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Your Observer

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: July 1

Jane Novacek captured this image of a great blue heron on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2021
East County weather page photo: July 1

John Egnot captured this young bald eagle hanging on a tree limb on White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: July 1

Patricia Donnelly captured a photo of this anhinga drying its wings in Village Walk.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Built in 1967, the home at 258 Robin Drive has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,607 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 1, 2021
Bird Key home sells for $2.3 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 7-15

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Sarasota residents parade through the streets after they vote to approve Sarasota County. Photo courtesy Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Resources.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 1, 2021
Sarasota County Centennial: Start of county was contentious

A dispute over (you guessed it) roads set up the official establishment of Sarasota County on July 1, 1921.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Curtesy of Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Resources.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 1, 2021
Sarasota County may not have come to fruition without these famous figures

As Sarasota was becoming a county, there were a few key residents who helped it become a thriving community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Since 2017, a development team has been working on plans for the Bath and Racquet Club, an effort that has drawn opposition from neighboring residents. The city rejected initial plans in 2020, but approved a revision this year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 1, 2021
Another revision, another review for Bath and Racquet Club plans

After receiving a preliminary approval for a mixed-use project earlier this year, the development team is asking the city for permission to swap commercial space for up to 70 residences.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 1, 2021
How will this end?

No one knows how the current strife in America will end. But we’ve been resilient for 245 years. And we know this, too: An essential ingredient to pursuing happiness is you must be free.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
David Miller was grand marshal of Longboat Key's Freedom Fest in 2017. Mike Doll drives him down the parade route.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • July 1, 2021
Back to the Fourth, back to the fun

It's been a long year, but we are here to help you get back into the celebratory spirit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Vero Beach’s Rhonda and Macy Levin enjoyed the 2020 fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park with Sarasota’s Randy and Noel Bryan and Venice’s Nina and Jen Teise.
  • By Mark Bergin and Brendan Lavell
  • July 1, 2021
Mirth on the Fourth . . . again

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellations of many Fourth of July events in 2020.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 7.1.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
  • By Nat Kaemmerer and José Valle
  • June 30, 2021
How should you spend the Fourth?

Can't decide what to do or where to go? Go with the flow, and let our decision tree point the way.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Hundred Oaks Farm's Mini Horse/Mini Donkey Camp leads to big fun in Myakka City

Campers care for mini horses, mini cows, donkeys and puppies at Maureen Hudson's ranch in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lark and Heather Rippy pose for a picture inside the family's store. Driftwood Beach Home and Garden is located at 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 30, 2021
11-year-old Longboat Key girl wants to raise chickens in her backyard

Lark Rippy wrote an email to District 5 Longboat Key Town Commissioner Maureen Merrigan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 30, 2021
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce gathers guests for Business After Hours

Despite the rain, a couple dozen local businesspeople came to network.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Former Sailors running back Brian Battie had had 46 carries for 332 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and a touchdown, plus four catches for 35 yards as a freshman at USF. Photo courtesy USF Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Sarasota college athletes had big 2020-2021 seasons

A few were honored by their conferences for their efforts.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 30, 2021
Paradise Center on Longboat Key holds matinee test run

A few members came to enjoy an afternoon inside and watched "Downton Abbey."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ryan Kohn interviewed Carlos Palma and a variety of others, asking them questions from the real U.S. citizenship test. Photo by Brynn Mechem.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
U.S. citizenship test is no easy A

Passersby at St. Armands Circle were given the quiz and got mixed results.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liz and Steve Rinehart. Photo by Brendan Lavell.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Lightning fans from east Bradenton say team will win Stanley Cup

Liz and Steve Rinehart have been Tampa Bay Lightning fans since 1998.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Sutton Burnstein, 5; Elliott Knight, 8; Ethan Burnstein, 9; and Bob Wayman, 10, have a little fun at a Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2021
What a catch! We love baseball's beauty.

Stars shine in America's pastime, but the burning love begins in our back yards.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
It's a time for good food and camaraderie — don't be the guy that burns the food.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 30, 2021
Spirit of America: An Idiot's Guide to the Fourth

There's a lot of ways to celebrate the loudest holiday in more than a year. Here's one tip: don't be stupid.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill Owner Sam Ray and General Manager Jeffrey Karasawa hope to open their restaurant at the heart of The Green by the end of 2021.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Tsunami Sushi fills important role at The Green in Lakewood Ranch

Business owners at The Green hope two new restaurants located at the heart of the plaza will bring more shoppers.

  • East County
  • News
Mason Amyx and Cayla Fulkerson use the groceries they bought to make their lunches.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Beyond the Spectrum expands facility in Sarasota

The nonprofit will add 2,500 square feet of space to address its growing waitlist of students. AND Beyond the Spectrum adds space to handle demand..

  • East County
  • Schools
Save Our Seabirds Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer said this baby blue jay, rescued by Greenbrook's Lisa Laufenberg on May 28, could be ready to be released in the wild in July. (Courtesy of Save Our Seabirds)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota's Save Our Seabirds explains how to help an injured bird

A Lakewood Ranch woman called for help to save an injured baby blue jay. The bird is now thriving.

  • East County
  • News
The Fun Nite finale sells for $124.99 (often BOGO) and fires 33 shots straight up.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
$100? $1,000? The fireworks choices are yours

A Fourth show need not be expensive. But it surely can be.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 1333 Vista Drive was built in 2018. It has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,844 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 30, 2021
Harbor Acres home sells for $7.85 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 7-15.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota native Vo Williams has seen his song "Ready Set" become the official playoff anthem of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Photo courtesy Vo Williams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota musician writes, performs Tampa Bay Lightning playoff anthem

Vo Williams, who grew up playing hockey, said the opportunity is a dream come true.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Connor and Owen Fitzpatrick show off the fish they caught. It's a Fitzpatrick family tradition to try to catch a fish to make for dinner on the Fourth of July. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Food a big part of holiday traditions

Families share their delicious Fourth of July favorites.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
POWER President T.J. Meneely and Secretary Alicia Fretz stand by a sign in 2022 opposed to high-density development east of the Future Development Area Boundary line.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Myakka City nonprofit works to discuss development sprawl

Protect Our Wildlife Environment and Resources aims to give voice to Myakkans and other rural and agricultural communities.

  • East County
  • News
Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer said East County residents shouldn't wait until the last minute to buy their fireworks this year because of a supply shortage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch residents plan Fourth filled with fireworks, fun

However, an industry shortage could lower the boom in East County.

  • East County
  • News
The South Gate Community Center was designed in 1956 by architect Victor Lundy. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 29, 2021
South Gate Community Center will stay in residents' control

Voters say Sarasota County's offer was too low for the property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Musician Jim Hill and Conductor Joe Miller talk about their upcoming July 4 concert with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble makes notable return

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is back after pandemic subsides to play July 4 concert at Sarasota Opera House.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Fourth grand marshal added for Longboat parade

SMH's Jean Lucas adds to the theme of hometown heroes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beginning this winter, both Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines will fly to Washington D.C. from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Allegiant adds SRQ service to Washington's Dulles Airport

Service begins in mid-December for airport's leading carrier.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shane Catts has operated Happy Paddler Kayak Tours since October 2013.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2021
Longboat businesses bank on a healthy bay

Business owners and residents explain why a healthy Sarasota Bay is important for the quality of life in Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
One major project for fiscal year 2022 is amenities at The Bay project.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 28, 2021
Sarasota revenue increase means good news for county budget

An increase in the county's property taxes, among others, means the county will have more money than it bargained for.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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