• 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

Commissioner Al Maio brought the project back to the table for discussion.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 26, 2021
County leaders will again discuss mental health district

The taxing district would allow funds to be diverted to mental health organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Emily Norris worked on her "Small Struggles" art piece for a month.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 26, 2021
Student artist's big display focuses on a small struggle

Emily Norris won the Best-in-Show Student Award at the Embracing Our Differences 2021 Outdoor Art Exhibit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High boys basketball programs will play each other on Friday, and their coaches will be donning some curious attire — for a good cause.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 26, 2021
Lakewood Ranch, Braden River boys basketball teams holding Suits and Sneakers game

The game will raise money for the American Cancer Society.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jade Moon has been building up inventory of her miniature paintings to sell.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 25, 2021
Youngsters sell their wares at Bazaar

The Young Entrepreneur Market had more than 20 children selling their creations at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 25, 2021
PGA Tour event at Concession hits volunteer limit

Those interested in volunteering can still sign up for the wait list.

  • East County
  • Sports
The larger L-shaped cottage will temporarily sit on cribs near 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Photo: Nat Kaemmerer
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 25, 2021
Chiles Group moves L-shaped historic cottage

Crews moved the cottage down Palm Drive early in the morning on Jan. 21.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
Past achievements not forgotten

Longboat Key commissioner Penny Gold recognized for work in Kentucky.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David and Maxine Balsbaugh, Hope Seeds' executive directors, came and spoke to the group on Jan. 25.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
Packing to the brim

Christ Church of Longboat Key volunteers hit another seed packing milestone.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ed Sabol
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
Democratic Club has success with virtual meetings

The club's attendance has held strong despite the venue being a computer screen.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Seniors age 65 and up wait for 15 minutes to be monitored for adverse effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccines from Manatee County on Jan. 7 at Bennett Park.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 25, 2021
Manatee County receives vaccine for another 4,500 seniors

Manatee County 311 operators begin scheduling 4,500 more first-dose vaccine appointments.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce catches up on meetings and awards

The Chamber held its Annual Meeting and twice-delayed Small Business Awards luncheon in one afternoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A picture of the water main break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 25, 2021
Longboat Key extension granted on sewage break penalties

The new deadline is Feb. 22.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church returns to outdoor concerts

The church held its second concert of the year with The Romantics.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 25, 2021
Longboat Key Turtle Watch hosts January beach cleanup

The group got new volunteers to spend a Saturday on the beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Families turned out for the Tu B’Shevat celebration.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 24, 2021
Temple Emanu-El celebrates the tree with Tu B’Shevat

The ecological holiday was was held Jan. 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 1253 N. Basin Lane on Siesta Key was built in 1971. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,464 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 24, 2021
Siesta Key home sells for $3 million

Residential real estate transactions for Jan. 11-15.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Unit PH-5 of The Pierre condominium complex has two bedrooms, three baths and 2,301 square feet of living area. It was built in 1991.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 24, 2021
Key Club condo sells for $1.3 million

Residential real estate transactions for the week of Jan. 11-15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The town of Longboat Key has had conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation about making improvements to six crosswalks along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 22, 2021
Longboat Key, FDOT discuss crosswalk improvements along Gulf of Mexico Drive

The town of Longboat Key has received several complaints about pedestrians nearly getting hit by cars along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 22, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here

Police reports from around the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Members of the patient care team at 5 Waldemere Tower celebrated when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell invited them to the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Image courtesy Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 22, 2021
Sarasota Memorial Hospital workers headed to the Super Bowl

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell surprised a group of Sarasota healthcare professionals with an invitation to attend the big game in Tampa.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Great blue herons spend approximately 90 percent of their waking hours hunting for food. (Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • January 22, 2021
Bird of the week: Great blue heron

Wading bird spends most of its time seeking food.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The town of Longboat Key previously planned to have its $49.1 million underground utilities project finished by the end of 2022.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 22, 2021
Cable switchover delays launch of underground power

The phase one, switch-over process is now expected finish by the end of January.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 22, 2021
Sapphire Point of Lakewood Ranch hosts grand opening Saturday

Lakewood Ranch's newest neighborhood, Sapphire Point, hosts an in-person event on Saturday to showcase its homes.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sarasota actor Daniel Pelissier auditions at Jiggs Landing Outpost.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 22, 2021
The Players Centre of Sarasota hosts auditions at the Jiggs Landing Outpost

As the Players Centre gets closer to opening a new theatre complex in Lakewood Ranch, it is expanding its outdoor shows.

  • East County
  • News
Caitlyn Haley and Tim Fenimore of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Brandon Coffey of MD Now and Carol Kolenda, district secretary for Rep. Tommy Gregory, prepare for the ribbon cutting.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 22, 2021
MD Now ready to build clientele in Lakewood Ranch area

Florida's largest urgent care provider now has an East County location. in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Workers put the finishing touches on one of the buildings at Waterside Place, expected to open in May.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 22, 2021
Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch is the place to be in 2021

Lakewood Ranch's new restaurant and entertainment hub of Waterside Place is expected to have a soft opening by May.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 21, 2021
Fruitville Elementary kindergarten teacher wins top educator award

Kari Johnson, a 15-year teacher at the school, is now the county's nominee for Florida teacher of the year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Seniors age 65 and up wait for 15 minutes to be monitored for adverse effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccines from Manatee County on Jan. 7 at Bennett Park.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 21, 2021
Manatee County restricts vaccine distribution to Florida residents

Non-Florida residents can no longer get vaccine from Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier wrote a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 21, 2021
Longboat Key mayor writes governor on COVID-19 vaccines

The letter asks Gov. Ron DeSantis to prioritize distributing the vaccine to the most vulnerable populations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2021
East County weather page photo: January 21

Mark Dimitroff captured this sunset from Edgewater looking over Lake Uihlein in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2021
Sarasota weather page photo: January 21

Jennifer Stewart captured this mirrored sky over Siesta Key beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2021
Longboat Key weather page photo: January 21

John Belmonte captured this stunning sunset recently on Lido Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The town of Longboat Key completed phase one of the Town Center project in the summer of 2020. Phase two work of further improving the outdoor venue is ongoing. Phase three is the development of new facilities at the site.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 21, 2021
Commissioners differ on Town Center next steps

Phase three of Longboat Key's Town Center project calls for the development of new facilities at the site.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Black-necked stilts have the second-longest legs in proportion to their bodies of any bird, exceeded only by flamingos. (Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • January 21, 2021
Bird of the week: Black-necked stilt

Wading birds have a defense activity of their own.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Renderings of the Bath and Racquet Club plans showcase the new residential buildings, courtyard and tennis courts slated for the site. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 21, 2021
Revised Bath and Racquet plan earns warmer response

The Planning Board offered praise for a reconfigured proposal to add 207 residential units to the fitness center site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The St. Armands Business Improvement District will also consider negotiating a revised scope of work with the contractor for the restroom project, should it move forward. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 21, 2021
St. Armands leaders waver on bathroom costs

After spending years pursuing the right to build free-standing public restrooms, the St. Armands Business Improvement District has concerns about the cost.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 »
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