

Tropical storm Elsa expected to deliver high winds, flooding to Sarasota and Manatee counties beginning Tuesday.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Florida Design Works
  • July 5, 2021
Make A Splash with Designer Pool Tile/Stone

Make A Splash with Designer Pool Tile/Stone

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 4, 2021
Thousands flock to Siesta Beach for July 4

Families, tourists and friends gathered along Siesta Key Beach to watch the annual firework show.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 4, 2021
Sarasota lights up with July 4 parade and fireworks show

The parade and fireworks show took place July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 4, 2021
Sarasota, Manatee coasts under tropical storm watch for Elsa

Manatee declares state of emergency and also opens up sandbag site.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Mark Bergin and Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 4, 2021
Longboat Key holds Fourth of July Freedom Fest and Parade

The "world's smallest parade" returned for its 18th rendition on Bay Isles Road.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • July 3, 2021
Fireworks On the Lake back with a bang at Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park of Sarasota hosts full-blown Fourth of July celebration one year after pandemic-restricted event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 3, 2021
Trump supporters gather for rally at Sarasota Fairgrounds

The Save America rally was held on July 3.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 2, 2021
FDEP accepts Longboat Key's environmental projects

The town of Longboat Key is required to complete the environmental projects within 180 days of the FDEP's approval.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 2, 2021
Massage therapist rounds out Paradise Center offerings

The Paradise Center added Mixon to their lineup after a survey found members wanted massage.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 2, 2021
Crystal Classic returns to Siesta Key Beach

Last year's sand-sculpting event was canceled because of COVID-19.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office dive unit recovered a body around 11 a.m. today.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2021
Sarasota man found dead in Benderson Park lake

Two people abandoned paddleboat around 4:30 a.m. in the middle of the lake, officials said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: We're just resting

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Several boaters dock on the weekends on the north end of Longboat Key. Photo courtesy of James Haft.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 2, 2021
Longboat Key passes emergency ordinance to quiet loud boat music

Commissioners felt the need to make changes ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
624 Palm was built in 2018 at 624 S. Palm Ave.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 2, 2021
Palm Avenue condo sells for $5 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 16-25.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The home at 614 S. Owl Drive was built in 1965. It has five bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,870 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 2, 2021
Bird Key home sells for $5.7 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 16-25.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Reports of Mayor Hagen Brody’s improper conduct were tied to his displeasure regarding a city-produced video highlighting a COVID-19 vaccination event at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 2, 2021
Commission to discuss investigating Brody’s conduct

Following an outburst at City Hall in March, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch is asking her colleagues to consider a formal inquiry into Mayor Hagen Brody’s behavior.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo Caption: Otherwise fairly plain, black-bellied plovers are named for their breeding plumage, which is a striking mix of white and jet black feathers. (Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 2, 2021
Bird of the week: black-bellied plover

The largest of the plovers, this species puts on a new look for mating season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Gator Club is rallying support in an effort to convince city officials to allow outdoor seating to spill into the seat on weekends. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 1, 2021
Downtown Sarasota street closure plans remain in flux

The Gator Club is leading a push to reinstate expanded outdoor seating on Lemon Avenue, while downtown leaders consider options for weekend pedestrian-only events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Lakewood Ranch High throws athlete Riley Simmons finished seventh (47 feet, 3.7 inches) in the girls shot put at the 2021 Nike Outdoor National Championships in Oregon. Photo courtesy Riley Simmons.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 1, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Former Lakewood Ranch shot put star finishes top-10 at Nike Outdoor Nationals

Riley Simmons' final throw as a high school-level athlete was a personal record, and one that she guaranteed.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tom Savage and Bernie Phillips
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 1, 2021
Plymouth Harbor resident hosts seminar on self-evolution

Phillips is hosting the seminar with his neighbors, but hopes to bring it to a larger scale.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 1, 2021
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key hears from interim police chief

George Turner spoke to the club about his goals for the department.

  • 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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