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Your Observer

The City Commission will convene Aug. 19 to discuss the discrimination complaints.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 13, 2020
City leaders to discuss discrimination complaints

Since late 2019, employees have accused the city’s finance director and auditoriums manager of improper workplace conduct.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 2021 Club Crew National Championships will be held July 9-11, 2021 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 13, 2020
National dragon boat event headed to Sarasota

National dragon boat event headed to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
As of Thursday morning, Longboat Key has a self-response rate of 36.9% for the 2020 U.S. Census. In 2010, the town had a response rate of 43.7%.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 13, 2020
Longboat Key leaders encourage residents to fill out census forms before Sept. 30 deadline

Longboat Key’s self-response rate of 36.9% ranks 370th out of 409 cities and towns in Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner said there has been a significant increase in interest for voting by mail in this year's election.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 13, 2020
Sarasota’s primary elections: What you need to know

Between the effects of COVID-19 and a switch to new election formats in the city and county, the Aug. 18 primary will be a new experience for voters.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although the City Commission planned to move Unconditional Surrender into storage during construction of a nearby roundabout, the city's Public Art Committee is recommending a permanent relocation off the bayfront.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 13, 2020
Art committee recommends moving Unconditional Surrender

As city leaders consider the long-term future of the bayfront artwork, there’s a push to move the sculpture to the Sahib Shriners property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City planners are centering safety in conversations about transportation in Sarasota, particularly when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 13, 2020
City planners consider traffic safety strategies

A partnership with the University of South Florida is one prong in a multifaceted plan for improving pedestrian and cycling safety in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 13, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 8.13.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: August 13

Eric Leininger captured this swan and cygnet at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside golf course.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lorenzo Liberti hand carves one of the 13 strips that will make the stripes of a 3-foot flag.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2020
Star spangled tribute from Lakewood Ranch teen

Lakewood Ranch student wants to put a hand carved flag in a hospital in every state in the country to show support for healthcare heroes.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Hopes, a School District of Manatee County board member, shows one of the masks that will be distributed as part of the Mask Up Manatee Coalition campaign to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2020
Coalition formed to help keep schools open in Manatee County

County agencies, businesses and schools partner to remind the public about CDC guidelines.

  • East County
  • News
Faith Bench, a math teacher at Braden River Middle School, has removed some of the desks in her classroom to ensure the desks will be spaced out six feet to practice social distancing. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 12, 2020
Learning to adapt in Lakewood Ranch-area schools

School District of Manatee County hopes to maintain standards while students concentrate on health guidelines.

  • East County
  • News
Erick Stevens will host an independent wrestling show on Aug. 22, which will be available to stream. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • August 12, 2020
Local professional wrestler loves the sport, not the flashiness

Erick Stevens is presenting a livestreamed wrestling event on Aug. 22 as part of his comeback tour.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bonnie Dowd and Georgios Amanatadis. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 12, 2020
Artist at work in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch boy works on painting skills for a possible future as an artist.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Corey DeAngelis and Adrian Moore
  • August 12, 2020
Lockdown highlights why we should fund students instead of school systems

Funding students directly allows less advantaged families to afford various schooling options.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Knights worked on a project Aug. 8 at the church. In the back row are Rick Kuebel, Mike Mahan and Vin Misciagna. In the front row are Gordon Shellhaas, Paul Palmeri and Rich Macklin.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 12, 2020
Knights representing Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church of Lakewood Ranch hammer out volunteer efforts

Knights representing Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church of Lakewood Ranch hammer out volunteer efforts.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch Elks Brett Davis, Jerry Ditty and Darrin Simone join Human Society at Lakewood Ranch Treasurer Nadine Stein before the mowing begins.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 12, 2020
Elks come to the rescue to help Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch

Elks come to the rescue to help the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This rendering shows possible property layouts for adding accessory dwelling units. Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 12, 2020
Accessory dwellings considered by Manatee

Dumped a year ago by commissioners, the concept of allowing one-bedroom units is being reconsidered.

  • East County
  • News
Dylan and James Brennan loaded several swordfish to be weighed.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 11, 2020
Sarasota Slam reels in fishing adventure

The annual tournament was held August 4 to 8.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rosedale Golf and Country Club resident Fred Booth said Rosedale maintains 87th Street East and residents would be upset if cement trucks use the entrance to get to State Road 70.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 11, 2020
Concrete plant approved on Lena Road

Some Rosedale residents concerned about future impacts.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • August 11, 2020
Harriet Bernbaum nee Harrison

Harriet Bernbaum nee Harrison, age 93, passed peacefully at home on August 7, 2020 surrounded by family.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 11, 2020
County to decide how to spend relief funds

The county has been approved to receive $18.9 million to assist with COVID-19 impacts, though it could receive up to $75.7 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Waffle Stop owner Dolly Hollinger has accrued a sizable collection of Elvis memorabilia over the years.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • August 11, 2020
Elvis Around Town: Sarasota remembers history with the King

On the 43rd anniversary of Presley's death, Sarasota recalls a glancing encounter with the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lift Station D at 521 Gulf Bay Road collects sewage from the town of Longboat Key and pumps it to a treatment facility next to the Manatee County Golf Course in Bradenton.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 11, 2020
State revises downward estimate of Longboat sewage spill

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is reporting about 17 million gallons of wastewater spilled in Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • August 11, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Playin’ all the hits . . . too loud

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The town of Longboat Key has posted several of these "wear a mask" signs throughout the island. Photo courtesy of Nat Kaemmerer.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 11, 2020
Longboat could renew mask order in late August

The town of Longboat Key's mandatory mask policy runs through the end of August.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Almeter loves his old cars. Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 11, 2020
History at work near Braden River

Car enthusiast sells beloved Model T.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Plastics from our environment end up in osprey nests and in their food supply. (Photo by Miri Hardy)
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 11, 2020
Bird of the week: Osprey

A year-round resident of Florida, the osprey is one of the few raptors to feed almost entirely on fish.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 16346 Daysailor Trail sold for $1,925,000. It has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,301 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of listing agent Barbara Najmy.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 10, 2020
Lake Club home tops sales at $1.925 million

Home sales strong for week of July 27-31 in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Brennan Asplen is sworn in as the new Sarasota County Schools superintendent while his wife Mari Ellen Asplen looks on.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • August 10, 2020
Asplen sworn in as Sarasota County Schools superintendent

Brennan Asplen said he's ready to begin work to ensure a safe reopening of schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The town's public beach parking has remained closed since the end of June.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 10, 2020
Longboat Key's public beach parking remains closed for at least two more weeks

Public beach parking, town facilities and many amenities will remain closed because of concerns about COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Built in 1999, the home at 1364 Harbor Drive has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,240 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 10, 2020
Harbor Acres property sells for $6.1 million

Residential real estate transactions for July 27-31.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Built in 1968, the Bird Key home at 402 Meadow Lark Drive has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,934 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 10, 2020
Bird Key home sells for just under $2 million

Residential real estate transactions for July 27-31.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 9, 2020
Longboat Key resident celebrates 95th birthday

Jimmy Loftis was presented with a parade of friends and well-wishers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Beach trash is pictured near the public beach access point at 100 Broadway Street.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • August 7, 2020
Longboat citizen group raises beach concerns

The Longboat Key Beach Task Force hopes to increase the parking citation free from $30.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Elaine Wheaton has a "go bag" for bay walks, including bug spray, clipboards for kids and adults to mark what they see and a grabber for picking up trash.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 7, 2020
At Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, pick an adventure, any adventure

Revamped Mote tours cater to individual families with a peak behind the scene.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tonya Atchison, Small Business Person (11 or more) winner Michael Garey and Emily Walsh
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • August 7, 2020
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce plans for Small Business Week

The Chamber is determined to honor its members, no matter what form the celebration takes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Longboat Key Turtle Watch members presented a nearly $12,000 donation to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to support rehabilitating sea turtles like Ellie, one of the current residents.
  • April 9, 2026
Restaurant collab supports Longboat Key Turtle Watch
2
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park
3
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short
4
  • April 9, 2026
Tax reform could mean 41% hit to city revenue fund
5
The home at 3621 San Remo Terrace was built in 2025 and has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,461 square feet of living area.
  • April 9, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

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