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Your Observer

O'Mariah Gordon has signed with FSU.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 13, 2020
Braden River girls basketball star signs with FSU

Gordon is the top-ranked player in Florida.

  • East County
  • Sports
Engines and fire trucks had to contend with
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 13, 2020
High water vehicles, beach rescue vehicles used with Eta responses

More than 30 Village homes experienced flooding.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
for 1A
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 13, 2020
Welcome back, Sarasota!

Here's a snapshot of some of the news you missed while you were away.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The National Hurricane Center had issued a tropical storm warning for Sarasota and Manatee counties Wednesday morning.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2020
Eta news and updates

The latest stories on Tropical Storm Eta coverage for Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although portions of the parking lot and beach access at Ted Sperling Park were still underwater Thursday afternoon, the city said all major streets were reopen following Tropical Storm Eta.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2020
City, county assess Tropical Storm Eta’s effects

Although the region avoided the worst of the storm, officials responded to reports of flooding and debris Wednesday and Thursday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key town commissioners appointed Debra Williams to serve on the town's Planning and Zoning Board in May 2018.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • November 12, 2020
Longboat Key elections 2021: Five questions with Debra Williams

Debra Williams is running for the District 4 Longboat Key town commissioner seat.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 12, 2020
Regent Court home sells for $10.5 million

Mediterranean designed estate features 150 feet of gulf frontage.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The School District of Manatee County has decided to reopen Friday.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 12, 2020
Manatee County schools reverse course on closing

After moving to e-learning for a day due to Tropical Storm Eta, the School District of Manatee County is reopening Friday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: November 12

Richard Bottorff captured this cardinal perched on a plant at Selby Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: November 12

Deborah McGillen captured a calm day from Bayfront Park on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 12, 2020
Amendment would allow legal use of fireworks

If approved, residents over the age of 18 would be able to use fireworks on July 4, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 12, 2020
Sarasota teachers to see pay increase

Following a state directive, the base salary for starting teachers will be $47,500 and all other teachers will see a raise.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2020
East County weather page photo: November 12

Debi Lander captured this four-spotted pennant at Heron’s Nest in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Nat Kaemmerer and Mark Bergin
  • November 12, 2020
Village residents deal with effects of a night of flooding

Residents clean homes, plan for places to live as repairs begin.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 12, 2020
County boosts limit on federal relief limit for individuals

The amount of grants for individual assistance doubled from $5,000 to $10,000.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Emma Weyant won the 400 IM at the USA Swimming Nationals at Stanford University in 2019. It was the sixth fastest time in the world last year. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 12, 2020
Weyant and other Olympic hopefuls swim in Sarasota

Lochte among those expected for the 2020 Toyota U.S. Open.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Junior receiver Omari Hayes, here cutting through Southeast High's defense, is a key for Riverview's offense.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 12, 2020
Sarasota football playoff preview

Each team is in action Friday night.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Members of the Sarasota High state champion swim team said they celebrated until 3 a.m.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 12, 2020
Prose and Kohn: Sailors boys swimmers win state title

They did so while winning zero individual gold medals.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 12, 2020
Voters deserve the truth

The integrity of the national election process far outweighs Biden’s unofficial victory claim.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 12, 2020
A shoutout to Florida’s elections officials and staffs

With each screw-up, elections supervisors and the Legislature reformed and refined the system to the point now that Florida’s elections system is a national model and gold standard.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 12, 2020
Longboat flooding prompts some to head to shelters

Town leaders performing islandwide assessment today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A waste transfer station will need to open by the time Manatee County closes the landfill at Lena Road and opens a new one, likely at the far eastern reaches of the county.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 11, 2020
Manatee County doesn't waste time planning closure of east Bradenton landfill

Transfer station will be needed when Manatee County closes landfill

  • East County
  • News
Ceremony participants posed for a photo.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • November 11, 2020
Veterans groups recognize service at Veterans Day ceremony

Supporters gathered at VFW Post 3233 on Nov. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Earlier today, the city of Sarasota shared images of flooding on Lido Key roads. The Sarasota Police Department later announced travel restrictions onto and off of the barrier islands. Photo courtesy city of Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 11, 2020
Update: Police say all roads and bridges are open

The Sarasota Police Department announced it is limiting travel via the John Ringling Causeway and New Pass Bridge to residents and emergency traffic.

  • Sarasota
  • News
At 3 p.m. on Wednesday in front of the Moose Club on Bradenton Beach, with Tropical Storm Eta ready to make landfall, this man ignored riptide and storm surge warnings to do some surfing.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 11, 2020
Manatee County not suffering a direct hit from Eta, so far

Eta not causing major damage in Manatee County as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

  • East County
  • News
Standing water was rising on the island as of Wednesday morning around 11:30 a.m.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • November 11, 2020
Longboat Key makes preparations ahead of Eta

The town of Longboat Key is not planning to evacuate as of noon Wednesday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Emily Walsh spoke to an in-person audience of one in Chamber President Gail Loefgren, but more attended via Zoom. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 11, 2020
Longboat Chamber postpones Small Business awards luncheon

The annual Small Business Week had wrapped up its seminars and had only the luncheon left.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The most recent warning was issued after a waterspout was identified offshore near Gulf Gate Estates at 4:58 p.m. Image via National Weather Service.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 11, 2020
UPDATE: More tornado warnings issued for Sarasota, Manatee

For the third time today, the National Weather Service is advising those in the affected area to take cover, this time through 5:30 p.m.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Bay waters remained relatively calm on Wednesday, though heavy rains fell.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 11, 2020
Sarasota County encourages shelter in place

For now, residents are encouraged to say indoors or seek alternate evacuation plans to avoid COVID-19 exposure.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mike Whincup and Antonio Ferracini. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 11, 2020
A wheelie fun Halloween in Lakewood Ranch

Members of Lakewood Ranch's Village Idiot Cycling Club dress up during their Halloween ride.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Giving Alliance of Myakka City Director Rose Riggle (left) and Myakka City Fire Department Chief Daniel Cacchiotti were instrumental in obtaining the Aeroclave RDS 3110 via a CARES Act grant.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 11, 2020
Myakka puts COVID-19 grants to work

Myakka organizations can use new machine to fight COVID-19

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 11, 2020
Eta prompts early school closing in Sarasota

Manatee district says school buildings will close on Thursday and Friday, with distance learning still under way.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County emergency officials say the Lakewood-ranch area should see little impact, other than some high winds and downed limbs, from Eta.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 11, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area expected to see minimal effects of Hurricane Eta

Fast-moving storm Eta has put low-lying and island communities on watch, but flooding not expected in eastern Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Kristy Kaufman captures people's attention with the outfit she's modeling.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 11, 2020
Tara fashion on the runway in east Bradenton

Tara Golf and Country Club hosts fall fashion show to raise money for charity.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 11, 2020
Summer just zoomed by, but we're glad you're back

A look at some of the stories that made a difference while you were gone.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Austin, Barbara and Noah Siffermann are excited for the Veterans Day assembly.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 11, 2020
A Tara Elementary salute

An east Bradenton school celebrates Veterans Day with annual performance.

  • East County
  • News
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