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Your Observer

Lark and Heather Rippy pose for a picture inside the family's store. Driftwood Beach Home and Garden is located at 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 30, 2021
11-year-old Longboat Key girl wants to raise chickens in her backyard

Lark Rippy wrote an email to District 5 Longboat Key Town Commissioner Maureen Merrigan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 30, 2021
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce gathers guests for Business After Hours

Despite the rain, a couple dozen local businesspeople came to network.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Former Sailors running back Brian Battie had had 46 carries for 332 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and a touchdown, plus four catches for 35 yards as a freshman at USF. Photo courtesy USF Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Sarasota college athletes had big 2020-2021 seasons

A few were honored by their conferences for their efforts.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 30, 2021
Paradise Center on Longboat Key holds matinee test run

A few members came to enjoy an afternoon inside and watched "Downton Abbey."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ryan Kohn interviewed Carlos Palma and a variety of others, asking them questions from the real U.S. citizenship test. Photo by Brynn Mechem.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
U.S. citizenship test is no easy A

Passersby at St. Armands Circle were given the quiz and got mixed results.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liz and Steve Rinehart. Photo by Brendan Lavell.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Lightning fans from east Bradenton say team will win Stanley Cup

Liz and Steve Rinehart have been Tampa Bay Lightning fans since 1998.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Sutton Burnstein, 5; Elliott Knight, 8; Ethan Burnstein, 9; and Bob Wayman, 10, have a little fun at a Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2021
What a catch! We love baseball's beauty.

Stars shine in America's pastime, but the burning love begins in our back yards.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
It's a time for good food and camaraderie — don't be the guy that burns the food.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 30, 2021
Spirit of America: An Idiot's Guide to the Fourth

There's a lot of ways to celebrate the loudest holiday in more than a year. Here's one tip: don't be stupid.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill Owner Sam Ray and General Manager Jeffrey Karasawa hope to open their restaurant at the heart of The Green by the end of 2021.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Tsunami Sushi fills important role at The Green in Lakewood Ranch

Business owners at The Green hope two new restaurants located at the heart of the plaza will bring more shoppers.

  • East County
  • News
Mason Amyx and Cayla Fulkerson use the groceries they bought to make their lunches.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Beyond the Spectrum expands facility in Sarasota

The nonprofit will add 2,500 square feet of space to address its growing waitlist of students. AND Beyond the Spectrum adds space to handle demand..

  • East County
  • Schools
Save Our Seabirds Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer said this baby blue jay, rescued by Greenbrook's Lisa Laufenberg on May 28, could be ready to be released in the wild in July. (Courtesy of Save Our Seabirds)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota's Save Our Seabirds explains how to help an injured bird

A Lakewood Ranch woman called for help to save an injured baby blue jay. The bird is now thriving.

  • East County
  • News
The Fun Nite finale sells for $124.99 (often BOGO) and fires 33 shots straight up.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
$100? $1,000? The fireworks choices are yours

A Fourth show need not be expensive. But it surely can be.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 1333 Vista Drive was built in 2018. It has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,844 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 30, 2021
Harbor Acres home sells for $7.85 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 7-15.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota native Vo Williams has seen his song "Ready Set" become the official playoff anthem of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Photo courtesy Vo Williams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 30, 2021
Sarasota musician writes, performs Tampa Bay Lightning playoff anthem

Vo Williams, who grew up playing hockey, said the opportunity is a dream come true.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Connor and Owen Fitzpatrick show off the fish they caught. It's a Fitzpatrick family tradition to try to catch a fish to make for dinner on the Fourth of July. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 30, 2021
Food a big part of holiday traditions

Families share their delicious Fourth of July favorites.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
POWER President T.J. Meneely and Secretary Alicia Fretz stand by a sign in 2022 opposed to high-density development east of the Future Development Area Boundary line.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 30, 2021
Myakka City nonprofit works to discuss development sprawl

Protect Our Wildlife Environment and Resources aims to give voice to Myakkans and other rural and agricultural communities.

  • East County
  • News
Sky King Fireworks Managing Partner Dustin Luer said East County residents shouldn't wait until the last minute to buy their fireworks this year because of a supply shortage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch residents plan Fourth filled with fireworks, fun

However, an industry shortage could lower the boom in East County.

  • East County
  • News
The South Gate Community Center was designed in 1956 by architect Victor Lundy. File photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 29, 2021
South Gate Community Center will stay in residents' control

Voters say Sarasota County's offer was too low for the property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Musician Jim Hill and Conductor Joe Miller talk about their upcoming July 4 concert with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2021
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble makes notable return

Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is back after pandemic subsides to play July 4 concert at Sarasota Opera House.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Fourth grand marshal added for Longboat parade

SMH's Jean Lucas adds to the theme of hometown heroes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beginning this winter, both Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines will fly to Washington D.C. from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 29, 2021
Allegiant adds SRQ service to Washington's Dulles Airport

Service begins in mid-December for airport's leading carrier.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shane Catts has operated Happy Paddler Kayak Tours since October 2013.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2021
Longboat businesses bank on a healthy bay

Business owners and residents explain why a healthy Sarasota Bay is important for the quality of life in Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
One major project for fiscal year 2022 is amenities at The Bay project.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 28, 2021
Sarasota revenue increase means good news for county budget

An increase in the county's property taxes, among others, means the county will have more money than it bargained for.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Regina Gurland on her 104th birthday. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 28, 2021
Happy 104th, Reggie!

Regina Gurland's neighbors and family celebrated her on June 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said he hopes construction can begin in October at the St. Regis site.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 28, 2021
St. Regis developer hopes to start construction by October

Construction was initially supposed to start in July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Commissioner Vanessa Baugh did not commit any crimes in relation to a pop-up vaccination event in February at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 28, 2021
Manatee County Sheriff's Office says no crimes committed in relation to vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh will not be charged with any crimes in relation to the pop-up vaccination clinic in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Brad Marner hands the club's gavel to Bo Fuller. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 28, 2021
Hail to the chief

Bo Fuller is taking over as the leader of the service club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 27, 2021
Project Pride SRQ marches grand flag across Ringling Bridge

The LGBTQ+ organization and its supporters carried the flag up the bridge on June 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking information about a hit-and-run accident Sunday morning in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 27, 2021
Bicyclist critical after hit-and-run in Sarasota on Cattlemen Road

Florida Highway Patrol seeks information about a hit-and-run accident in Sarasota that left a Bradenton man in critical condition.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Just look at the time . . .

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 25, 2021
Race boats line up for downtown block party

Suncoast Summerfest put on the "Boats on the Block" downtown party on June 25.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 25, 2021
Local businesses recognized at Sarasota Chamber awards luncheon

Eight Sarasota businesses were awarded at the 2021 Small Business Awards on June 25.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The FGCL is a chance for players like Brooklyn Lucero, a former Lakewood Ranch High pitcher, to get live reps during the summer against elite competition.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 25, 2021
Former Lakewood Ranch, Braden River prep softball players stay sharp in FGCL

The Florida Gulf Coast League is in its second season and the talent level is higher than before.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fireworks set off near colonies of nesting shorebirds can scare the parents into leaving their nests—with dire consequences for their chicks.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • June 25, 2021
Bird of the week: Watch out for skimmers as holiday weekend approaches

Beach party animals must take heed of the creatures that got there first.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cooper's Hawk Chef CJ LeFevre and General Manager Pedro Torres are ready to meet patrons on the restaurant's opening day, Monday, June 28.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 25, 2021
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant lands at Lakewood Ranch's border

Upscale Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant restaurant saw opportunity with Lakewood Ranch's expansion south.

  • East County
  • News
Standing water was rising on the island ahead of Hurricane Eta in November 2020.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 25, 2021
Longboat Key, county leaders on hurricane preps: 'Have a plan'

Thursday marked the second consecutive year that Longboat Key leaders held a "Zoominar" to outline hurricane preparations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

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No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
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Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
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3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
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4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
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Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
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James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
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Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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