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Your Observer

The Gonzmart family announced it would build a restaurant paying homage to the Buccaneer Inn to Longboat Key, though the project has not broken ground since the restaurant group purchased the parcel in 2016.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 20, 2025
Buccaneer restaurant concept on Longboat Key paused

The group behind Columbia Restaurants is not moving forward with their plans for a 196-seat concept on the parcel previously home to Pattigeorge's.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Leisa Wilhelm leads her boyfriend Austin Bronkhorst across the park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Families enjoy a fun Sarasota evening at Boo! at The Bay

The park became a festive Halloween scene with a spooky trail, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Noah Roman, 5, his mother Kiersten Perez, Salem Friday, 4, her mother Tabitha Lenz, and brother Teddy Friday, 2, came dressed for the season.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Sarasota community enjoys the beat at Rocktoberfest

The event featured live music, Oktoberfest cuisine, crafts and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patron Disha Webb tries on a ring crafted by artist Julia Bernadsky at last weekend's fine art festival on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Fine art festival showcases unique media

From resin-coated metalwork to wearable art clothing, the artists at this weekend's art festival on St. Armands Circle offered interesting finds for connoisseurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike McCullough at the Christ Church hurricane relief food drive.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Christ Church to host welcome-back food drive

The church invites community members to help make its annual food drive for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton a success.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The city of Sarasota offers free document shredding for residents.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 20, 2025
Free document shredding is Nov. 8 in Sarasota

The second Shred Stock event will be held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Director Allen Parsons (left), Public Works Director Charlie Mopps (center) and Town Manager Howard Tipton answered questions from the community at the monthly “Let’s Talk Longboat” meeting at the Bayfront Park recreation center Tuesday, Oct. 14.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 19, 2025
Streetlights to illuminate Longboat's main road

An update on the Buccaneer Restaurant, the town's stance on chain businesses and updates on light fixture installations were topics of an informal town meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 19, 2025
Dialysis patients sought for access point device testing by SMH

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is exploring a treatment option to reduce complications for end-stage kidney disease dialysis patients.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An Orlando developer plans to redevelop the vacant Sunshine Inn & Suites between 17th and 18th streets on North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 19, 2025
Five Points mixed-use project in Sarasota nears staff approval

The Development Review Committee gives partial sign-off to Zenith redevelopment and North Tamiami Trail site rezoning, as Midtown Plaza faces more scrutiny.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Asolo Rep on Tour performs an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at Waterside Place Oct. 17.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 18, 2025
Asolo Rep turns Waterside Place into a Wonderland

An adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" was the latest offering from Lakewood Ranch's Sights and Sounds series.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sage Kamiya has been named to Sarasota city engineer.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 18, 2025
Sarasota hires new city engineer

Former Holmes Beach Public Works Director Sage Kamiya is named to succeed new Sarasota Public Works Director Nikesh Patel as city engineer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The entrance to the SRQ, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 17, 2025
SRQ named best resort airport by USA Today

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport heads the list of Top 10 Resort Airports as ranked by USA Today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Englewood firefighters Mason Adkins and James Farley prepare cups of chili in 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2025
Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off still going strong in 25th year

The event features over a dozen fire stations from Sarasota and beyond, competing for the awards for best chili and best booth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fourth candidate files to run for Sarasota City Commission
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 17, 2025
Fourth candidate files to run for Sarasota City Commission

Two at-large seats will be up for grabs in 2026.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia holds a press conference in Manatee County Oct. 16.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 16, 2025
Manatee 'overspent' $112.4 million to grow government, Florida CFO says

Blaise Ingoglia held a press conference Oct. 16 at Pier 22 in Bradenton to criticize the county's government.

  • East County
  • News
Shih tzu father and son Mushu and Emmett dressed as the scarecrow and tin man from the "Wizard of Oz" with Sarasota's Teagan Nickols as Dorothy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 16, 2025
It's happy Howl-o-ween at The Green at UTC in Sarasota

This month's Barks and Brews, which benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, had dogs of all shapes and sizes in different costumes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This bridge on Singletary Road in Myakka City is due for a $3 million replacement.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 16, 2025
2 East County projects make Manatee's legislative priorities list

Manatee County is asking the state and federal government for $24 million across seven projects.

  • East County
  • News
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner Barry Rainwater has launched his career as an author with "2025: Gardens and Creeks."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2025
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner writes a new life chapter

Barry Rainwater's science fiction thriller "2525: Gardens and Creeks" is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lois Saupe of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, who handled Sirius, meets Avery Peterson, 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Kids enjoy therapy dogs at Gulf Gate Library

Captured moments of talk and "aww" as Sarasota children read aloud to some furry pals on a weekly basis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Matthew Hardee, 11, changes a tire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Scout troops learn automotive skills with Suncoast Technical College

Local Scouting America groups are in a partnership with the Sarasota college to teach the youth skills in technical trades.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 577 Venice Lane was built in 2021 and has four bedrooms, three- and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,641 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 16, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for September 29-October 3 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Casey Key home on Casey Key Road tops the week's sales at $5,836,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Shoppers and diners have returned to St. Armands Circle a year after the devastation wrought by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 16, 2025
Storm-weary businesses anticipate return to normal season

Sarasota's tourism destinations are polished up, opened up and ready for snowbirds and visitors one year after hurricanes cost businesses the 2024-25 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Robin Gupta, owner of Guppy's Longboat Key, said he's most proud of the way the restaurant has brought together people over lively conversation and hot cheesesteaks in its first year of operation.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 16, 2025
Philly-themed bar marks one year on Longboat Key

Despite opening before the hurricanes, Guppy's is now celebrating its first anniversary of offering "Philly fun under the Florida sun."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
New Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key president Danielle Gladding presents former president Michael Garey, accompanied by his wife, Catherine, with an award for his years of service to the community.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 16, 2025
Kiwanians honor outgoing leader

New president Danielle Gladding presented him with an award "in appreciation for your many years of dedicated service and your outstanding leadership to our club."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Wes Wilcox (center) goes under the rim searching for a tough bucket during a game between his team, Kari's Face Painting, and Bretz Chiro on Oct. 6 at Longwood Park gym.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 16, 2025
Wes Wilcox is back in basketball and breaking records in Bunker League

The 6-foot-8, 39-year-old broke the Sarasota league's scoring record while playing organized basketball for the first time in five years.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kristina Sargent has filed to run for Sarasota County Commission District 2.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 16, 2025
Republican challenger files for County Commission District 2

Incumbent Mark Smith will face a primary race against attorney and former prosecutor Kristina Sargent for the Sarasota County Commission District 2 seat.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota school bus driver charged with sexual misconduct
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 15, 2025
Sarasota school bus driver charged with sexual misconduct

Authorities in Manatee County were alerted by Sarasota County Schools' in-house police department in August.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The ever-evolving master plan for The Bay Phase 3B does not show a possible future Sarasota Performing Arts Center, but does include a parking structure and expansion of park space into the Van Wezel parking lot.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 15, 2025
Utility undergrounding, The Bay highlight City Commission agenda

Monday's Sarasota City Commission meeting will include presentations about The Bay Phase 3 and burying utility lines on St. Armands and Lido keys.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Manosh welcomes home her husband, Korean War veteran Carl Manosh, of Punta Gorda, whose guardian was Mike Semones, a Southwest Florida Honor Flight board member who lives in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Community welcomes veterans home from Washington, D.C., trip

The community welcomed veterans home at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, after their one-day trip to Washington, D.C. with Southwest Florida Honor Flight.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jonny Chartrand of Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel poses with the shop's scarecrow.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Scarecrows come to Siesta Key businesses

The Scarecrow Stroll was organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and takes place Oct. 1-31.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Larry Greenspon (left) and Paul Lederman (right) pose for a photo before a lesson on Oct. 10 at SunCourt Sports. Greenspon had a vision for the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to create a junior tennis program for underserved youth in the area.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 15, 2025
SunCourt Sports stands out in a region crowded with country clubs

The new sports community, directed by Paul Lederman, opened Oct. 15 at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Makenzie Legg, Zachary McClellan and Isabella Rubal are teaching at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, which is the very elementary school they attended as children.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 15, 2025
Three former McNeal Elementary students return as educators

Zachary McClellan, Bella Rubal and Makenzie Legg once walked the halls of McNeal as students, but now they are taking inspiration from previous teachers to make a difference for students of their own.

  • East County
  • Schools
From left, Sarasota Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler, Hermitage Board of Trustees President Carole Crosby and Hermitage attorney Steven Solowsky address the county commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 15, 2025
County proposes take-or-leave-it offer to Hermitage Artist Retreat

The Sarasota County Commission offers a lump sum to help hurricane restoration at the Hermitage providing it assumes responsibility for repairs going forward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mote's 'The Shark Lady' subject of new musical tribute
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 15, 2025
Mote's 'The Shark Lady' subject of new musical tribute

Artist Christina Meiping Chen recently penned a musical production about the life of research icon Eugenie Clark, set to debut in early December.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key resident Audrey Bear is adamantly against changing the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive, calling it a “vanity project” that would cause a major hassle for older residents who live on the road.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 15, 2025
GMD renaming would require homework from residents, businesses

Paperwork, addresses and bills will all need updates if Longboat Key changes the name of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Man alleges spying operation at a downtown convenience store
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 15, 2025
Man alleges spying operation at a downtown convenience store

Convinced he was on a CIA and FBI hit list for his knowledge of international espionage, a man kicked a store customer whom he believed was following him. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
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