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Your Observer

Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall presents to the Longboat Key Town Commission during Wednesday's hearing.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 20, 2021
With two unanimous approvals, Longboat gives St. Regis its final OK

Commissioners voted 6-0 on both an ordinance and a resolution on the proposed changes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 20, 2021
‘Under the rule of fools’

Today’s inflation shows the ignorance and stupidity of politicians. History is rife with its tragic consequences.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The arrival of Southwest Airlines, along with Allegiant, help drive record-setting passenger traffic at SRQ in 2021.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 20, 2021
Announcement Thursday on new airline for SRQ

Addition to airport's offerings would bring total number of carriers to 11.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Debra Otey has been named the new head of school for Out-of-Door Academy. She will begin serving in the position July 1, 2022. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2021
Out-of-Door Academy names new head of school

Debra Otey will lead ODA beginning July 1, 2022.

  • East County
  • Schools
Since 2018, Mayor Hagen Brody has advocated for legalizing hosted rentals. On Monday, a majority of the City Commission indicated they supported that effort. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 20, 2021
Sarasota leaders endorse legalizing hosted rentals

A majority of the City Commission spoke favorably about permitting short-term rentals of a portion of a home as long as a resident remains on-site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tyson Stelfox. Photo by Scott Lockwood
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2021
A-maze-ing fun at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Children have fun in the maze at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brooke Sollie, a fifth grader at Myakka City Elementary School, will show Clementine at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2021
Myakka City Elementary starts agriculture science program

New barn at Myakka City Elementary provides hands-on experiences.

  • East County
  • Schools
Greenbrook twins Alora and Logan Alt dress as Tinker Bell and Zarina from "The Pirate Fairy" for BooFest. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2021
BooFest returns this year at the Market at Lakewood Ranch

Scaled-down BooFest will be a daytime event hosted by the Farmers Market.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 20, 2021
Rotary Club of Longboat Key resumes in-person meetings

The club had been meeting over Zoom for the last 18 months.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jeremy Croteau tends to his livestock on his Myakka City farm that will host the Sarasota Medieval Fair.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 20, 2021
Dark clouds hover over Sarasota Medieval Fair in Myakka City

Sarasota Medieval Fair in Myakka City goes forward despite special permit questions from Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sergio Di Sarro said his patrons have given him positive feedback since he took over Main Street Trattoria.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 20, 2021
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch has a new chef in town

Former surfer Sergio Di Sarro brings Argentinian flair to Main Street Trattoria in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
The COVID-19 protocols at Longboat Key facilities have fluctuated throughout the pandemic. File photo
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 19, 2021
Longboat Key updates mask policy at town facilities

Masks are now voluntary inside of town of Longboat Key facilities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 19, 2021
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch hosts Putts Fore Mutts

Guests enjoy golf, pickleball and tennis tournaments to raise money for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gail Loefgren, right, hands an award to virtual winners D'Arcy and Ray Arpke in January, 2021. File photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 19, 2021
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce names Small Business Awards nominees

Awards will be handed out at a luncheon on Nov. 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Phillips, right, welcomed sponsors Steve Branham and Kathleen Wingate from Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 19, 2021
You Observed: Longboat Key Garden Club hosts Dinner and a Movie at Bayfront Park

The club hosted one of its biggest fundraisers for the first time since before the pandemic.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 19, 2021
Late Longboat Key tennis icon Bob Ruff honored with one last set

Friends and family came together to play a game of tennis to honor the island icon after his death.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • October 19, 2021
Lt. Colonel USAF (ret) R S “Bud” Freeman

Lt. Colonel USAF (ret) R S “Bud” Freeman, of Longboat Key, FL, passed away Oct 3 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The Longboat Key Town Commission held its retreat Monday at the Seaplace Association.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 18, 2021
Longboat Key commissioners discuss Town Center site at retreat

Longboat Key leaders discussed several projects, including the future of the Town Center site and a Sarasota County-operated library on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 18, 2021
Town of Longboat Key launches photo contest

The winner will have their photo displayed in Town Hall until the end of the year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 18, 2021
You Observed: The Paradise Striders took to the streets of Longboat Key to walk for breast cancer awareness

During October, the team usually participates in a local walk but organized their own this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Gault
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 18, 2021
Longboat Key residents keep moving forward after retirement

You won’t find island residents propping up their feet and watching the days go by.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Goldfarb and Isaac Azerad. File photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 18, 2021
TBI Education Center launches inaugural season

The newly rebuilt education center on Longboat Key is bringing back old favorites and new classes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • October 18, 2021
LaVerne Stellas nee Tountas

LaVerne Stellas nee Tountas, age 92, of Northfield, IL.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 18, 2021
Longboat Key staff recommends approval of St. Regis revised parking plan

Commissioners expected to discuss, vote a second time on residential and resort proposal.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Terry Phelps of Lakewood Ranch loads some tree trimmings onto a cart for disposal at Dream Oaks Camp. Phelps was one of more than 20 volunteers that took part in the event. Photo by Scott Lockwood.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • October 18, 2021
LWRBA members volunteer for local causes

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance continues its annual Giveback campaign with dozens of events.

  • East County
  • News
The waterfront home at 4300 Higel Ave. sits back from the road. It offers six bedrooms, six full baths and three half-baths and more than 8,200 square feet of living space.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 18, 2021
Siesta Key home on Higel Avenue sells for $12 million

Property in Fiddler Bayou is the top seller of the week of Oct. 4 for the Sarasota and Siesta Key area.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 17, 2021
Sarasota Rocktoberfest brings the jams

The annual music show was held Oct. 15-17

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two people died in a boating accident April 13 on Ward Lake in east Manatee County, authorities say.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 17, 2021
Motorcyclist dies in Myakka City accident

Motorcycle collides with van in Myakka City leaving one man dead

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 17, 2021
Firefighters return for annual chili cook-off

North Port team wins competition that attracted hundreds to the 21st annual competition on Oct. 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This home at 8495 Lindrick Lane in The Concession sold for $3.6 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,314 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 17, 2021
Concession home in Lakewood Ranch area sells for $3.6 million

Twelve million-dollar-plus sales light up Lakewood Ranch and east Bradenton area residential real estate transactions for Oct. 4-8.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Going to the Pumpkin Festival is a tradition for Myakka City 12-year-old Collette Armstrong, 8-year-old Jeanette Armstrong, Cristina Rosas and 21-month-old Lincoln Armstrong.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 17, 2021
Hunsader Farms' 30th annual Pumpkin Festival begins in east Bradenton

Families enjoy shows, food and activities at annual Hunsader Farms' Pumpkin Festival in east Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 16, 2021
Newtown celebrates culture at Big Mama's Collard Greens Fest

The annual festival was held Oct. 16.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
According to the 2020 census, Manatee County had population of 406,945 residents. District 5, which encompasses the Lakewood Ranch area, had the highest number of residents with 97,536. Graphic provided by Manatee County.
    By
  • Scott Lockwood
  • October 16, 2021
Manatee County commissioners set to discuss redistricting

Growth in eastern Manatee County has make the districts' populations uneven.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 15, 2021
Mooney uses strong second half to beat Cambridge Christian

The Cougars outscored the Lancers 20-0 in the second half to win 27-7.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
East County football roundup: 10.15.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 15, 2021
East County football roundup: 10.15.21

East County football roundup: 10.15.21

  • East County
  • Sports
Norma and Tom McCarthy stand outside of their Gulfshore home. The couple has lived in Longboat Key since 2001. They made Gulfshore their full-time residence in 2009.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 15, 2021
Gulfshore residents oppose proposed height requirements

Owners of mobile homes worry that potential new rules on flood-elevation could make fixing up or replacing their residences difficult to live with.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief
2
A giant American flag has flown above Sarasota Ford since the 1970s.
  • June 4, 2026
American flag will fly high again over Sarasota Ford
3
Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.
  • June 4, 2026
Pineapple Kitchen owners close store, move to Amazon
4
An aerial rendering of Premier Park's upcoming racket and aquatic center.
  • June 4, 2026
Residents receive little warning about Premier plan detours
5
Owen Ayers played his first two seasons of minor-league baseball exclusively with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of Single-A. So far in 2026, he's spent time with the South Bend Cubs of High-A and Knoxville Smokies of Double-A.
  • June 4, 2026
Sarasota High baseball alumnus turns the corner with consistency

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