• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Mika Elovaara (center) high-fives two of his players during prematch warmups with the Richmond Kickers. The Oulu, Finland native and UNC Wilmington alumnus will guide the Paradise into USL League One in 2026.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 15, 2025
Sarasota Paradise names head coach for their first professional season

Former Richmond Kickers lead assistant Mika Elovaara brings his expertise to spearhead a new era.

  • East County
  • Sports
Danny Slavin and Michael Miller, owners of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii on University Parkway, donate $5,000 to the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Fund Oct. 10.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 15, 2025
Dick Vitale aims to surpass $120M for pediatric cancer research in 2026

In 20 years of hosting an annual gala, the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund has raised $105.4 million.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Residents in Summerfield Bluffs are rescued after the Braden River flooded their street following Hurricane Debby in 2024.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 15, 2025
Manatee County inches toward initiating stormwater fees

Despite public pushback in 2019, Manatee County is taking another shot at implementing a stormwater program.

  • East County
  • News
A banner announcing a new Starbucks location still sits inside the storefront of 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, but interior work is yet to begin.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 15, 2025
Longboat Starbucks 'on hold' with build-out yet to start

It has been eight months since the arrival of Starbucks to Longboat Key was announced, and interior work is yet to start.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Daniela and Giuseppe Fornieri, owners of La Norma, recently brought some homegrown design touches to the Italian restaurant on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 15, 2025
La Norma brings homey feel to restaurant renovation

The Longboat Key restaurant brings an authentic Sicilian flair to the restaurant scene, backed by thorough financial planning.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The home at 121 N. Boulevard of the Presidents was built in 1998 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,491 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 15, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on North Boulevard of the Presidents tops the week's sales at $2.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Connail Jackson poses for a photo on Oct. 14 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. The junior running back paced the Cardinal Mooney offense last Friday, accounting for four of the Cougars' five touchdowns.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 15, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Connail Jackson

The junior running back had four touchdowns and over 200 rushing yards in Cardinal Mooney's Week 8 victory over Lakewood

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kingston Kokoefer poses for a photo on Oct. 13 at Out-of-Door Academy. He cut multiple Seffner Christian drives short in their Oct. 10 matchup as the Thunder held off the 39.5-points-per-game Crusaders for a sixth straight win.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 14, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Kingston Kokoefer

The sophomore safety had two interceptions in The Out-of-Door Academy football's Week 9 win over Seffner Christian.

  • East County
  • Sports
Greg Crawford, area president of M/I Homes, Erika Walker, Pelotonia's philanthropy and stewardship manager and Chase Knopt and Ashtyn Crockett, construction managers at M/I homes pose with the $141,000 check at the Sweetwater benefit home.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 14, 2025
M/I Homes donates $141,000 toward cancer research

The sale of the M/I Homes dwelling in Lakewood Ranch is going to Pelotonia, a nonprofit that supports cancer research.

  • East County
  • News
The Gulf Islands Ferry launched in 2023 and has experienced growing ridership and increased investment from Manatee County.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 14, 2025
As Manatee County looks to grow ferry, Longboat stop discussed

Longboat Key leaders see a potential traffic benefit from the Gulf Islands Ferry but no suitable location for a stop on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bayfront Dog Park visitor Coco is a Havanese dog turning 5 years old this month. Any sort of squeaky toy is their favorite.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 14, 2025
Meet the morning crew at Bayfront Dog Park

The early morning crew at Bayfront Dog Park welcomes new visitors.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bootleg parasailing prompts police response on Longboat Key
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 14, 2025
Bootleg parasailing prompts police response on Longboat Key

Help with a lost laptop, suspiciously present tree trimmers and resourceful fun highlight this week's edition of Longboat Key Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Del Webb's Jerry and Karyn Waxman organize an annual golf tournament to raise money for polycystic kidney disease research.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 14, 2025
Lakewood Ranch transplant survivor tees up for kidney disease research

Del Webb's Karyn and Jerry Waxman are hosting the PKD Applied Underwriters Invitational on Oct. 27 at Lakewood National Golf Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Col. Ben Knisely, who served 28 years in the U.S. Army and was honored as Veteran of the Year, interacts with the public during the 2024 Veterans Day parade.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 14, 2025
Veterans Day parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Sarasota

The city's annual Veterans Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, culminating in a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Country Club Village home at 7210 Desert Ridge Glen sold for $1.9 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,487 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 14, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Lakewood Ranch

A Riverdale Revised home on Regatta Way topped the week's sales at $2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Save Our Seabirds Director of Outreach and Education Lisa Wood and the facility's new red-shouldered hawk get to know one another on move-in day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 14, 2025
Red-shouldered hawk joins avian rescue's flock on City Island

Save Our Seabirds takes in a small bird of prey when it was found in a residential area near Orlando.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
TD Bank is opening a treat-dispensing ATM for dogs on Oct. 17 at its branch on Clark Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 13, 2025
Bank branch caters to canine clientele on Clark Road

TD Bank rolls out an automated treat machine in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shots struck a Sarasota County Fire Department ambulance in 2019.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 13, 2025
Sarasota man convicted of firing at first responders gets 40 years

Thirty-eight-year-old Tyran Young was arrested almost three months after the 2019 incident on Goodrich Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 13, 2025
Goodwill sets up first Longboat Key location

The bookstore and donation drop-off at the outparcel of the new Brista Commons commercial complex is expected to open by the end of the year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Teri Hansen is the outgoing CEO and president of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • October 13, 2025
Barancik Foundation in Sarasota names new president and CEO

The new leader of the family foundation will assume his role in December.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Witt, a 5-month-old mixed breed male, gains enrichment through working to get a taste of peanut butter from the lick mat at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 13, 2025
Is it nuts to give dogs peanut butter?

At Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, peanut butter is used as a tool to distract and provide enrichment in the shelter environment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 13, 2025
Attendees get into Oktoberfest spirit during Park-toberfest

The event at The Bay in Sarasota featured live music, German food and beers, and a stein holding contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kora Yanes (center) of Lakewood Ranch girls' volleyball gets into her stance before a point during an Oct. 9 match at Palmetto. The senior outside hitter/right setter has over 200 kills for the second straight year.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch girls volleyball team has look of tournament contender

Entering districts this week, the Mustangs look the part of a true regional contender.

  • East County
  • Sports
From left, newly sworn Sarasota Police Department officers Emilio Suriel, Gabriel Victorio, Tristan Sarney, Gabrielle Theofanous and Savannah Gray.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 13, 2025
Sarasota Police Department swears in five new officers

Police Chief Rex Troche tells five new recruits the time to build their legacy in law enforcement begins now.

  • Sarasota
  • News
2-year-old critical after SR 70 crash in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 12, 2025
2-year-old critical after SR 70 crash in Lakewood Ranch

A Ford SUV drove into the back of a Fort Pierce school bus that was stopped.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Jenna Ziegler works quickly to move as much water as she can with a hand pump at the Dakin Harvest Festival Oct. 12 in Myakka.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 12, 2025
Harvest Festival makes a big splash at Dakin Dairy Farm

The event continues every Saturday and Sunday in October.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of the planned Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice Rehabilitation Pavilion.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2025
Sarasota Memorial Hospital to build rehab pavilion in Venice

The Hospital Board has approved construction of an $82.5 million pavilion at the Venice campus and expansion of its rehab facility in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota's Ariana Swayka, 4 and Alexia Swayka, 6 are in the full holiday spirit with their Halloween themed shirts and face paint.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 11, 2025
Hunsader Farms kicks off 34th annual Pumpkin Festival

In case you missed it, the festival continues every Saturday and Sunday in October.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A private dining room is transformed into a pop-up shop.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 11, 2025
Fashion luncheon supports Myakka City animal sanctuary

Scout & Molly's Boutique set up a pop-up shop at Pascone's Ristorante to benefit Donte's Den.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Housing Authority President and CEO William Russell speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Cypress Square II and Lofts on Lemon II.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 11, 2025
Plans advance for two affordable housing projects

The Sarasota Planning Board approved Central Gardens and recommended approval of Cypress Square III — combined would bring 100 new affordable units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In total, 11 units were dispatched at 12:37 p.m., assisted by Sarasota Police for traffic control.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 10, 2025
Odor investigation at courthouse prompts Ringling response

Fire-rescue and police briefly closed the street, but no injuries or evacuation were reported.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law is on view Oct. 11 to Dec. 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 10, 2025
Selby Gardens' orchid show to feature indoor botanical art

The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law incorporates an art installation using preserved plants, created by a Wales-based artist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Charlie Kirk, left, and Chris Pavlovski share the stage at a Turning Point USA event. Pavloski, chairman and CEO of the video platform Rumble, said Kirk was an early investor in Rumble and played a large part in bringing Rumble's headquarters to Longboat Key.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 10, 2025
Portion of Fruitville Road could honor Charlie Kirk

Sarasota County commissioners vote to seek state designation as a memorial highway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Participants of the Citizens Academy visit the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department for one of the sessions.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 10, 2025
Citizens Academy enrollment open for Longboat Key's 2026 season

Eight sessions cover aspects of town government, beginning in January.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
From left, Seaward Development Principal Patrick DiPinto, Georgia Kopelousos and Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 10, 2025
Mira Mar Residences open sales office in Sarasota

Sales of the 70 luxury Mira Mar Residences, which start at $3.8 million, will fund the restoration of the historic Mira Mar building along South Palm Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mark Ursini, owner and developer of Brista Commons at the 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, said the commercial complex will be open by December.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • October 10, 2025
Shopping plaza opens soon with furniture, windows, flooring tenants

Brista Commons, a new commercial complex on Longboat Key closing in on completion, will feature everything needed to build and decorate a home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
« 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 »
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
Colin Montgomery, a two-time winner of the Senior PGA Championship, is in the 135-player field committed to play April 16-19.
  • April 3, 2026
All-star field set for Senior PGA Championship
2
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles
Sponsored Content
3
  • April 2, 2026
Images of Dance
4
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
Sponsored Content
5
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton

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 © 2026 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