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Your Observer

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 18, 2021
Strife on the SMH board

When a member of the Sarasota Hospital Board challenged the majority, he became persona-non-grata. The board’s response raises curiosity: Is it a board for taxpayers or management?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Mooney Coach Rico Antonio and sophomore guard Olivia Davis hug after the win.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 18, 2021
Cardinal Mooney girls basketball survives and advances

The Cougars are one win from the Final Four despite missing a star player.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
FOR FRONT PAGE Andrew Novak (23 under par) won the 2020 Suncoast Classic by one stroke over John Chin.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 18, 2021
Reigning Suncoast Classic champ is ready for his second chance

Andrew Novak will attempt to repeat his performance this week.

  • East County
  • Sports
The course at The Concession Golf Club was built to be major championship ready from the beginning, according to The Concession Golf Club general manager Brian Weimann.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 18, 2021
Major ambition at Concession

Could the club host a PGA Tour major event?

  • East County
  • Sports
City Manager Marlon Brown said he wants to focus on promoting from within when possible to fill open positions.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 18, 2021
New year brings leadership changes in city government

Top positions in city administration and the Sarasota Police Department have opened up in the past 10 weeks, but the new city manager is optimistic about a smooth transition.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 18, 2021
St. Armands group revises public restroom plan

St. Armands Business Improvement District is working to place a temporary bathroom facility in St. Armands Circle Park. Could a carousel follow?

  • Sarasota
  • News
The music at the Art Ovation rooftop bar has been the subject of several noise complaints, spurring city officials to take action in an effort to mitigate sound issues. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 18, 2021
Rooftop bar triggers noise concerns

Following complaints from residents, the city is investigating whether a bar at the Art Ovation hotel is operating in compliance with the zoning code.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 18, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 2.18.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 17, 2021
Selby gains final approval for redevelopment plans

Phase one is expected to cost $42.5 million, of which Selby has raised $35 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • February 17, 2021
William Robert Hasenfus

William Robert Hasenfus, 72, of Longboat Key, passed away February 11, 2021, after a heroic battle against Pancreatic Cancer, diagnosed on December 23, 2019.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
While vaccinations at Tom Bennett Park Thursday and Friday have been rescheduled, the schedule remains the same at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 17, 2021
Winter storms throughout nation force Manatee County to reschedule COVID-19 vaccinations in Bradenton

Thursday and Friday vaccinations schedule at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton postponed this week; Lakewood Ranch vaccinations still a go.

  • East County
  • News
Bradenton's Paul Azinger, who won the 1993 PGA Championship, will be on the NBC broadcast of the World Golf Championships at The Concession. Azinger is an honorary member of the club.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 17, 2021
Major champ loves The Concession

Paul Azinger says it is about time the world is introduced to the Lakewood Ranch-area course.

  • East County
  • Sports
Top players commit to WGC event at The Concession
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 17, 2021
Top players commit to playing WGC event at The Concession

Defending champion Patrick Reed will try to win the 2021 title, as will other elite golfers.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 17, 2021
Holistic recreation in Lakewood Ranch

Cornhole players enjoy morning of camaraderie in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh stands behind Gov. Ron DeSantis as he addresses the media Wednesday morning at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 17, 2021
Governor says pop-up COVID-19 vaccination site in Lakewood Ranch the right choice

Gov. Ron DeSantis tells reporters if Manatee County doesn't want the vaccine, "we're fine giving it to counties who do."

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 17, 2021
New College receives largest donation in its history

The estate of Sarasota philanthropists J. Robert Peterson and Pasqualina Peterson gifted New College with $4 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines, pictured with Sarasota County School Board member Jane Goodwin, wanted to stay involved in local government after he reached his term limit in November.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 17, 2021
Manatee County's acting administrator choice looms

Charles Hines is Manatee County's top candidate for acting administrator role

  • East County
  • News
A baby turtle from Longboat Key was rehabbing this summer after it disoriented and ended up in a pool. Photo Credit: Nat Kaemmerer
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 17, 2021
Longboat Key considers added sea turtle protections

Longboat Key town commissioners have yet to consider an ordinance, but discussions have continued.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bishop Animal Shelter Exceutive Director Keith Pratt stands in the exercise area of the shelter's newest facility, a 25,000-square foot animal rescue center and isolation facility with capacity for 68 dogs and 250 cats.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 17, 2021
Bishop Animal Shelter plans shelter donation to Manatee County

Bishop Animal Shelter plans shelter donation to Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
Impact fees are one-time fees charged to developers after the completion of construction projects to help cover the cost of increased stress placed on county infrastructure. File photo.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 17, 2021
Manatee County impact fees to be set soon

Manatee County seeks public input about latest impact fee study

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 17, 2021
Ready to perform in Myakka

Hermmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions show off their talents during training sessions in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Pirates senior guard O'Mariah Gordon returned to action against Dunbar High after being out with an ankle injury since Jan. 9. She had 13 points in her return. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 17, 2021
Pirates' star returns for playoff run

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Harrison Shepard, Higgins and Gregory Shepard. Photo by Brendan Lavell.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 17, 2021
Lost and found

Family finds lost puppy with help of neighbors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Club president Teresa Taft, Genevieve Judge and District Governor Daryl Keys.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 17, 2021
Rotary rewards spokeswoman

Sarasota PD PIO Genieve Judge received a Pride of Workmanship Award by the Rotary Club of Sarasota Sunrise.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Film Society President Renee Baggott and Vice President Trisha Calandra will be welcoming people back to Lakewood Ranch Cinema during the Save Our Cinemas fundraiser. They hope to reopen the theater April 1. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 17, 2021
Will Lakewood Ranch get big screen back?

Save Our Cinemas fundraiser aims to reopen Lakewood Ranch Cinema.

  • East County
  • News
The Bryan brothers and their Lake Club clinic participants celebrate at the day's end.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 17, 2021
Tennis legends share tips, tricks and stories at the Lake Club

The Bryan brothers retired in 2020, but are not looking to give up the sport entirely.

  • East County
  • Sports
Gary Sawyer, the director of transportation and vehicle maintenance for the School District of Manatee County, says an electric bus could be an exciting adventure and learning experience for the district. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 17, 2021
Driven to be green in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County hopes to receive funding for an electric bus.

  • East County
  • News
The entrance to Braden River Middle School will look different after the school's renovation and addition is complete. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 17, 2021
Anticipation builds for Braden River Middle project

Braden River Middle School renovation and addition project moves forward.

  • East County
  • News
Country Club East's AJ Hovermale hopes to learn from golfers like Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and John Rahm while volunteering at the World Golf Championships.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 17, 2021
View of the world's best in Lakewood Ranch

Two Lakewood Ranch youths volunteer at the Concession to get close to their golfing heroes.

  • East County
  • News
High school sports roundup: 02.16.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 16, 2021
High school sports roundup: 02.16.21

High school sports roundup: 02.16.21

  • East County
  • Sports
Rex Jensen
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 16, 2021
Whirlwind effort delivers 3,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in Lakewood Ranch

State delivers three days of 1,000 vaccinations to Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Rex Troche began his policing career in Largo in 1997 before relocating to Sarasota in 2002, where he’s served in all four divisions in the Sarasota Police Department. Photo courtesy Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 16, 2021
Rieser names deputy chief for Sarasota Police Department

Rex Troche, a captain who has worked for the SPD for nearly two decades, will step into the leadership role.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 16, 2021
You Observed: Surfrider Foundation cleans up north Longboat Key

The group is organizing monthly cleanups.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 16, 2021
Hospital board extends CEO's contract to 2031

The board voted on several provisions for Verinder's eight-year contract extension, but could not agree on future consulting service stipulations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 16, 2021
Longboat Key firefighters honored at annual awards ceremony

Fire Rescue liaison and public information officer Tina Adams won the department’s employee of the year award.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Tourist Tree.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 16, 2021
A tree species with a-peel

Tourist Tree is one of the attractions at Joan Durante Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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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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