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Your Observer

    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 31, 2020
Cardinal Mooney sends Class of 2020 into the world

Cardinal Mooney sends its graduates into the world.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer is required to submit a recommended budget by Saturday, Aug. 1. Town commissioners are set to vote on the budget in September.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 31, 2020
'Still a lot of unknowns': Longboat Key town manager says of COVID's impact on budget

Longboat Key town commissioners are set to vote on the budget in September.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A 35-year-old man was found dead after a shooting Thursday night at a Bradenton apartment complex.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 31, 2020
Shooting in Bradenton leads to death of 35-year-old male

Shooting at Bradenton apartment complex leads to death of 35-year-old male.

  • East County
  • News
Hurricane Isaias is forecast to move near the east coast of the Florida peninsula Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 31, 2020
Longboat Key leaders continue to monitor Hurricane Isaias

Hurricane Isaias is forecast to come near the east coast of the Florida peninsula Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The main home at 1906 Casey Key Road was built in 1955 with three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,388 square feet of living area. A second home was built in 1997 with one bedroom, one bath and 1,379 square feet.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 31, 2020
Casey Key property sells for $4.1 million

Residential real estate transactions for July 20-24.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The home at 525 Bird Key Drive was built n 2005 with four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,527 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 31, 2020
Bird Key home sells for $1.95 million

Residential real estate transactions for July 20-24.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Least terns nested on Lido Beach this season in larger numbers, perhaps because they bypassed Longboat Key beaches. (Photo by Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 31, 2020
Bird of the week: Least tern

Coastal development prompts species status as threatened.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sites such as the walk-up testing center at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex could remain closed until the middle of next week. Photo courtesy city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 30, 2020
UPDATE: Sarasota COVID-19 testing sites to remain open

Although the state announced plans to close COVID-19 testing sites ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, locations in the region will continue to operate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: July 30

Nadine Richardsonn photographed this eagle in Country Club Shores.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2020
East County weather page photo: July 30

Richard Bottorff captured these limpkins fishing out of a pond in Rye Wilderness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: July 30

Janice Rutkowski photographed this great blue heron on a canal between St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • July 30, 2020
Harold A. Engelke Sr.

Harold A. Engelke Sr., age 91, passed away in Sarasota, Florida on Sunday, July 19, 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Sarasota High rising junior Carson Spence said he's never played in an event quite like the Suncoast Jr. Match Play Invitational. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 30, 2020
Sarasota golfers prep for a unique event

The event will combine stroke play and match play.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The city of Sarasota and Sarasota County point to the establishment of homeless outreach teams as one part of a coordinated strategy they believe is effectively responding to regional homelessness. Photo courtesy city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 30, 2020
Challenges, opportunities arise for homeless service providers

Those working to fight homelessness in Sarasota hope to establish a unified strategy for addressing issues related to COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city launched the grant program to help small businesses with rent, payroll and the implementation of COVID-19 protective measures.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 30, 2020
City readies expansion of business grant program

Officials could soon broaden the parameters of an initiative issuing $5,000 grants to small businesses as part of a COVID-19 response effort.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations supported increased fines for noise violations after Arlington Park residents voiced concerns about the Cabana Inn property. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 30, 2020
City mulls further revisions to noise ordinance

After the commission agreed to increase the financial penalties for violators, the city’s sound regulations will be revisited at a future hearing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 30, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 7.30.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Anyone who believes they are victim to this phone scam is asked to call the Longboat Key Police Department's non-emergency number at (941)316-1201.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 29, 2020
Longboat Key Police Department warns public of phone scam

Police Chief Pete Cumming said an old scam has reemerged in Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2020
Ready to move on from Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch High School seniors celebrate a bittersweet graduation.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioners expressed concern about proposed reductions to the operating hours of recreational facilities such as the Payne Park Tennis Center. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 29, 2020
Parks cuts among city budget concerns

The commission set a preliminary millage rate Tuesday, but staff’s proposed budget could be subject to further revisions before final adoption.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 29, 2020
Longboat Key breaks ground on new fire station

Fire Station 92 at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive is set to open around July 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cyndi Doragh. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 29, 2020
Rotarian heads up international event from Lakewood Ranch

Ranch Rotarian heads up international event from Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Cheryl Hedger. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2020
Wheely in need of bikes in Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch resident is collecting bikes for Turning Points.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
East County's Andrea Sacchetti, Richard Garrett and Dawn Zielinski said the new design creates uncertainty for drivers and cyclists and is a safety problem.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 29, 2020
Cyclists call for change in Lakewood Ranch

Bicyclists seek speed reduction, lane changes on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Colton and Kinley McGill want to spread happiness throughout their community with their drawings. “It’s kind of like trick-or-treat, but we bring the treat to the people," Colton McGill says. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 29, 2020
Message of happiness in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch siblings initiate 'Project Happy' by drawing pictures and delivering them to neighbors to spread happiness.

  • East County
  • News
Tomás Herrera-Mishler, whose duties the past five years have included overseeing the San Diego Zoo, has been hired as SANCA's new president and CEO.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 29, 2020
SANCA hires new CEO and president to oversee Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Tomás Herrera-Mishler is hired as SANCA's new CEO and president of Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Isabella Fogelman (top left) Finn Powell (top right) and Hannah Kite used some facial props.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 29, 2020
Campers make movies at Sarasota Film Camp

The online camp has children putting together films from the comfort of their homes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This rendering shows the general character proposed for the library, which will feature a large treehouse inspired staircase at its entrance. Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 29, 2020
First chapter ends on library in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch library plans hit design milestone.

  • East County
  • News
Parrish's Susan McCartney wears a mask while shopping at Influence Style on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 29, 2020
Manatee County requires masks in public

Resolution makes exceptions for social distancing, children and special needs.

  • East County
  • News
The couple finishes a piece and rests it on a stand.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 29, 2020
Surf's Up: Sarasota couple launches surfboard table company

Richard and Gina Brahs put together custom tables in the shape of surfboards.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By The Observer
  • July 29, 2020
The Observer's 2020 primary election recommendations

With absentee ballots sent out and early voting starting Aug. 8, here are some insights and opinions to consider on the region’s candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Chief Financial Officer Mitsi Corcoran says there are still many unknown COVID-19 impacts on the budget that may need to be added as amendments in the future.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 28, 2020
School board approves tentative budget, millage rate

School board members approved an overall budget of $964 million, though the full impacts of COVID-19 are still unknown.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 28, 2020
Braden River High graduates celebrate end of final chapter

Braden River High School seniors finally conclude their high school careers with graduation at LECOM Park.

  • East County
  • News
Ty and Jasmine Connor
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 28, 2020
No venue, no problem

Casa Del Mar provided a handy spot for the Conners.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Those in Manatee County are being required to wear face coverings.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 27, 2020
Manatee County commissioners approve mask mandate

Manatee County requires individuals to wear face coverings in public spaces.

  • East County
  • News
A baby turtle, who emerged too late to have a chance making it out to sea, will rest in this bucket until nightfall.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 27, 2020
Lower sea turtle numbers nothing to worry about

Sea turtle nesting remains strong, though not to the record heights seen last year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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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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