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Your Observer

VPA director Rebecca Abrahamson and VPA Theatre Chairman Scott Keys stand where a new lobby could be added.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 23, 2020
Booker VPA seeks $22 million renovation

The $22.5 million upgrade would add a mezzanine, classroom space, a larger lobby and a black box theater.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Innovation Station operates out of the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering facility located at 1468 Boulevard of the Arts.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 23, 2020
Innovation Station receives another $1.2 million

The program helps support the growth of high-tech, high-wage jobs in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renovations at the Bee Ridge Facility are among the county's largest expenses for the next fiscal year.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • July 23, 2020
Sheriff budget, project requests grow as county budget tightens

The Sheriff's Office budget is projected to grow by $3.2 million and the county will push forward on renovations to the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Here is a rendering of the new South Fire Station 92. It is scheduled to open in April 2021.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 23, 2020
Zoning Board approves variance for south fire station

The new building for Fire Station 92 at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive is scheduled to open in April 2021.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jammie Jordan is the new girls soccer coach at Booker High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 23, 2020
Booker girls soccer coach brings fresh approach

Jammie Jordan brings experience from football to help rebuild a program in disarray.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Although Mote has touted more than $75 million in commitments toward the project, county officials could revisit a crucial contribution because of budgetary challenges. Image courtesy Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 23, 2020
Public funds for Mote aquarium not set in stone

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced a September groundbreaking for a new facility in Nathan Benderson Park, but the county’s financial support isn’t fully locked in.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Starbucks offers a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 22, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area Starbucks see temporary closures

Two Starbucks locations in Sarasota, Manatee possibly impacted by COVID-19.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County commissioners will talk again about mask requirements July 27.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 22, 2020
Manatee County to consider mask mandate

Manatee commissioners torn between personal responsibility and need to promote public safety.

  • East County
  • News
The Granary general manager Hector Liemann adds powdered sugar to an order of French toast.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 22, 2020
Pandemic creates recipe for change in Lakewood Ranch

Restaurants adapting to new business climate in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
Out-of-Door Academy rising seniors Reece Whatmore and Supawadee Surattanont explain their work to address red tide with Joaquim Goes, a Columbia University professor. Students will return for in-person classes Aug. 25. File photo
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 22, 2020
Back to campus for ODA students

Out-of-Door Academy's new middle school facility provides enough space for students to be social distanced.

  • East County
  • News
Isabella Macias, a graduating senior at Braden River High School, will sprinkle space references into her speech because of her love for space. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 22, 2020
Message of resilience to East County graduates

East County high school graduation speakers will remind classmates of their resilience through pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz said the hospital isn't near capacity yet due to COVID-19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 22, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center busy, but not maxed out

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center busy, but not maxed out because of COVID-19

  • East County
  • Opinion
Allison Maulfair and Spencer Mauk.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 22, 2020
Local grads tackle new college sport

Flag football added by NAIA member institutions.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch community development district supervisors hope going to a partially automated gate system for the Country Club will save money and solve entry problems. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 22, 2020
Lakewood Ranch IDA budget includes gate changes

Some projects put on hold due to pandemic.

  • East County
  • News
The Dienna family (Maria, Denise, Michael, Ava, Nicki and Matt) advocate for school to start with complete e-learning.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 22, 2020
Virtual woes confound School District of Manatee County

Students' needs must be assessed before being able to move completely online.

  • East County
  • News
Mote released a new rendering of its planned Science and Education Aquarium on Thursday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 22, 2020
Whale of an aquarium project begins in Sarasota

Mote to break ground in September on $130 million aquarium in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Science Center student volunteers Mia Merrell, Rylan Monge, Natalie Carrion, Max Fischer, Rocket Burns, Julia Chen, Pragnya Govindu and Claire Wang encourage people to donate on July 29. Courtesy Photo
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 22, 2020
Suncoast Science Center and SunCoast Blood Centers to host blood donation drive

The joint partnership blood drive will be on July 29.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 21, 2020
Riverview High School celebrates graduating seniors

Seniors accepted their diplomas at a distanced ceremony July 21.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The city plans to renovate the Bobby Jones Golf Club property in April 2021, a project expected to cost $21.4 million.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 21, 2020
City staff turns away Bobby Jones lease offer

A proposal from a private group interested in operating Bobby Jones Golf Club did not make it to the City Commission for review.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Realtor Donna Soda of the Soda-Stavola Group said her favorite part of the home is the massive lanai. Photo by Jay Heater
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 21, 2020
Lots of luxury living being sold in Lakewood Ranch area

Luxury home market thriving in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Brian Lipton
  • By Brian Lipton
  • July 21, 2020
My View: Graffiti attacks bolster resolve to assertively attack antisemitism

Improve hate-crime reporting, commit resources to bring those responsible to justice.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Justin Matthews said the alligator was about 7 feet long.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 21, 2020
Alligator freed from soccer net in Lakewood Ranch area

Alligator trapped in soccer net in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
FHSAA opts to keep July 27 start date for fall sports.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 21, 2020
FHSAA opts to keep July 27 start date for fall sports

The decision goes against recommendations from the organization's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

  • East County
  • Sports
Closure of a turn lane on eastbound Gulfstream Boulevard had a detrimental effect on traffic during the winter.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 20, 2020
Town leaders drive home point about Sarasota traffic plan

Sarasota city commissioners will have to consider another version of the Sarasota In Motion Transportation Master Plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lynn Larson
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 20, 2020
Kiwanis Club writes check to Children’s Guardian Fund

The club has always focused on children’s education and this $10,000 check is the next step.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 20, 2020
Literary Longboat

The Boxser Diversity Initiative is bringing a literary festival to Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 20, 2020
Concession project on Manatee County commission agenda

Manatee County commissioners to consider Concession and Lakewood Ranch development projects.

  • East County
  • News
Carolyn Michel
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 20, 2020
'Mango Queen' can't explain her crop, but she's happy to share

As long as she’s lived in her St. Armands Key house, Carolyn Michel has reaped the benefits of the mango trees out front.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River High School Class of 2019 graduates watch a slideshow during graduation. Members of Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High School's Class of 2019 had advice to share with this year's graduates. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 20, 2020
Dear Class of 2020...

Lakewood Ranch-area 2019 graduates share advice on how to succeed after high school.

  • East County
  • News
Blue daze on a bush at the park's front.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • July 20, 2020
Check out Durante Park to meet your natural neighbors

An informed walk-through of some of the trails of Joan M. Durante Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Signage outside of Publix requires most customers to wear a mask upon entering the store.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 19, 2020
Publix to require customers wear masks starting Tuesday

There are exceptions to Publix's mandatory mask policy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 19, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: The ups and downs of a portable sign

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Unit 101 condominium at 4750 Ocean Blvd. was built in 2019 with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 4,439 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 19, 2020
Oceane condo sells for $4.05 million

Residential real estate transactions for July 6-10.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Predators and development have harmed snowy plovers' ability to nest in peace.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 17, 2020
Bird of the Week: Snowy plovers

The snowy plover's nesting season runs through August.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 47 S. Washington Drive was built in 1927 with three bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,956 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 17, 2020
St. Armands home tops sales at $3.25 million

Top real estate transactions for the week of July 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Sarasota Bay is pictured Tuesday, July 14, 2020, near Susan Veshosky's home on Spanish Drive North. She does not think the "foul" smell is related to the June sewage break. Photo Courtesy of Susan Veshosky.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 17, 2020
Sewage break prompts Longboat Key resident concerns

The town of Longboat Key was required to submit materials to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection about June’s sewage break in Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Thomas H Wentz
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
  • April 9, 2026
Tax reform could mean 41% hit to city revenue fund

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