• 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

Allessia Ukmar.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 11, 2021
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Allessia Ukmar

The Cardinal Mooney goalkeeper talks her start in the sport and her best advice.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Downtown Improvement District wants to work with the city on plans to redesign Main Street between Orange Avenue and Five Points, hoping to create more space for pedestrian activity and outdoor dining.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2021
Downtown group explores Main Street makeover

A group of property owners wants to consider overhauling two blocks on Main Street — and that’s just the start of their to-do list for reenergizing the heart of the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
High school sports roundup: 02.10.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 10, 2021
High school sports roundup: 02.10.21

High school sports roundup: 02.10.21

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 10, 2021
Humane Society of Sarasota County celebrates 69 years with animal Paw-ty

Staff surprised cats and dogs with tasty treats for the organization's 69th anniversary.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
During his introductory press conference Jan. 29, Jim Rieser said he would continue to prioritize the community policing philosophy favored by former Chief Bernadette DiPino. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 10, 2021
Conversation with Jim Rieser

The new chief of the Sarasota Police Department discusses his transition into the top law enforcement position and his priorities for the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
Pickleball's a big deal in Lakewood Ranch

UMR Sports holds first pickleball tournament in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Neighbors
UMR Sports founder and owner Ryan Moore is about to build a sports complex on land given to him by his father, Duane Moore. The complex will be located on Upper Manatee River Road.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
UMR sports complex headed to East County

"Household name:" Bradenton man soon to begin construction of large sports complex

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Elementary School has a new kindness garden where students can leave a kindness rock or take a kindness rock and share it with others. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 10, 2021
Kindness grows with new garden in Lakewood Ranch

Braden River Elementary invites students to take a rock or leave a rock to spread kindness.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
A shot to give back for Manatee County healthcare workers

Meet the workers behind Manatee County COVID-19 vaccine site

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Director of Public Safety Jacob Saur said he expects to be vaccinating seniors and healthcare workers for “at least a couple more months.”
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
Manatee County might need new vaccination site for summer

Not a senior or healthcare worker? You'll probably wait at least two more months for COVID-19 vaccine

  • East County
  • News
Registered Nurse Debbie Bottiger prepares a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for a School District of Manatee County employee. The district worked with MCR Health to provide about 300 vaccines to district employees who were at least 65.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 10, 2021
Manatee County schools' safety layers increase

Manatee County senior teacher vaccinations add another level of safety for district on campus.

  • East County
  • News
Brian Walther and Alex Stark. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 10, 2021
Seeing double in Lakewood Ranch

B.D. Gullett Elementary School students dress as their favorite teachers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Senior Services Manager Tracie Adams said getting older and needing help to maintain your home shouldn't mean you have to leave it.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
Additional funding will help more Manatee County seniors

Manatee County provides services to some seniors who aren't ready for assisted living

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key's Publix store is among 24 Sarasota County locations that will offer the COVID-19 vaccine.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 10, 2021
Publix adds dozens of vaccine sites in Sarasota, Manatee

Registrations to make an appointment began Wednesday morning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Diego Munoz.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 10, 2021
East County Athlete of the Week: Diego Munoz

The Lakewood Ranch wrestler talks his takedowns and his best advice.

  • East County
  • Sports
High school roundup: 02.09.21
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 10, 2021
High school sports roundup: 02.09.21

High school sports roundup: 02.09.21

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 10, 2021
Blanketed with kindness in Lakewood Ranch

The Out-of-Door Academy students raise money to donate blankets to shelters in Sarasota as part of the Blankets of Hope project.

  • East County
  • News
Savanna resident Anna Gonnella doesn't expect Meritage Homes to give up on developing the open space in front of the community any time soon.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 10, 2021
Manatee County commissioners deny amended rezone request at Savanna

Manatee County commissioners again deny land rezone in front of Savanna

  • East County
  • News
Head Coach T.J. Goelz said he believes this year's Mustangs can reach the state finals — if they keep developing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 10, 2021
Mustangs softball looks different this year, but expectations remain high

Roster turnover has not changed the program's attitude.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mary and Don Rooker-Smith have cherished their time together through 61 years of marriage.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • February 10, 2021
East County love bloomed in Africa

Stone River Retirement Community's Mary and Don Rooker-Smith reflect on 61 years of marriage.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Marc Joffe, Adrian Moore and Vittorio Nastasi
  • February 10, 2021
Improving and speeding up COVID-19 vaccinations

Government officials should focus on delivering vaccines as quickly as possible to those who want them.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Despite breaking ground in early 2018, the Miss Susie’s Kitchent project has stalled out — and completing it is now a priority for multiple city commissioners. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 10, 2021
Commission discusses Newtown priorities

With the help of public input gathered in 2019, the city is developing a series of short- and long-term goals for the Newtown Community Redevelopment Area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joe Rassett, the general manager and chief operating officer of Palm Aire Country Club , said the multimillion renovation of the Champions Cours will be complete in mid-November.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 9, 2021
Links to the past at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota

Palm Aire's Champions Course renovation aims to restore its historical design in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines could become Manatee County's acting administrator after Manatee County commissioners voted Tuesday to direct County Attorney William Clague to begin negotiating with Hines.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 9, 2021
Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea agrees to negotiate separation agreement

Manatee County will negotiate with former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines to become acting administrator.

  • East County
  • News
City Manager Marlon Brown said the city was getting ready to find a contractor for the Bobby Jones renovation project until the commission expressed an interest in reconsidering its options.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 9, 2021
City ponders private management for Bobby Jones

After a four-hour workshop Monday, it’s still unclear what direction the city will pursue as it plots a renovation project for the municipal golf course.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The first Junior Team Challenge Cup, featuring junior golf players from East County and Sarasota, will take place Feb. 14-15 at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 9, 2021
East County, Sarasota golfers to play Ryder Cup-style event

The Junior Team Challenge Cup at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto will be livestreamed.

  • East County
  • Sports
Publix will offer approximately 55,000 appointments at 593 pharmacies across 41 counties tomorrow, the company announced.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 9, 2021
Publix to offer COVID-19 vaccines at Sarasota stores

The supermarket chain will allow residents to register online for vaccination appointments at 7 a.m. Wednesday, though it did not share details on supply or locations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A COVID-19 vaccination is given to a visitor to the Manatee County drive-thru vaccination operation at Tom Bennett Park. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Health-Manatee County)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • February 9, 2021
Manatee County pharmacies to begin distributing COVID-19 vaccine

Some Publix, one Winn-Dixie in Manatee County to start giving COVID-19 vaccinations

  • East County
  • News
The current stone entrances have spherical lights, something Mowery feels is out of place in the neighborhood.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 9, 2021
McClelland Park sees the light for entrance upgrade

Neighborhood launches fundraiser to replace 1970s era illumination.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 9, 2021
Temple Beth Israel continues food drives

The temple has been hosting food drives for Second Chance, Last Opportunity since September.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
There are about 7,000 full-time residents in Longboat Key, of which about 69% are older than 65.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • February 9, 2021
More than 2,100 Longboaters vaccinated

About 2,153 people from Longboat Key’s 34228 ZIP code have received the vaccine, according to Florida Department of Health data.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Truman Adams has painted a large mural of a child blowing bubbles at Forty Carrots Family Center.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 9, 2021
Childcare murals focus on first 1,000 days

The early development community initiative has commissioned murals in Sarasota and North Port.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 9, 2021
COVID-19 shot not scary at all for master of macabre

Master of the macabre (and former Longboat resident) Stephen King tweets about his experience.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Kinnett's started their business in late 2018.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • February 9, 2021
Partners in everything: Stan and Natalie Kinnett operate metal business together

Stan and Natalie Kinnett have been married for more than 40 years and have their own business together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Midnight Pass Road was closed on Siesta Key for about three hours, reopening around 4:50 p.m. (Sarasota County Sheriff's Office photo)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 8, 2021
Bicyclist killed in collision with trolley bus on Siesta Key

Victim identified as a 74-year-old Sarasota man.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sally and Jay Steele
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • February 8, 2021
Longboat Key couple lends a helping vaccine hand

The Steeles can't promise the world, but they try to help friends and neighbors get vaccinated.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 »
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