• 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

    In Memoriam |
  • March 25, 2021
Charles A. “Chuck” Corry

Formerly of Longboat Key, Florida, long time resident of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, died at age 89 on March 18, 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 25, 2021
Buchanan goes left on guns

Our (too moderate) representative fell for the trope that background checks at gun shows will help stop crazed shooters.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 25, 2021
Three who put town first

Spoll, Daly, Zunz step away from the Town Commission having played a role in making Longboat Key a model for good government.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
An independent group of orchestra advocates has identified land along U.S. 301 — west of the Payne Park tennis courts — as a potential site for a music hall. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 25, 2021
City in the dark on orchestral maneuvers

As the Sarasota Orchestra continues internal deliberations on a new music hall, city leaders and residents are attempting to craft a perfect pitch to retain the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mayor Hagen Brody identified Payne Park as one of the city properties that could be included in the first wave of a Wi-Fi project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 25, 2021
City explores adding Wi-Fi to parks

Federal COVID-19 relief funds could help bolster the city's free broadband offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Since their election to the City Commission in 2017, Hagen Brody and Jen Ahearn-Koch have often found themselves on opposing sides of an issue — including how commission meetings are run. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 25, 2021
Tensions arise over City Commission procedures

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch continues to object to time limits placed on question-and-answer sessions during public hearings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
At the outset of the 2021-22 budget cycle, City Commissioner Erik Arroyo has advocated for some major changes that would see the city consolidating services such as homeless outreach with Sarasota County.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 25, 2021
City prepares for hits to 2022 budget

At the outset of an extended budget season, city officials offered their preliminary thoughts on their preferred approach for managing  finances.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although downtown streets occasionally close for large events, some property owners are interested in holding more regular street closures to create an open, pedestrian environment on Main Street. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 25, 2021
Could pedestrian-only weekends come to Main Street?

A downtown group intends to revisit the possibility of temporary street closures intended to encourage outdoor dining and shopping.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key uses six gasoline-powered leaf blowers, according to Town Manager Tom Harmer.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 24, 2021
Longboat Key rejects consideration of gas leaf blower ban

The town of Longboat Key started to consider whether to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A vehicle was totaled during an accident Nov. 7, 2019 at State Road 70 and Post/Greenbrook boulevards. There were three fatal crashes at the intersection in 2018. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 24, 2021
SR 70/Post signal gets green light

Traffic signal coming to Post Blvd. in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Wish Boutique owner Jan Nicolson said her business needs more foot traffic than it receives on Lakewood Main Street.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 24, 2021
EYE ON BUSINESS: Lakewood Ranch boutique moving to UTC

Wish Boutique moving from Lakewood Main Street to UTC

  • East County
  • News
Gabby Herrmann, who ran Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City, died at age 66.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2021
Myakka City grieves loss of ultimate showwoman Gabby Herrmann

Royal Lippizzan Stallions will persevere as Gabby Herrmann's daughter, granddaughter carry on in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Warby Parker's Tyler Carbol says the Warby Parker stores are very similar in presentation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2021
New Warby Parker store in Sarasota has vision

Warby Parker opens at the Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Business
Jennifer Hoffman. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 24, 2021
One hundred pounds cleaner in Lakewood Ranch

Keep Manatee Beautiful volunteers collected about 100 pounds of trash in two hours in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Todd Richardson, the principal, sits as slime oozes down his clothes. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
Wacky walk-a-thon in Lakewood Ranch

This year's Gullett Elementary Walk-a-Thon was the most successful in school history.

  • East County
  • News
Volunteers Joe and Ginny Del Castillo hand out food at the Stillpoint Mission.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2021
Fundraising for Bradenton mission continues in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith continues to raise funds for the Stillpoint Mission of Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
Historical landing in east Bradenton

Jiggs Landing hosts open house while also serving special items for East County's Heritage Days.

  • East County
  • News
Josh Thomas.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 24, 2021
East County Athlete of the Week: Josh Thomas

The Braden River sprinter talks goal times and his favorite movies.

  • East County
  • Sports
ODA senior Nolan Lewellen is one of the fastest players on the team and is aggressive in stealing bases.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 24, 2021
Thunder bats taking opponents by storm

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
East County's (back) Stacey Clevenger, Cindy Jackson, (front) Liz Lynne and Pat Miller volunteer together at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch every Wednesday night.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
Volunteers begin return to pet projects in Lakewood Ranch

Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch welcomes volunteers back while Nate's Honor Animal Rescue waits for construction to end.

  • East County
  • News
Fruitville Elementary School art teacher Jody Schneider with Dexter and Oso in her Lakewood Ranch home studio. (Courtesy of Jody Schneider)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 24, 2021
Lakewood Ranch art teacher finds new "pet" project

Lakewood Ranch art teacher paints pet portraits

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kathy Cromley of Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota pours a beer for a customer during My Hometown Fest in 2019. This year, the nonprofit is hosting My Hometown Jam, a smaller fundraiser than My Hometown Fest. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
Small jam still sweet at Nathan Benderson Park

Six bands will perform for 300 people at the Sertoma Club's My Hometown Jam at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
O'Mariah Gordon.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 24, 2021
East County High 5 Moments: 03.25.21

East County High 5 Moments: 03.25.21

  • East County
  • Sports
Children from the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County watch as Ilee Finocchiaro, an instructor for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, lead Jazz across the barn.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
SMART expands its reach in east Bradenton

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy expands its programming to reach more community members.

  • East County
  • News
Country Club resident Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, is pictured at the county's drive-thru vaccination site at Tom Bennett Park.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 24, 2021
You've been vaccinated — Now what?

Vaccinated East Manatee County residents enjoy new freedoms

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Film Society President Renee Baggott and Vice President Trisha Calandra are excited to reopen Lakewood Ranch Cinema earlier than expected.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • March 24, 2021
Return to the big screen in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Cinema will open March 31 with "Godzilla Vs. Kong" and provide a full lineup of new movies starting April 2.

  • East County
  • News
A vote to appoint Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes as interim administrator Tuesday was denied 4-3, though he is still the frontrunner for the job. The commission will make a final decision April 1.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 23, 2021
Manatee County commissioners delay selecting an interim administrator until April 1

Motion to approve Manatee County School Board member Scott Hopes as interim administrator failed.

  • East County
  • News
Phill Younger announced is resignation from the P&Z Board on March 16.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 23, 2021
Phill Younger resigns from P&Z Board

The Longboat Key P&Z Board will need to fill three vacancies.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioners will soon consider zoning amendments that will significantly limit what can be placed on the Quads.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 23, 2021
Hearings scheduled for rezoning of the Quads

County leaders will decide whether to officially rezone the Quads near Celery Fields and what limitations are acceptable.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation will fund an improvement project at the intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 23, 2021
Design contract awarded for Siesta roundabout

Atkins North America will have until Oct. 15 to design a roundabout at the intersection of Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 23, 2021
Longboat Island Chapel welcomes new members

The chapel welcomed nine new members at a brunch meeting after service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A saltwater lagoon is central to the property.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 23, 2021
Unicorp proposes further changes to St. Regis

The new proposal would allow two of the 69 units in the condominium towers to be tourism units.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sasha Crewdson
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 22, 2021
Sarasota County Fair returns with 2021 event

The fair will run through March

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 22, 2021
Sarasotans mingle at St. Patty's Day party

Gator Club hosted an outdoors music show and party March 20.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • March 22, 2021
Circus Arts Conservatory students learn the ropes at spring break camp

The first spring break camp was held March 15 to 19.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vanessa Baugh and three other Manatee County commissioners were found not to have committed any Sunshine Law violations by The Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 22, 2021
Investigation finds no Sunshine Law violations by Manatee County commissioners

Vanessa Baugh, three other Manatee County commissioners cleared of Sunshine Law violations by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

  • East County
  • News
« 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 »
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