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Your Observer

Brett Hutchens, the principal for CASTO, stands at the Center Point project in Lakewood Ranch. In the background is one of the adult oak trees that was saved and moved on the property.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 31, 2021
Lakewood Ranch lands more fine dining at CASTO project including Olivia's

CASTO project on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch adds Owens Fish Camp, Olivia's of Tampa and a third restaurant yet to be named.

  • East County
  • News
Riley Simmons signed with Mississippi State on March 19. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 31, 2021
Mustang throws herself into the spotlight

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Egg hunt makes kids hoppy in Lakewood Ranch

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church members enjoy the Knights of Columbus' annual Easter Egg Hunt.

  • East County
  • News
Olivia Laney.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 31, 2021
East County High 5 Moments: 04.01.21

East County High 5 Moments: 04.01.21

  • East County
  • Sports
Sher Forrest
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 31, 2021
Longboat Key resident Sher Forrest reflects on her shell art

Forrest collects shells and turns them into mirrors and frames.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Aguirre, a Lakewood Ranch High senior, conducts diabetic testing on Alexis McClintock, a Braden River High senior. The seniors appreciate getting a head start on their nursing courses through MTC's dual enrollment program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Ahead of the game in Manatee County

MTC dual enrollment programs offer high school students advanced opportunities.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Alana Sherman sings during her Showstoppers performance on "American Idol." Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Competitors of note in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's Alana Sherman and Conyer Walker receive a shot to be an "American Idol."

  • East County
  • News
Charter Schools USA is working with Southwest Charter Foundation to potentially open Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy in August 2022 if the School Board of Manatee County approves the application.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
New charter school proposed in Lakewood Ranch

If approved, Lakewood Ranch Charter Academy could open in August 2022.

  • East County
  • News
Myakka City residents Heidi and Wayne Minihkeim stand in front of Myakka City's "triangle," located at the intersection of State Road 70 and County Road 675. They oppose commercial development at the site.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 31, 2021
Myakka 'triangle' rezone proposed again at S.R. 70 and C.R. 675

Will Myakka City triangle be developed for commercial use?

  • East County
  • News
Principal Todd Richardson volunteers to kiss a pig to help the school raise more than $30,000. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 31, 2021
Kid at heart in Lakewood Ranch

Gullett Elementary principal hogs the attention while engaging his students and staff.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 30, 2021
Tim Reynolds headlines concert at Nathan Benderson Park

Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band fame comes to Nathan Benderson Park

  • East County
  • News
Sara Jonas included personal touches and inside jokes with her and Jamie Meyer's friendship into her children's book.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 30, 2021
Author's book for children explores love of friendship

Sara Jonas has penned a children's book benefitting the Tidewell Foundation in honor of her best friend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Canals and channels in Longboat Key are both privately and publicly maintained.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 30, 2021
Town considers funding model for canal dredging

It would cost the town of Longboat Key about $11.4 million to start the program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As part of the undergrounding project, the town has installed many of the new streetlights on the southern end of the island.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 29, 2021
Leaders express concerns about spotty wireless service

The town of Longboat Key is trying to partner with a private provider to improve service on the north end of the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Last year, the district used relief funds to help purchase plastic shields for desks. This year, funds will be used toward extra duty days and student intervention.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 29, 2021
School district to receive $30 million in relief funds

The district will have until 2023 to spend all the funds.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Longboat Key is due to receive $3 million in COVID-19 federal relief funding. Town Manager Tom Harmer said the timing is good as the town begins the budgeting process for fiscal year 2022.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 29, 2021
Longboat Key due to receive $3 million in COVID-19 federal relief

Town Manager Tom Harmer said he anticipates Longboat Key will receive of half the federal funding in 60 days.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Maxine Tauber
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 29, 2021
Temple Beth Israel sees blended experiences for Passover 2021

The BIW gift shop reopened, albeit temporarily, to help members who are away from their families.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 29, 2021
Golf championship traverses two courses

The men teed off at the Links course on Friday and the Harbourside course on Saturday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 29, 2021
Bay Island properties sell for $7 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 15-19.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Upon completion, another 7.9 miles of trail will connect to the current norther terminus at Culverhouse Nature Park.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 29, 2021
County names Legacy Trail extension trailheads

Construction on the three extensions segments is expected to be fully complete by the end of 2022.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch kids Palmer and Emma Naumann play with plush dolls.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 28, 2021
Families roll through Nathan Benderson Park for Big Truck Day 2021

The annual event had families checking out large vehicles at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Asset Manager Ruth Hofer and Project Manager Philipp Hartl (not pictured) hope the Linger Lodge restaurant will open in January. The restaurant is not undergoing any renovations.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 28, 2021
Campground revamp under way at Linger Lodge

Improvements to the Linger Lodge RV campground are underway

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 27, 2021
Sarasota Chamber marks 100 years with annual breakfast

The event was held March 26 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A.G. Lafley, Teri Hansen, Al Maio Hagen Brody, Cathy Layton and Bill Waddill cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 27, 2021
Bay Park Conservancy hosts Mangrove Walkway Ribbon Cutting

The Mangrove Walkway will be open to the public April 10.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Construction started March 15 on the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 26, 2021
Longboat Key leaders express concerns about U.S. 41-Gulfstream roundabout

Construction has gotten underway at the downtown Sarasota intersection.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Keara Escobedo participates in Sarasota High School's 2020 drive-thru graduation.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 26, 2021
Sarasota schools plan outdoor graduation ceremonies

The ceremonies will largely be held at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 26, 2021
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church takes yoga to meditation garden

The burgeoning yogis unrolled their mats in the shade of the bougainvillea.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 25, 2021
Joel Ascencio named Longboat Key's officer of the year

Thursday morning marked the Longboat Key Police Department's first awards ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 25, 2021
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosts Meet, Greet, Eat

The chamber is looking to restarting its regular monthly events as the pandemic winds down.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Father Dave Marshall
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 25, 2021
Ramping up services

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church unveiled its new ramps and terrace.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 25, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine to open for all adults

By April 5, all adults in Sarasota County will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hillcroft Farm's Mason Wroe scores from a sharp angle on a terrific shot at the Sarasota Polo Club March 21.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2021
Sarasota Polo Club hosts 'Fly a Kite' event Sunday

Following the match at the Sarasota Polo Club, those who donated $20 to the Children Cancer Center will fly a kite over the field.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2021
East County weather page photo: March 25

Sylvie Racanelli captured the sun breaking through on a foggy morning on Rangeland Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: March 25

Jake Thornton captured this sunset over Whispering Sands on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: March 25

John Harkness captured these manatees playing in a canal on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Big sister Briana Cyr and her little sister Quiniyah enjoy spending time together talking. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 25, 2021
Our Y partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

Our Y leaders will help pair members with children in need and offer them a place to work out, get creative or simply talk.

  • 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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