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Your Observer

Manatee Technical College will host a virtual open house of the Main Campus in Bradenton on Nov. 5.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2020
Manatee Technical College to host virtual open houses in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

Open houses will give potential students an opportunity to see its campuses.

  • East County
  • News
Bradenton-based ET MacKenzie completed repair work after the town of Longboat Key's June's sewage break. Photo courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 23, 2020
FDEP grants Longboat Key extension on sewage break penalties

The FDEP's new deadline for the town of Longboat Key is Dec. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • October 23, 2020
Marilyn Miller Lami

Marilyn Lami, longtime Seaplace resident on Longboat Key, FL died on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Village on the Isle in Venice.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
ZNS Engineering planner Rachel Layton speaks at a Manatee County land use meeting. A 4-3 decision to rezone the property at 117th Street East and State Road 64 means Cox will likely build a dealership at the intersection.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 22, 2020
Commission approves rezone, car lot appears headed to SR 64 near Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch area could see Cox Chevrolet dealership after Manatee County commissioners approve rezone.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 22, 2020
Longboat Island Chapel resumes garden lunches

Outdoor lunches provide a safer way for friends to gather during the pandemic.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 22, 2020
East County weather page photo: October 22

Scott Veix captured this red-shouldered hawk taking off on Gatewood Drive in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 22, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: October 22

Michael Krusinski captured this incoming storm over Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 22, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: October 22

Karin Shillus captured this great blue heron fishing on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 22, 2020
Army Corps to accept public comment on proposed fish farm

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will accept public comment through Nov. 19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Vice Chair and Planning and Zoning board member Ken Marsh submitted his letter of resignation on Oct. 14.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • October 22, 2020
Ken Marsh resigns from Planning and Zoning Board

Ken Marsh submitted his resignation letter on Oct. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
If approved, a 170-room would sit on one acre of land just south of Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 22, 2020
Residents worry hotel proposals will change nature of Siesta Key

In response to plans for three large hotels on the island, a coalition of Siesta Key residents has formed in opposition.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Michaela Mattes won the 1A girls 500-yard freestyle in 2019. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 22, 2020
Prose and Kohn: Dive in

Swimmers forge ahead despite lack of competitions.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
In a series of conceptual sketches, architect Dan Lear said St. Armands medians and sidewalks could be configured with different amenities including seating, lighting, games and more. Images courtesy DSDG Architects.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 22, 2020
St. Armands Circle landowners discuss streetscape, zoning initiatives

From sidewalk lounge seating to a new hotel, St. Armands stakeholders are in the early stages of evaluating a suite of changes to the shopping district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this weeks edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 22, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 10.22.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
  • By Sarasota County Cares Team
  • October 22, 2020
Help is Here for Individuals and Businesses Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

Help is Here for Individuals and Businesses Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Christine Gregory and Michael Riccio wear white as a sign of peace. Harry Sayer
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 21, 2020
Amid protests, school board extends face mask requirement

The policy will sunset June 30 unless the board votes to end it earlier.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Mote Marine President and CEO Michael Crosby told the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance on Wednesday that the $130 million Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park will break ground Nov. 13.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 21, 2020
Mote Marine announces Nov. 13 groundbreaking for its Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota

Groundbreaking for Mote's $130 million aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasosta was moved from September to Nov. 13 due to the bidding process for first phase construction.

  • East County
  • News
The land purchased by the county will increase the remaining lifespan of the landfill on Lena Road from 16 years to an estimated 22 years.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 21, 2020
Manatee County opts for $32.5 million purchase in east Bradenton

East Bradenton land bought for use as government complex, waste transfer station

  • East County
  • News
Kendall Stanley and Margot Murphy. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
Lakewood Ranch High School students leave their mark on campus

Lakewood Ranch students enjoy annual senior tradition.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
Spooky tradition in Lakewood Ranch

Players Centre for Performing Arts performs fourth annual "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch High girls golf team and Coach Mick Koczersut. The Mustangs are confident in how they are playing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 21, 2020
Lakewood Ranch girls golf is trying to top itself

The Mustangs want a high finish at states.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch residents Vaughna Wells, Kaija Thoyre, 16 months, and Sam Thoyre dress as sharks during BooFest on Oct. 21, 2019. In 2020, the event will be moved to Premier Sports Campus with a capacity of 250 people.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 21, 2020
Will Halloween be sweet in East County?

Lakewood Ranch, east Bradenton decide if Halloween events to go on

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Manatee County struggled to buy a 32.9-acre parcel to form Johnson Preserve until the Conservation Foundation raised $1.03 million for the effort in 2018. The county is seeking dedicated funds for similar purchases.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 21, 2020
Manatee County voters consider whether to establish fund to buy environmentally significant lands

Manatee County fund, if approved by voters, would command up to $50 million in spending to preserve lands.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 21, 2020
Liberty or enslavement

If you’re still undecided, forget the candidates’ personalities. It’s the philosophies that matter.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lou Jacob, CEO of Myakka Elephant Ranch, cares for one of the elephants. Jacob started the ranch after learning more about elephant conservation at a symposium in South Africa and interning at a zoo in Germany. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
Ranch provides un-herd of experience in east Bradenton

Myakka Elephant Ranch opens to the public so it can expand its conservation efforts.

  • East County
  • News
Robert E. Willis Elementary School second graders Aubri Darpino and Ella Baas are socially distant while working on assignments. More students will be on campus after families were able to switch learning modalities.Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2020
More parents sending kids back to campus in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch-area elementary and middle schools will no longer offer hybrid option as more students return full time.

  • East County
  • News
The webinar, which covers topics such as active shooters and domestic violence, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 21, 2020
Manatee County Sheriff's Office offers active shooter webinar

Manatee County Sheriff's office webinar offers advice on violent confrontations

  • East County
  • News
Twinkle will rock My Hometown Fest.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 20, 2020
Concert at Premier could be glimpse of future in Lakewood Ranch

Reverend Barry and the Funk joins Twinkle to rock the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch on Halloween night.

  • East County
  • News
People can enjoy classic fair foods at Manatee County Fair's Flavor of Our Fairs Oct. 23-25. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 20, 2020
Get a taste of the Manatee County Fair

Manatee County Fair hosts Flavors of Our Fair to support vendors during the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • October 20, 2020
Ruth Marie Baust Shaw

Ruth Marie Baust Shaw, 97, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and longtime resident of Sarasota peacefully passed away October 17. 2020 at Historic Roswell Place in Roswell, GA surrounded by loved ones.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
In addition to a central public park, the tax increment financing district could help fund the construction of a new performing arts center to replace the Van Wezel.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 20, 2020
City approves funding deal for The Bay project

Although some commissioners had reservations about aspects of the arrangement, the board unanimously agreed to steer tax revenue toward bayfront redevelopment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 20, 2020
County takes steps toward affordable housing in north Sarasota

If approved, a mixed-use affordable housing project would be built at 2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
NOTE: Social Distancing Guidelines have been fudged here due to the fact cardboard cutouts cannot catch a deadly pathogen.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 20, 2020
Dating in a Pandemic

What's dating like during a pandemic? Our resident reporter has thoughts on the matter.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • October 20, 2020
Edward Mues

Edward Mues, 103, formerly of The Promenade on Longboat Key, passed away peacefully on October, 5, 2020, in Greenville, SC.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Louise Converse has been coming into her Artisan Cheese Company store for a few hours at a time.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 20, 2020
A Fight for Survival: Louise Converse keeps business alive during kidney donation

Artisan Cheese Co. owner Louise Converse has faced dual challenges in 2020: keeping her business alive in a pandemic and keeping her friend alive by donating a kidney.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 20, 2020
The Observer's 2020 general election recommendations

Here are some insights and opinions to consider on the region’s candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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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

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