• 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

Mayor Hagen Brody placed the item about zoning code updates on the commission's agenda, expressing a desire to produce a series of revisions by the end of the year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 21, 2021
City revisits zoning code overhaul

Three years after abandoning a complete rewrite of city zoning rules, the commission is asking staff to pursue comprehensive changes in commercial and mixed-use districts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 21, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 1.21.21

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Superintendent Brennan Asplen said district staff is motivated to make the necessary changes.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
Sarasota Schools to take deeper look at special education evaluation

After Department of Education investigation, the district will focus on its evaluation process to determine which students need special education.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
County staff will explore the option of adding a second floor to the proposed medical examiner facility.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
Medical examiner facility to be built off Fruitville Road

Sarasota County will build an autopsy and office building for the District 12 Medical Examiner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarah Miller knows how to help families navigate the mental health system because she did it with her daughter Vanessa. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
NAMI offering help to struggling students

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee are offering a variety of programs who are struggling due to virtual learning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasotans celebrate the split from Manatee County in 1921.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
Year of events planned for Sarasota County centennial

Plans include virtual lectures and walking tours.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wild pigs have been spotted frequently along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard in recent weeks. As development continues, the pigs have less space to occupy, meaning they more often infringe on roads and communities.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 20, 2021
Lakewood Ranch pig problems left to neighborhoods, local trappers

Newly hired trapper explains his efforts to reduce Lakewood Ranch's pig population

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 20, 2021
Commissioners outline priority projects

Among high-priority projects are updates to SCAT, a 200-bed correctional facility and a medical examiner's office.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sue Tomasso, John Tomasso, Nancy Pump, David Tomasso and Harm Pump are among the many loved ones who help take care of Jerry Tomasso, who has ALS.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 20, 2021
Lakewood Ranch man with ALS cherishes every day of life

Lakewood Ranch man with ALS never stops living for tomorrow

  • East County
  • News
A food service partnership with Michael's on East — including an exclusive catering agreement for events — is at the center of a dispute between Selby Gardens and the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 20, 2021
Selby Gardens, property appraiser set for showdown

This week, a special magistrate will hear a long-gestating challenge to the tax-exempt status of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown campus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Fountains of Hope executive director Karla Oliver said it was frustrating at times to wait for the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents and staff will receive their first doses Jan. 22.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 20, 2021
Senior facilities in Lakewood Ranch begin to receive vaccine

Assisted living facilities in Lakewood Ranch begin to vaccinate residents and staff

  • East County
  • News
Grace Dean. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2021
Birthday surprise for Tara Elementary student

Tara kindergartner surprises friend on here birthday while she's home quarantining.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Concession Golf Club will take over as host of the WGC-Mexico PGA Tour event.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 20, 2021
More birdies for Lakewood Ranch area

Concession lands unique opportunity to host a World Golf Championship event.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2021
Fair offers a wild ride in Manatee County

Manatee County celebrates 105th Manatee County Fair in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • News
Rustic Flamingo co-owners Denise Tarbell and Jacque Ruch have been working in disability services for about 30 years.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 20, 2021
EYE ON BUSINESS: Do-it-yourself at a studio with heart

EYE ON BUSINESS: Special workforce employed at DIY craft studio in east Bradenton

  • East County
  • News
Jamie Springstead.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 20, 2021
East County Athlete of the Week: Jamie Springstead

The Saint Stephen's Episcopal junior talks basketball and her dream superpower.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River senior guard Cheyenne Stubbs transferred from Sarasota High this offseason.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 20, 2021
With star injured, Pirates girls basketball sails forward

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 16010 Topsail Terrace sold $1.7 million. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,738 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 20, 2021
Lake Club home sells for $1.7 million, tops local sales in Lakewood Ranch, eastern Bradenton areas.

Lake Club home in Lakewood Ranch tops East County sales at $1.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The district is trying to hire more talented teachers, such as Braden River High math teacher Glen Dallman, by increasing salaries for first-year teachers. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2021
Major increase for new teachers in Manatee County

School District of Manatee County raises starting teachers' salary to $51,630.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Adrian Moore and Vittorio Nastasi
  • January 20, 2021
Nursing home reform is needed in response to COVID-19

The evidence indicates that CON laws are counterproductive to the goals of reducing costs and improving quality.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Phoebe Jessop, a member of Girl Scout Troop 97, looks over at her fellow scouts during while riding. Horseback riding was one of the outdoor activities the troop could do safely. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 20, 2021
Scouts prepared to meet in person in east Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch-area Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops aren't letting the pandemic keep them from achieving their goals.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County received 3,300 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines from the state this week, which will be distributed at drive-thru clinics on Thursday and Friday. Image courtesy Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 19, 2021
Sarasota County to launch new COVID-19 vaccine registry

A new system will allow users to add their name to a waiting list online, over the phone or via an app. The county will host its first drive-thru vaccination clinics this week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Art Hardy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 19, 2021
School Board begins search for new general counsel

The current attorney, Art Hardy, will retire after nearly 30 years working for the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The proposal for a new resort evolved over the years into this final design.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 19, 2021
Condo termination agreement paves way for St. Regis' next step

Judge signs off on the agreement to close down Colony Beach & Tennis Resort's condominium association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Seniors wait for 15 minutes as they are monitored for adverse effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccines Jan. 7 at Bennett Park. The county will vaccinate 3,000 people Thursday and Friday at the park.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 19, 2021
Manatee County receives 3,000 vaccine doses

Manatee County will book vaccine appointments with 2,400 seniors

  • East County
  • News
The lobby of the Bank of America at 500 Bay Isles Road is closed.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 19, 2021
Bank of America’s Longboat Key branch plans to reopen lobby

The bank's Longboat Key branch has kept its drive-thru ATMs open.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Eleanor Kveton and friend Duane Compton in 2018.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 19, 2021
Founding member of Christ Church dies age 92

Eleanor Kveton helped found the church and set up the board of deacons.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pierre the 5-month-old cat is one of the first pets to use the facility's new play space.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 19, 2021
Humane Society of Sarasota opens new adoption center

The brand-new space will be able to house nearly 1,000 more animals each year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Takiyan Coleman, 7, climbed the Martin Luther King, Jr. bust during the event.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 19, 2021
Sarasota honors Martin Luther King Jr. with spirited ceremony

Community figures honored Dr. King's legacy on Jan. 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beach volunteers Michael and Kelly O'Brien walk along the beach in Longboat Key in 2021.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 18, 2021
Citizen group tries out volunteer beach patrol

The pilot program is set to launch in February.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The School District of Manatee County will have meals available for e-learners on Jan. 19.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 18, 2021
Meals for Manatee County e-learners available Tuesday

Due to schools being closed Jan. 18, meals will be available curbside Jan. 19.

  • East County
  • News
One sign is on the southbound lane of Gulf of Mexico Drive near Chart House.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 18, 2021
Stepping lively

Manasota Track Club adopts part of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pete and Carla Rowan pose for a photo by the town of Longboat Key's electronic sign that specifies Longbeach Village's resident permit parking.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • January 18, 2021
Longboat neighborhood's parking shifts into resident only

The new permit system took effect on New Year's Day for the Longbeach Village neighborhood in Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Al "Mifflin" Lowe
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • January 18, 2021
Al "Mifflin" Lowe heads west with new children's book

Bird Key resident's new children's book focuses on the little known heroes of the "True West.''

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 17, 2021
Longboat Key Cops Corner: A break from fishing

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The home at 3360 Gulfmead Drive was built in 1951. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,559 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 17, 2021
Siesta Key home sells for $3.5 million

Residential real estate transactions for Jan. 4-8.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
« 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 »
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