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Your Observer

Marko Perkins has been fire performing for years.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 16, 2021
Playing With Fire

Abbigale Young and Marko Perkins are a pair of dedicated fire performers in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Classic Monday qualifier results.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 15, 2021
Suncoast Classic Monday qualifier results

A group of 11 players qualified for the Korn Ferry Tour event, which begins Thursday at Lakewood National Golf Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ross Toussaint is pictured near the bioswale between his property and Christ Church of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 15, 2021
Christ Church plans to begin construction to resolve drainage dispute

Neighbor Ross Toussaint claims stormwater runoff has damaged his property for the last 11 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 15, 2021
J. McLaughlin Sip and Shop benefits Longboat Key Turtle Watch

Passers-by could stop and learn the ins and outs of turtle season before it arrives.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 15, 2021
Education Center celebrates 35 years with a party

The education center invited a few friends to enjoy an in-person concert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Donda Mullis and Ronnie Shugar in front of their downtown Sarasota corporate headquarters. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 15, 2021
Longboat Key couple enjoys the sweet things about life on the island

Ronnie Shugar and Donda Mullis, owners of Raw Sugar, have integrated themselves into a community that feels like home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh confirms the state will give 1,000 vaccinations a day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Premier Sports Campus.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2021
Premier Sports Campus to host COVID-19 vaccinations in Lakewood Ranch

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says Lakewood Ranch residents will get 1,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
High school sports weekend roundup: 02.14.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 14, 2021
High school sports weekend roundup: 02.14.21

High school sports weekend roundup: 02.14.21

  • East County
  • Sports
Miami's Edna Rodriguez was supposed to be in the Cayman Islands but due to the pandemic, she decided to vacation at Lido Beach. She saw an Observer article about the event and decided to attend Bearadise.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 14, 2021
Bear down for wildlife at Bearadise in Myakka City

Bear Hugs and Kisses attracts crowd to Bearadise in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Unit 1 of 5005 Gulf of Mexico Drive was built in 2017 Built in 2017 with five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 6,380 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 14, 2021
Bonaire residence sells for $7.13 million

Residential real estate transactions for Feb. 1-5

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch's Terri Jean and Mattison Bedinghaus love the free gift bags and samples from JPAN Sushi they received.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 14, 2021
Party for the gals at UTC in Sarasota

The Gal Pal Party at UTC is a night for friends and family to gather in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 13, 2021
Native American Art & Music Festival brings culture to Sarasota

Various vendors showcased their Native American wares at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mayor Hagen Brody said he's still not supportive of the Sarasota Orchestra's 2019 proposal for a venue in Payne Park as depicted in this rendering. Still, he wants to empower staff to explore options in the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 12, 2021
Mayor suggests reconsidering Payne Park as orchestra home

In an email to city staff today, Hagen Brody said he wanted the commission to revisit its prohibition on using the land in and around Payne Park for a new music hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peter O'Connor served as a town commissioner from 2006 to 2010.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 12, 2021
Former Longboat Key Commissioner Peter O’Connor dies

Peter O’Connor served as a town commissioner from January 2006-March 2010.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 12, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: One car too many

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Mar Vista Dockside chef prepares his contribution to the Garden Club's Taste of the Keys presentation on video. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 12, 2021
Longboat Key Garden Club forges on

In lieu of gathering hundreds of people in one place, the club is turning to videography to keep their fundraising on track.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Red-bellied Woodpeckers use their chisel-shaped bill to forage for insects, seeds, mast, fruit, and pulp. (Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 12, 2021
Bird of the week: Red-bellied woodpecker

The species is the most widely seen woodpecker in Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
High School sports roundup: 02.11.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 11, 2021
High School sports roundup: 02.11.21

High School sports roundup: 02.11.21

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
Hospital Board to consider contract extension for Verinder

In previous discussions, most board members were in favor of a raise and a 10-year contract.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
All residents required to wear masks on SCAT services

Following a federal order, all passengers are required to wear face coverings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Red knots populate North Lido along smaller birds. They're a bit more plump and slightly larger than a common shorebird like a sandpiper, Wilson said.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 11, 2021
Migrating birds start to populate Longboat Key-area beaches

The shorebird nesting season isn't quite here yet, but some birds are seeking mid-migration rest on Lido Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Boglarka “Bo” Lengyel used the Emerging Educators to become a certified second grade teacher at Pine View School. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
Foundation helps place teachers in classrooms

Through the Emerging Educators program, the Barancik Foundation has helped place around 25 teachers in Sarasota classrooms.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Students write and revise their solo theater performances after interviewing their elders. Photo courtesy.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
SaraSolo, Booker Middle program creates a connection

The Bridge program partners middle school students with elders to create solo theater performances based on each other's lives.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Head of School Dan Ceaser said he can't wait to welcome students to campus in August.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
Day school expands to new campus

The new campus of Hershorin Schiff Community Day School will feature garden space, athletic fields and custom-built classrooms.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Director of Transportation Jason Harris said the buses can travel up to 135 miles on one charge with zero emissions.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
District will replace 12 diesel buses with electric models

The buses will be funded in large part by a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A COVID-19 vaccination is given at the Manatee County drive-thru vaccination operation at Tom Bennett Park. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Health-Manatee County)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 11, 2021
Manatee County receives 5,100 more vaccine doses for seniors

Manatee County to book appointments for 5,100 more seniors to receive vaccine

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information regarding the vehicle burglaries to contact the sheriff's office.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 11, 2021
Manatee deputies investigate string of car burglaries

A dozen cars hit in three locations on Feb. 9.

  • East County
  • News
2020 ended with an inventory lower than the end of 2019 in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 11, 2021
Sarasota, Manatee real estate sales in 2020 top 2019 levels

Sales volume, prices rise as inventory falls.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bradenton-based ET MacKenzie completed repair work after the town of Longboat Key's June's sewage break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 11, 2021
Longboat Key leaders set to decide on how to handle sewage break penalties

A private meeting is set for Feb. 22. The FDEP seeks $188,382 in civil penalties and costs from the town of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Phil Chiocchio and David Vozzolo are beginning to monitor the water levels in the canal. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • February 11, 2021
Siesta pilot program looks for grant funds

Now that the mini reef program has about 60 participants, Siesta Key Association members are beginning to monitor the water levels.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The sale of 1452 Hillview Drive closed on Wednesday for $13.25 million in a deal negotiated by Kim Ogilvie of Michael Saunders & Company.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 11, 2021
Harbor Acres home sells for $13.25 million, moving into top spot for 2021

Property on Hillview Drive sells before reaching listing phase.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: February 11

Gordan Silver captured the beauty of the Ringling Bridge and downtown Sarasota from Bird Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: February 11

Karen Weissenstein captured a heart shape of sunlight during sunset on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2021
East County weather page photo: February 11

Allison Rhodes captured a photo of this baby alligator in Riverwalk Ridge in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jayven Millien is one of many athletic players on Riverview's roster.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 11, 2021
The playoffs are here

A rundown of the boys basketball postseason outlooks of local programs.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Cardinal Mooney girls soccer team won its district title game 3-0 against Bishop Verot on Tuesday night.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 11, 2021
Cardinal Mooney girls soccer gets its revenge on Bishop Verot

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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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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