• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Regina Gurland on her 104th birthday. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 28, 2021
Happy 104th, Reggie!

Regina Gurland's neighbors and family celebrated her on June 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said he hopes construction can begin in October at the St. Regis site.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 28, 2021
St. Regis developer hopes to start construction by October

Construction was initially supposed to start in July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Commissioner Vanessa Baugh did not commit any crimes in relation to a pop-up vaccination event in February at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 28, 2021
Manatee County Sheriff's Office says no crimes committed in relation to vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh will not be charged with any crimes in relation to the pop-up vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Brad Marner hands the club's gavel to Bo Fuller. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 28, 2021
Hail to the chief

Bo Fuller is taking over as the leader of the service club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 27, 2021
Project Pride SRQ marches grand flag across Ringling Bridge

The LGBTQ+ organization and its supporters carried the flag up the bridge on June 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking information about a hit-and-run accident Sunday morning in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 27, 2021
Bicyclist critical after hit-and-run in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road

Florida Highway Patrol seeks information about a hit-and-run accident in Sarasota that left a Bradenton man in critical condition.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Just look at the time . . .

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 25, 2021
Race boats line up for downtown block party

Suncoast Summerfest put on the "Boats on the Block" downtown party on June 25.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 25, 2021
Local businesses recognized at Sarasota Chamber awards luncheon

Eight Sarasota businesses were awarded at the 2021 Small Business Awards on June 25.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The FGCL is a chance for players like Brooklyn Lucero, a former Lakewood Ranch High pitcher, to get live reps during the summer against elite competition.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 25, 2021
Former Lakewood Ranch, Braden River prep softball players stay sharp in FGCL

The Florida Gulf Coast League is in its second season and the talent level is higher than before.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fireworks set off near colonies of nesting shorebirds can scare the parents into leaving their nests—with dire consequences for their chicks.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • June 25, 2021
Bird of the week: Watch out for skimmers as holiday weekend approaches

Beach party animals must take heed of the creatures that got there first.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cooper's Hawk Chef CJ LeFevre and General Manager Pedro Torres are ready to meet patrons on the restaurant's opening day, Monday, June 28.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 25, 2021
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant lands at Lakewood Ranch's border

Upscale Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant restaurant saw opportunity with Lakewood Ranch's expansion south.

  • East County
  • News
Standing water was rising on the island ahead of Hurricane Eta in November 2020.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 25, 2021
Longboat Key, county leaders on hurricane preps: 'Have a plan'

Thursday marked the second consecutive year that Longboat Key leaders held a "Zoominar" to outline hurricane preparations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 25, 2021
Foundation for Dreams summer camps underway in east Bradenton

Bradenton's Foundation for Dreams hosts campers aged 7 to 17 with games, arts and crafts, and science.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Christi Villalobos receives the Stephen Garber Award from President Laura Adcock. Villalobos also received the Rotarian of the Year Award.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 25, 2021
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch installs 2021-22 officers, directors

Mark Midyett succeeds Laura Adcock as Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch president.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The community center was designed by Victor Lundy, a leader in the Sarasota School of Architecture style of post-war modern design. It was built in 1956.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 24, 2021
Historic South Gate property could be turned over to county

South Gate residents will vote on whether to sell the community center to the county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 24, 2021
Affordable home options considered for north end of county

Six proposals were submitted for 2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way that mix affordable housing with a variety of other services, including grocery stores, schools and a minor league soccer stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rick Knowlton, Nicholas Lewis and Dan Hersey operate the Manasota Chess Center.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 24, 2021
Manasota Chess Center opens for all skill levels

Nicholas Lewis, Rick Knowlton and Dan Hersey have launched the Manasota Chess Center at the Crossings shopping mall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 24, 2021
East County weather page photo: June 24

Ted Spitzmiller captured this alligator roaming the neighborhood of the Muirfield subdivision in the Country Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 24, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: June 24

Robert Todd captured the afterglow of a sunset on Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 24, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 24

Pat White captured this photo of manatee parents with their calf in Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The concept design focuses on changes to a street segment leading into St. Armands Circle from the mainland, attempting to create a visual gateway welcoming visitors into the district.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 24, 2021
St. Armands Circle group pursues major streetscape upgrade

St. Armands stakeholders have a vision for improving the look and feel of the commercial district. Can they convince city officials to buy in?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. Colleen Healy, Bay Isles Publix store manager Willie McLaughlin and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi will lead Longboat Key's Fourth of July festivities.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 24, 2021
For Longboat's Freedom Fest, it's Grand Marshal x3

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, Dr. Colleen Healy and Bay Isles Publix store manager Willie McLaughlin will lead Longboat Key's Fourth of July festivities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 24, 2021
Update: GMD reopens on Longboat Key following gas leak

Traffic stopped in 5500 block.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Bird Key home sold in February for more than $6.6 million.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 24, 2021
Median home-sale prices rise to record level in Sarasota County

Benchmark sales figure has risen each month of 2021.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A coalition of downtown stakeholders who support the Sarasota Orchestra’s request to relocate to Payne Park have expressed concern the organization could pass on the site without solid legal clearance to move forward. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 24, 2021
Amid orchestra search, no easy answer to Payne Park legal question

City Attorney Robert Fournier said the city cannot proactively seek a judgment on the legality of building a music hall in Payne Park without a firm commitment from the Sarasota Orchestra.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city already has regulations designed to clear obstructions from sidewalks — including an ordinance prohibiting sitting or laying in an unreasonable manner — but downtown merchants are pushing officials to do more. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 24, 2021
City could restrict sitting, lying down on downtown sidewalks

As merchants voice complaints about individuals on the sidewalk near their businesses, the city is exploring options for new laws. Some officials want to proceed with caution.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 24, 2021
Florida: A cradle of liberty!

Gannett Co.’s editors besmirched Florida and its 22.6 million people as ‘a cradle’ of hate, delusion and extremism — ignoring the hate, death and destruction wrought by the ‘peaceful’ protesters.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The construction of a park on Central Avenue in the Rosemary District is an example of a master plan project that got an accelerated timeline because of input from community members and elected officials. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 24, 2021
Parks board checks in on master plan progress

As the City Commission prepares to work on the 2022 budget, an advisory group wants an update on how the city is handling the goals it identified in a 2019 report.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Badger Bob's Services Team
  • June 24, 2021
A/C Purchase Plans: Lease vs. Own

Know the difference and keep your cool.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Sarasota on July 3.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2021
Trump to hold rally July 3 at Sarasota Fairgrounds

Former President Donald Trump rally in Sarasota on July 3 will include special guests, fireworks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 23, 2021
Despite dip, Sarasota lands in top five for Florida Standards Assessments

Third grade students tested four percentage points lower in English Language Arts than in 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High rising senior wideout Jaron Glover committed to Michigan State on June 20.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 23, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Riverview High wideout commits to Michigan State

Plus, a familiar-name hire adds to intrigue at Sarasota High

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 23, 2021
Ringling Bridge lights up with rainbow colors for Pride Month

The bridge will display Pride colors for the rest of June.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Before it was reopened to traffic June 13, this section of Lakewood Main Street had been closed to traffic for 14 months. At least 850 people have signed a petition asking to keep the street open to pedestrians.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 23, 2021
Opening Lakewood Main Street to traffic irks some residents

A Change.org petition to keep part of the Lakewood Ranch street open to pedestrians has more than 850 signatures.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Animal Services Chief Sarah Brown holds Elwood, a tabby who was taken in by the shelter Jan. 10. Commissioners are debating how to fix the problem of the county's overcrowded shelter. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 23, 2021
Manatee County commissioners disagree on need for Lakewood Ranch animal shelter

Some commissioners say a planned animal shelter might not be necessary in East County thanks to donation of Bishop Animal Shelter.

  • East County
  • News
« 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

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

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now