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Your Observer

Bernadette DiPino joined the Sarasota Police Department as chief of police in December 2012. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2021
DiPino resigns as Sarasota police chief

Bernadette DiPino will depart her position at the end of the week, and city administration has begun the process of selecting an interim chief.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • January 28, 2021
Aviva resident asks the big questions at philosophy group

At 108, Joe Newman concedes there is still a lot to learn at the discussion group he leads.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2021
Neighborhood group celebrates 30th anniversary

The Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations has grown from an informal alliance to an institution the city leans on for insights into residential areas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Uptown ArtFair in Naples, held Jan. 23-24, included public health precautions such as mask requirements and attendance capacities. Image courtesy Jeffrey Langlois.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2021
Despite pandemic, special events make a return

The city will begin issuing permits for events next month. How will organizers manage large outdoor gatherings safely?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lido Key Vacations, which operates large vacation rentals such as this one on Lido Key, has communicated with the city a desire to avoid extensive rules for registering its properties. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2021
City considers new rules for vacation rentals

Residents on the barrier islands are encouraging officials to move forward with regulations aimed at large rental properties in their neighborhoods.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Planning Board is holding hybrid meetings where a majority attends in person, but two members participate remotely. The city said access to hybrid meetings is dependent on staff availability. Image via city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2021
Advisory boards lobby for virtual meetings

The Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association is also asking the governor’s office to allow the city’s volunteer boards to meet remotely during the pandemic.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2021
Cops Corner: Sarasota 1.28.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Commissioner Nancy Detert was the lone commissioner in opposition, stating the amendments don't do enough to ensure new affordable units.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
County amends affordable housing incentives

The changes mean developers who build east of I-75 no longer have to include affordable units, but they can opt to.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
Commission approves out of cycle hotel proposals

The approval means staff can now allocate time for review of the proposals.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioners hope medical marijuana dispensaries do not get turned into recreational dispensaries.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 27, 2021
County aims for home rule on marijuana

Commissioners remain opposed to personal-use laws, even if legalized by the state legislature.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shelby Fulton. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
A future Tiger's tale at the Out-of-Door Academy

ODA senior shows her school spirit by painting her parking spot with her soon-to-be college colors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The northern soccer fields at Premier Sports Campus could be used as an overflow section for the event lawn when not being used for sports, based on the county's first draft of a general development plan for Premier's expansion.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Premier plan starts taking shape

Inside the planning of the Premier Sports Campus park expansion

  • East County
  • News
USRowing Olympic hopeful Michalina Fili practices rowing at Nathan Benderson Park. Excluding athletes who are training for the Olympics, very few rowers are coming to Nathan Benderson Park this winter. (Courtesy of SANCA)
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Olympic Trials return to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota to spark competitive thrills

While it won't be as significant as the previous Trials in terms of economic impact, having the Olympic rowers train and compete in Sarasota will offer a boost during the pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Stephanie Peabody
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2021
Brain Health Initiative founder expects big 2021 in Lakewood Ranch

Brain Health Initiative founder Stephanie Peabody expects huge goals in 2021 in the Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton region.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County deputy Joy Jewett and Centerstone peer specialist Sara Holloway walk through a homeless camp Dec. 14 in Bradenton. Centerstone is a nonprofit that treats people with mental health or substance abuse issues.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Manatee County adds homeless outreach officer

Day or night, new Manatee County homeless outreach officer answers the call

  • East County
  • News
11-year-old Charlie Rayner practices riding with the help of his mom, Erin Rayner, the owner of Opportunity Farm. Charlie Rayner is riding 18-year-old Popcorn.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
EYE ON BUSINESS: New opportunities in East County

Riders of all ages jump at Opportunity Farm in east Bradenton

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 27, 2021
Leave your state’s misery behind

Will people moving to Florida bring with them the habits and policies of the places they are fleeing?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Every third grade teacher has made their new classroom their own. Joanne Sollazzo decorated hers with a cow theme. The teachers were able to move into the new addition over winter break.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
Teachers thrilled with Gene Witt addition

Eight classroom addition increases teaching opportunities at Gene Witt Elementary.

  • East County
  • News
Olivia Davis provides a scoring punch for Cardinal Mooney High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 27, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Mooney girls basketball elevates its play

The Cougars are primed for a deep postseason run.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
Burgers before football at UTC festival

Attendees enjoy endless variety of burgers at UTC Burger & Beer Festival

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 27, 2021
The threat to democracy

The sick irony: The winners are shutting down speech. Now we know who the fascists are.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 27, 2021
UTC Carnival thrills in a hurry

Winter Carnival attendees enjoy shorter lines thanks to small crowd

  • East County
  • Neighbors
May I have this dance? Carol latches on to Monica Welde.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 27, 2021
Clawing through the pandemic at Bearadise in Myakka City

Owner Monica Welde remains committed to sustaining the Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Greenbrook's Matt and Lisa Buck chow down on food from Cigar City Smokers during their first Ranch Nite Wednesdays. The food trucks at the event provide multiple options for people to indulge.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 27, 2021
Ranch Nite returns to Lakewood Ranch

Food trucks and cornhole among the draws for Ranch Nite Wednesdays at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • News
The School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases for more School District of Manatee County employees.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 26, 2021
School Board of Manatee County approves salary increases

Salary increases are approved for more School District of Manatee County supervisors, administrators, administrators and managers.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 26, 2021
School board selects new legal counsel

Attorneys from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick will replace Art Hardy after more than 20 years as general counsel.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Commissioner George Kruse, pictured at a Nov. 19 meeting, moved Jan. 26 to give administrator Cheri Coryea a 15 day notice of a vote to terminate her contract.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • January 26, 2021
Manatee County Commissioner admits affair, charges manipulation of his vote.

Manatee County commissioners move to vote on Administrator Cheri Coryea's job status for second time in three months.

  • East County
  • News
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
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