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Your Observer

Lorraine Road one-car crash on Wednesday leaves a 50-year-old Bradenton man in critical condition.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch crash leaves Bradenton man in critical condition

Lakewood Ranch crash leaves Bradenton man in critical condition

  • East County
  • News
Max Famiglietti officially launched Tiger Fire, LLC on New Year's Day.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 29, 2021
Entrepreneur's hot sauce takes long, winding road

Sarasota native Max Famiglietti started making his Tiger Fire Hot Sauce during the pandemic while in Peru.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 29, 2021
Casey Key property ties for highest-priced area sale

3.7 acre compound sells for $16.5 million, equalling price of Longboat Key's Serenissima.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The owners of the Sarasota Modern hotel could develop land surrounding the building to include 90 residences in structures up to 10 stories tall. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2021
City approves Rosemary District rezoning

The change would allow 10-story buildings near the Sarasota Modern hotel, which some neighbors are unhappy about.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents in neighborhoods such as Tahiti Park have said they see trees as a valuable resource, encouraging city officials to take steps to protect and maintain the urban canopy.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2021
City considers creating urban forestry program

As part of a continuing emphasis on tree preservation, officials heard a presentation on a strategy for more formally documenting and managing the city’s canopy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A yearslong effort to redevelop the Bath and Racquet Club site continues to generate opposition, though the City Commission was largely effusive in its praise for the vision presented at a March meeting. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2021
More residences proposed for Bath and Racquet site

Neighbors have voiced opposition to the prospect of additional residential space, but the developer said the changes would reduce the intensity of the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The use of the Selby Gardens property for special events — and a food service partnership with Michael's on East — is at the center of a still-unsettled dispute regarding a tax exemption. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2021
Selby Gardens property tax issue headed to court

Despite a mediated resolution earlier this year, a late tax payment is prolonging tensions between the botanical garden and the property appraiser.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ruby Robinson protests the 2019 redistricting.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 28, 2021
Commission considers redistricting, repealing single-member districts

Commissioners are considering what data to use for redistricting and whether voters want to get rid of single-member districts, which were approved in 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jillian Walker, who has been practicing yoga since 14, helped open a yoga studio in Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 28, 2021
Yoga studio opens in Siesta Key Village

Yogi builds on a lifetime of experiences to manage a new studio.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Julia Kourelakos, Danny McDonald, Uday Goyat and Grace Jiang placed in the top 10 in an international math competition. Not pictured is teammate Maxim Kasyanenko. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 28, 2021
Pineview students show their math mettle

Five-member team finishes in top 10 among 535 teams in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Guest Author
  • April 28, 2021
A parent speaks out …

New Yorker Andrew Gutmann expresses what many Americans are feeling about the false charge of systemic racism and how they’re fed up with their children being brainwashed at school.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Softball fields throughout north county will be replaced or reimagined to create better complexes. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 28, 2021
County leaders envision $117 million in recreation facility upgrades

Four north county athletic facilities will see major improvements at an estimated cost of $117 million over the next three to seven years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Unit 204 of Aria Longboat Key has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,032 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 28, 2021
Aria condo sells for $5.6 million

Residential real estate transactions for April 12-16.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Arun Bhagwat said he shut things down during the pandemic, but now is back to playing outdoor gigs.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 28, 2021
Sarasota man finds fulfillment with his main squeeze

82-year-old University Park accordionist lifts spirits with his sweet sounds.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City resident Carol Felts, pictured with one of her horses, JR, hopes her campaign for Manatee County Commission will shine a spotlight on local government and teach people to be engaged citizens.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 28, 2021
Myakka woman runs for Manatee County Commission

Myakka woman hopes to teach people about local government via commission campaign

  • East County
  • News
Charles Reid, Paul Wren and Matt Talaska are pictured after being recognized as newly promoted battalion chiefs at the grand opening of East Manatee Fire Rescue District's Station 8 April 19. Courtesy of East Manatee Fire Rescue.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 28, 2021
New battalion chiefs promoted in East Manatee fire district

East Manatee becomes first fire district in the county to split into two battalions

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County has approved the application for Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy. Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to open the school. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves new charter school in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy will now negotiate a contract with the School District of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Katie McCoy hopes to top her fundraising efforts from last year's Southeastern Guide Dogs walk-a-thon. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
Parade for puppies in Lakewood Ranch

Southeastern Guide Dogs hosts first virtual national walk-a-thon day.

  • East County
  • News
ODA sophomore Luke Geske battled a wrist injury early in the season, but holds a 1.82 ERA over 23 innings since returning, with 26 strikeouts.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 28, 2021
Thunder on the mound

ODA sophomore pitcher is committed to the University of Miami.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bethany Lynch, a senior development manager for the southeastern region of the American Cancer Society, says the Making Strides Mother's Day brunch will give people an opportunity to celebrate those impacted by cancer. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
Virtual strides to fight cancer in Lakewood Ranch

American Cancer Society hosts virtual events to support those impacted by cancer.

  • East County
  • News
Demolition of the Players Centre for the Performing Arts on Tamiami Trail began last week.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • April 28, 2021
Players Centre for the Performing Arts torn down

The building is being torn down as Players Centre staff plan their next move.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mora Jordan, an animal care specialist at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, works with Susan Giroux, the vice president of the nonprofit's board of directors, to take care of the animals, such as Princess, a pointer mix.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
Paws(itive) effort in Lakewood Ranch

Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch hosts Divas and Dogs fashion show fundraiser.

  • East County
  • News
A "no outlet" sign shows Lena Road heading south on its northern segment doesn't connect to the southern portion of the road. An extension to create a continuous route between S.R. 70 and S.R. 64 has been accelerated. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 28, 2021
Manatee County commissioners swerve to meet road needs

Commissioners prioritize three East County road projects

  • East County
  • News
Paige Royce and Emma Curry, first graders at Braden River Elementary School, sit quietly while reading. The school district says changes to the calendar next year will help address the learning gap in reading. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 28, 2021
Manatee County students will log more time in classroom

School District of Manatee County makes changes to 2021-2022 academic calendar in response to pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
The renovated pier features shade structures and artwork inspired by Sarasota Bay. Photo courtesy city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 27, 2021
Reopening set for Sarasota's Saprito Pier

The Tony Saprito Fishing Pier closed in November to facilitate renovations designed to extend the lifespan of the structure.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 27, 2021
Women's Golf Association bids farewell for season

The Longboat Key golf group played one last round before summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Molly Schechter
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 27, 2021
Schechter's celebration

Molly Schechter, Longboat Key resident, turns 80.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 27, 2021
Being fit a hit with kids in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch children run, skip and jump through drills at Fit4Kids

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 27, 2021
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church clears bookshelves

The church hosted a book sale with tomes from their own collection.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bayfront Park opened in July 2017. Town leaders are planning to resod it later this summer.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 27, 2021
Longboat dog park lovers happy to hear of resodding plans

Bayfront Park's dog park has had some wear and tear since opening in July 2017.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 27, 2021
Lakewood Ranch acting class goes wild

Children use imagination, learn enunciation at Acting for Kids

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Managing Director Linda DiGabriele and Producing Director Michael Donald Edwards thanked the assembled group of supporters.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • April 27, 2021
Asolo Repertory Theatre breaks ground on Koski Center Expansion Project

The new center will serve as a rehearsal and event space for the theatre company.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 27, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: A job for "Jimmy"

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Registered Nurse Debbie Bottiger prepares a vaccine for a School District of Manatee County employee. Students who are at least 16 can get a vaccine through a partnership between the school district and MCR Health. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 27, 2021
School District of Manatee County offers vaccine to students

School District of Manatee County students who are 16 and older can book an appointment for Thursday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 27, 2021
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key meets new commissioner

The speaker at the April 15 meeting was Debra Williams.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 27, 2021
Picnic honors Lakewood Ranch High Mustang band seniors

Lakewood Ranch High Marching Mustangs honor seniors and welcome incoming freshmen.

  • 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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