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Your Observer

Miles Stephens (fifth) and Josh Thomas (fourth) represented Braden River High well in the Class 3A 100-meter dash.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 7, 2021
Slow first day at track and field championships for area athletes

There were not many area competitors, but two Braden River runners proved their sprint speed against the best.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mia Spirow practices her aerial moves during Circus Arts Conservatory spring break camp. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 7, 2021
Circus Arts Conservatory seeks lease extension from School Board

As circus leaders plan an expansion, they're aiming for a 99-year lease extension to remain on Sarasota High School's campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Julie McGue
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 7, 2021
Longboat author finds her family closer than she could have imagined

Julie McGue searched for her birth family and discovered a brother within sight of their Michigan home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bradenton-based ET MacKenzie completed repair work after the town of Longboat Key's June's sewage break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 7, 2021
Town Commission amends budget for proposed consent order

The $795,000 fulfills legal costs and requirements of the state's consent order.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Crows are omnivores, which will eat most anything. (Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • May 7, 2021
Bird of the week: American and fish crows

Species holds remarkable memories for dangerous or neutral faces.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
For three months in 2020, the city temporarily suspended enforcement of its paid parking program because of COVID-19, leading to a steep decline in revenue. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
City keeps parking management in-house — for now

In addition to passing on options for teaming up with a private parking operator, the commission extended provisions allowing for expanded outdoor dining.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The concept includes a mixed-use complex including public parking, a gourmet market, a boutique hotel and town homes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2021
Concept floated for St. Armands hotel

A developer wants the city to consider turning a St. Armands parking lot into a mixed-use hub anchored by a hotel. Could that one day become reality?

  • Sarasota
  • News
It took Wigelsworth some time to put the castle together. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 6, 2021
Celebratory sand castle

Siesta Key Sand Sculptor makes sand castle for Sarasota Centennial.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
About 2,300 acres of sea grass has been lost.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Seagrass in Sarasota Bay drops to 12-year low

Data show an 18% decrease in Sarasota Bay, or a loss of 2,300 acres of sea grass.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School board leaders are considering a partnership that would move the training of its annual 450-member firefighter school to a new county site.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
School district, county consider fire training partnership

As the county prepares to build a regional fire training site, school leaders are considering switching from the district's current facility to a partnership at the new facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Superintendent Brennan Asplen began his role in August 2020 and now school board members will evaluate his effectiveness in his first year on the job.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Board members consider how best to evaluate superintendent

Superintendent Brennan Asplen has been on the job for nearly a year. Now board members will evaluate his effectiveness.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson was named a 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
Sarasota teacher named finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year

Fruitville Elementary teacher Kari Johnson is one of five statewide finalists.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 6, 2021
East County weather page photo: May 6

Karen Kern captured this tree frog on a bird of paradise in Greyhawk Landing in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 6, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: May 6

Michael Cohen captured this pair of pelicans roosting near City Island boat ramp in Sarasota.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 6, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: May 6

Patricia Muller captured the early moon rise over Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The fire department is considering improvements that include additional staffing and enhanced fire stations. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 6, 2021
County considers improvements to fire department

The county is considering expanding its Rapid Response Unit and improvement stations in south Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tim Williams' Tesla its charging port on the driver's side of the car.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Power to the people: Longboat Key to consider adding more EV charging stations

Bayfront Park is the only public place in Longboat Key that offers an electric vehicle charger.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The rollover crash happened at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday near the Mobil gas station on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Man taken to hospital after rollover crash on Gulf of Mexico Drive

Part of Gulf of Mexico Drive was closed early Thursday morning as first responders cleared the crash.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Riverview High beach volleyball team won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Class AA Championship on May 1. Photo courtesy Tim Britt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 6, 2021
Last team sand-ing

Riverview High's beach volleyball team wins SSAC state tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Firefighter/Paramedic Jamison Urch put out a building fire. Photo provided by the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 6, 2021
Town encouraged at budget year's halfway mark

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department had an average response time of 5.4 minutes during the current fiscal year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Landscape architect Phil Smith shared conceptual designs showcasing a plan for widening sidewalks and eliminating angled parking on Main Street. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Main Street makeover gets preliminary design

City officials expressed excitement about a proposal to widen sidewalks and eliminate angled parking, though some questions — including cost estimates — remain unanswered.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After the orchestra reiterated its belief that land in Payne Park was essential for the group to remain in the city, Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown said he believed both parties should be willing to compromise. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Orchestra, city engage in venue conversation

Although the orchestra initially pushed for action from the City Commission, both parties met last month for a private discussion about a music hall in Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.6.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Bradenton-based ET MacKenzie completed repair work after the town of Longboat Key's June's sewage break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • May 5, 2021
Town hires legal team for rights-of-way matters

The town of Longboat Key is considering whether to pursue several capital projects, which include improvements to its wastewater line.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An alligator rests at the edge of a pond in Heritage Harbour, where two residents started a Nextdoor group to advocate against the removal of alligators from ponds in East County communities. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 5, 2021
East County residents wrestle with alligator issues

Alligator removal sparks fierce debate in East County

  • East County
  • News
Vivian Quinones-Solano hopes to collect blood and platelet donations that might eventually help those going through cancer treatments, like her.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2021
SunCoast Blood Bank executive from Lakewood Ranch beats the odds

Cancer survivor challenges others to give blood in Mother's Day Challenge.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 5, 2021
Trade show forges alliances

Trade show becomes largest Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance event during pandemic

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Mackenzie Loukota, who is 21 months old, and her mother, Vicki Loukota, play at the park together.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Mom's love prevails in the Lakewood Ranch area

Lakewood Ranch area moms talk about what it takes to be a good mother in 2021.

  • East County
  • News
Brody Winch. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Students enjoy box of quackers in east Bradenton

Tara Elementary School class cares for and learns about ducklings.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A worker paves a road that starts at the Mallaranny property's driveway and stretches toward the back of the property on April 29.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • May 5, 2021
Construction continues in Myakka City while Manatee County code officials under investigation

Sarasota Medieval Fair on Myakka property requires special permit, but construction continues

  • East County
  • News
Jackie Llamas, a parent of a Lakewood Ranch High School senior, is happy she's able to coordinate a prom for seniors like Nick Lenchinsky with his mother, Angie Lenchinsky Scarpa.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Private prom excites Lakewood Ranch High students

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors ready to have prom memories.

  • East County
  • News
Bruce Pearl's AUTLIVE program raises awareness for for cancer prevention and detection. Photo courtesy Shanna Lockwood/Auburn Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 5, 2021
Gala's guest offers pearl of wisdom

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy is expected to have about 740 students enrolled if the school opens in August 2022. Within five years, the school is projected to have an enrollment of 1,965 students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Traditional vs. charter: The differences

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will provide a new option for East County parents.

  • East County
  • News
Dawn Zielinski, president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, and Tom Williams, outreach director for the club, donates bike helmets to Megan Podolan, a fifth grade teacher at Willis Elementary School, to give to students.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
Safer rides in Lakewood Ranch

Village Idiots Cycling Club donates helmets to east Bradenton schools.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Adrian Moore and Guy Bentley
  • May 5, 2021
Florida setting the example on vaping regulations

Misinformation around vaping continues to plague much of the media, state legislatures and the general public.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Steven Zickafoose, an assistant principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Angela Lindsey, principal of the school, wear masks while on campus. The administrators might not have to wear masks next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 5, 2021
School District of Manatee County considers letting masks down

School Board of Manatee County considers a voluntary mask policy for summer school and the 2021-22 school year.

  • East County
  • 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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