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Your Observer

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 1, 2020
Time for silence to end

The Fourth of July is a time for the silent majority to begin reasserting its voice for a strong defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the 75 products available at AltMed MUV.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

AltMed MUV cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
Those who participated gave special attention to social distancing.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Group health — 6 feet apart in Lakewood Ranch

Public yoga sessions bring Lakewood Ranch community together during difficult times.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the new store in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
New joint in Bradenton signifies how our society adapts to change

AltMed MUV comes to Bradenton to fill a market need for medical cannabis.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Longboat Key has posted signs around town urging residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 30, 2020
Longboat plans Thursday vote on mask rule

Emergency rule would take effect immediately, if approved at special meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home in Cypress Creek Estates sold for $860,000. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,771 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of listing agent Lisa Morreale.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 30, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area residential real estate transactions June 15-19

Cypress Creek Estates home tops sales at $860,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The City Commission gathered for a special remote meeting to discuss the proposed mask ordinance.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 29, 2020
Sarasota City Commission approves mask requirements

In a 4-1 vote, the commission adopted an ordinance mandating face coverings when social distancing is not possible in public settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key's public beach parking closed in mid-March until June 1. It will closed again on Tuesday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key beach parking to close Tuesday

The closures will likely extend beyond the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SunCoast Blood Centers is urging those recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area blood bank needs plasma from COVID-19 survivors

Lakewood Ranch blood bank officials say plasma levels are 'critical.'

  • East County
  • News
The Paradise Center executive director Suzy Brenner is shown taking a selfie with a mask. The facility is one of three in Longboat Key distributing free masks to the public. Photo Courtesy: Suzy Brenner, The Paradise Center
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key leaders encourage mask usage

As of Monday, the town of Longboat Key is not mandating mask usage to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 29, 2020
Community members can take part in superintendent interviews

Community members will be able to watch livestream of superintendent interviews and submit questions for a community forum.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Anne Roberts.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key readers rejoice in time enough at last

Anne Roberts has no shortage of quarantine reads.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Temple executive director Isaac Azerad, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and new temple president Stuart Sinai at an event in 2019.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 29, 2020
Stuart Sinai becomes Temple Beth Israel president

He was installed via Zoom in May.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2020
Need a mask? Have one

Fire department makes free masks available at Station 91's front door.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 26, 2020
Bringing home baby

Longboat's little ones head to the sea.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Visitors to Sarasota Memorial Hospital will be required to pass a temperature check as part of the facility's screening procedures. Image courtesy Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
Sarasota sets one-day high for COVID-19 cases

As the number of positive tests continues to rise locally, Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced it is once again restricting visitors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although some businesses, including Artisan Cheese Company, are already requiring the use of masks, new city regulations could mandate face coverings in all indoor settings when social distancing is not possible.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 26, 2020
UPDATE: City set to discuss proposed mask requirements Monday

As COVID-19 cases rise locally, the commission will consider an ordinance mandating face coverings in indoor and outdoor settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said her proposed budget includes a 7.1% increase in the property tax base. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 26, 2020
Manatee County administrator presents $710.7 million budget to commissioners

More Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies included in $710.7 million FY 2021 budget.

  • East County
  • News
    A time to celebrate |
  • June 25, 2020
Tully & Bonnie

The Fourth of July pet costume parade is cancelled but Tully the Irish setter, owned by Eileen Kamerick and Vic Heckler, and Bonnie the Westie, owned by Barbara Kuzmich, all of Bay Isles, are celebrating anyway.

  • Longboat Key
  • Celebrations
The School District of Manatee County is planning to have elementary students fully return to school in the fall while middle and high schools will have hybrid classes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 25, 2020
Manatee school district lays out recommended reopening plan

Elementary students to return fully to school while middle and high schools will have hybrid classes.

  • East County
  • News
The home at 3936 Roberts Point Road was built in 2015 with four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,114 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 25, 2020
Siesta Key home sells for $4.175 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 15-19.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Siesta Key residents worry the proposed mixed-use project will exacerbate traffic in the area.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Siesta Promenade appeal heard in 2nd District Court of Appeal

The plaintiff's attorney argued that Sarasota County commissioners did not follow the proper procedure when approving the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 232-unit living site is proposed for on an 11-acre parcel in Palmer Rancn.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Proposed development on Honore causes concern for neighbors

The proposed development would bring 232 multifamily units for residents age 55 and older.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Beth Duda is the host of "This Book is Cool!" an online show that promotes summer learning.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Patterson Foundation connects with summer readers online

"This Book is Cool!" is an online show that helps students connect with books over the summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
School board keeps five finalists, talks contract details

All five remaining candidates will visit Sarasota for in person interviews June 30 through July 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Breeze back on the road

After weeks of no service, the county began running the Siesta Key trolley again.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 450 Meadow Lark Drive was built in 2017 with four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,420 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 25, 2020
Bird Key home sells for $3.8 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 15-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 25

Martina Schmidt captured this beautiful sunset on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: June 25

Kevin French captured these ducks out for a swim at Celery Fields.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
East County weather page photo: June 25

Richard Bottorff captured this mockingbird having a sip of nectar from a white bird of paradise in Rye Wilderness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 25, 2020
No to mandatory masks

Instead of more dictatorial mandates telling us how to live our lives, Sarasota’s elected officials could engage civic and business leaders and use their bully pulpits to urge citizens to act responsibly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Residents of The Mark, which opened earlier this year, have expressed concerns about the potential impact of Tavern on Main Brewery, which plans to open early next year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Noise concerns raise questions about downtown balance

A group of condo owners is worried about potential sound issues, but a city commissioner says the heart of the city was built for a mix of activity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Miranda Prouty is an employee at Pixie Dust, a downtown store that requires masks for entry. Pixie Dust workers said they saw the masks as a step that helped ensure the safety of their customers.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Rising COVID-19 numbers draw response from Sarasota leaders

City officials are considering making masks mandatory, while county staff is relying on the public to exercise good judgment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kyle Van Frank and Will Luera pose on stage in a promotional image for FST Improv's Triple Play. One safety precaution taken: minimizing the number of people involved in the production. Photo courtesy Sarah Haley.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Reopening questions loom large for venues, attractions

As some local institutions welcome visitors back, others are working together on strategies for opening safely — whenever that's possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Based on the commission's input, City Manager Tom Barwin said he is revising his vision for an initiative focused on addressing major community issues.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
City manager pitches community conversations

A skeptical City Commission asked for more details before moving forward with the concept.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 6.25.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
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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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