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Your Observer

Attendees including Carissa Marsh (right) paint the walkway at The Harvest Sarasota on Sept. 14.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 16, 2025
Volunteers paint Pride crosswalk at Harvest Sarasota church

The rainbow walkway at The Harvest Sarasota was created in response to the recent pavement art ban by the Florida Department of Transportation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Samantha Biggs, an assistant principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, received the 2025 Yale Educator Award after being nominated by former student Addison Shea, who now attends Yale University.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 16, 2025
LRHS instructor nominated for Yale award by former student

Samantha Biggs, now the assistant principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, received the 2025 Yale Educator Award.

  • East County
  • Schools
Joel Morris poses for a photo during a Sept. 16 practice. The senior is a dual-threat quarterback for Booker football, and put on a dominant display in Week 4.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • September 16, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Joel Morris

The senior quarterback tossed four touchdowns in a big-time Week 4 victory for Booker football.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Brady Cleveland of Out-of-Door Academy football poses for a photo. The wide receiver/defensive back is averaging 24.2 yards per catch through four games this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • September 16, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Brady Cleveland

Brady Cleveland has dictated The Out-of-Door Academy football's passing game as a sophomore

  • East County
  • Sports
The damage to Bayfront Park from hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated at $1.15 million.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 16, 2025
Sarasota signs contractor for hurricane-related paving repairs

The Sarasota City Commission approves a $7.5 million agreement with Ajax Paving Industries for recovery work related to the 2024 hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kratom products are displayed in a case at Wild Smoke Shop off of State Road 64. Kratom can be bought in a variety of forms from powders to drinks.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 16, 2025
Manatee County debates banning kratom and other designer drugs

Commissioners are undecided, but the sheriff and state attorney are in support of regulations.

  • East County
  • News
A street sign marking the 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive owned by the town will remain for now as discussions on whether to rename the main thoroughfare are underway
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 16, 2025
Longboat Parkway was almost the Key's main road name

It wasn't always Gulf of Mexico Drive. Town Council minutes from 1957 show the name Longboat Parkway scribbled out by hand, with Gulf of Mexico Drive scrawled above.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 1162 Blue Shell Loop sold for $3,613,900. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,452 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 16, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 1-5 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in Wild Blue at Waterside topped the week’s sales at $3.61 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Author Alan Cross signs his newly released second book, "Tales from the Island: The Kingfish Boat Ramp Murders," on Sept. 13 at Three Island Monkeys.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 16, 2025
Local author aims to shed light on cold-case murders

Writer Alan Cross visited Longboat Key's Three Island Monkeys for a signing event for his second published work.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Police respond to Longboat home after snake slithers in
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 16, 2025
Police respond to Longboat home after snake slithers in

Snakes, flying planks, night terrors and pickup attempts prompted calls to police on the Key in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Allan Knight resigned as Cardinal Mooney head volleyball coach after a 6-5 start to the 2025 season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • September 15, 2025
Knight resigns as Cardinal Mooney volleyball coach

Allan Knight held the position for just over a year before stepping down as Leah Mihm takes over in interim role.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 15, 2025
Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence

A 14-year-old allegedly posted on Snapchat stating he was going to shoot people at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • News
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is opening its SEA site in early October.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
For the serious cyclist, staying in top condition is the best reason for why they enjoy the type of extreme exercise.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • September 15, 2025
The exercise you choose should be about pleasure, not a chore

It's important to find a physical activity you like or at least don’t hate and pursue it with pleasure.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota couple arrested on child neglect charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 15, 2025
Sarasota couple arrested on child neglect charges

Found day drinking outside and testing positive for narcotics, SPD and state investigators arrest couple after finding a child locked in a room.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hollway oversees a practice during fall 2025. Under the fourth-year coach, ODA has never finished shy of the SSAA state semifinals in three completed seasons.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • September 15, 2025
Rob Hollway looks comfortable and thriving as ODA football's CEO

The fourth-year Thunder coach is on pace for another stellar season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jenny and Mike Schenk are husband and wife and co-owners of Pineapple Kitchen.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 15, 2025
Manasota BUDS reaps harvest of Pineapple Kitchen's special event

Mac and cheese, apple fritters and hot toddies were on the menu to raise money for the nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A proposal that could eliminate property taxes in the state of Florida, would damage the funding of Longboat Key police and fire departments.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 15, 2025
Mayor says Longboat Key will suffer without property taxes

DeSantis has spoken on the possibility of eliminating property taxes altogether. But local leaders worry about how they would pay for police and fire without their largest revenue stream.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The damage to Whitaker Gateway Park from hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated at $1.5 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 15, 2025
Sarasota launches park recovery update website

Sarasota's new website allows residents to track the progress of storm damage repairs at 14 coastal parks and assets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bradenton photographer Jimmy Chadsey hangs a painting on the wall.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 14, 2025
Artists showcase unique creations at St. Armands Art Festival

The festival with craft marketplace brought an assortment of puzzles, NASA photos and even unzipped rocks..

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Siesta Key's Linda and Larry Keefe attend the Men Wear Pink event to support Pete Vosler of First Physicians Group, who lost both of his grandmothers to cancer.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 14, 2025
Pink is perfect for breast cancer fundraiser at The Mall at UTC

Men Wear Pink makes a fashion statement to support the American Cancer Society.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Event Chair Cassandra Hafner and Manatee County Medical Society President Kinga Porter set the tone for the gala with dramatic red dresses.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2025
And the Oscar goes to charity in Lakewood Ranch

The Manatee County Medical Society Gala has an "Oscars" theme at the Grove Ballroom.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Columbia Restaurant’s fourth-generation owner Casey Gonzmart Sr., believes that passion and fun are essential in running a restaurant empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 14, 2025
Family legacy at Columbia Restaurant carries to next generation

Casey Gonzmart Sr. is passing the torch to family members as he steps down as chairman of the board of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch search turns up no armed person
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch search turns up no armed person

A suspicious person report south of University Parkway prompts deputy response.

  • East County
  • News
Lido Key is among the highest trending fall vacation rental in the country, according to vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 13, 2025
Lido Key ranks among top trending fall vacation destinations

With online searches more the tripling the year prior, vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo rates the Sarasota barrier island sixth in trending growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plymouth Harbor resident Joslyn Kirkegaard purchases a painting by Barbara Jendrysik at the debut art exhibition evening organized by the local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women on Sept. 9 at Plymouth Harbour. The show will be open for the next few months.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 13, 2025
Longboat exhibition to showcase multimedia artists

The local branch of the National League of American Pen Women is showcasing some of the latest works by local artists for the next two months.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Jason Bearden wants money released from Manatee County's reserves that are nearing $1 billion.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 13, 2025
Manatee County moves to cut millage rate as reserves rise

Following three hurricanes in 2024, Manatee County has nearly $1 billion set aside for reserves in fiscal year 2026.

  • East County
  • News
Wilkinson Elementary operates at about 50% capacity, prompting school officials to consider closing it and sending students to three other under-capacity schools.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 13, 2025
Wilkinson Elementary closure part of broader plan, Sarasota superintendent says

By November, the Sarasota School Board could decide on closing the school and moving central office there.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Jim Whitman performs at the 2022 Kiwanis Lawn Party. The 20-year Longboat Key resident who often shared his musical talents on the Key died Sunday.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 13, 2025
Jim Whitman's death leaves Longboat community void of song

“Dr. Jim” was a longtime presence on Longboat Key known for his community involvement and on-pitch vocals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nearly 300 grams of cocaine, or about 10.5 ounces, was seized from a home in Sarasota, authorities said.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 12, 2025
Manatee, Sarasota agents make cocaine-trafficking arrest

Raids at locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties resulted in seized cocaine and the arrest of a Bradenton man.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Aqua Plumbing & Air
  • September 12, 2025
Storm Ready, Comfort Steady Aqua Plumbing & Air does it all, and has since 1974

“It’s called preparedness for a reason,” says Stephens. “We want to make sure families are ready before the storm and taken care of after.”

  • Hurricane Season
Sponsored Content
Sarasota County Commissioner Tom Knight was the lone dissenting vote in first vote approval of the county's fiscal year 2026 budget.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • September 12, 2025
Sarasota County budget first vote approval falls short of unanimous

Sarasota County Commissioner Tom Knight voted against approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget over capital spending objections.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Volunteer Peter Bonk spools out line for the grid-based search for scallops in Sarasota Bay during the Great Scallop Search of 2025.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 12, 2025
Great Scallop Search yields 20 sightings in Sarasota Bay

Despite spotting plenty of healthy seagrass habitat, volunteer snorkelers said scallops remain fairly scarce in Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A partially destroyed home in the Twin Shores community on Longboat Key after Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 12, 2025
Free permits for Longboat storm damage likely to extend

Going against staff recommendation, town commissioners said they plan to introduce a resolution that will keep the permit fee waiver for hurricane-related repairs through December.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 12, 2025
Manatee School Board approves $245,000 superintendent contract

Laurie Breslin also has incentives in her contract, a point of contention with two school board members.

  • East County
  • Schools
Charlie Kirk, left, and Chris Pavlovski share the stage at a Turning Point USA event. Pavloski, chairman and CEO of the video platform Rumble, said Kirk was an early investor in Rumble and played a large part in bringing Rumble's headquarters to Longboat Key.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • September 12, 2025
Charlie Kirk was influential in bringing Rumble to Longboat Key

Chris Pavlovski, the chairman and CEO of the YouTube competitor popular in the right-wing political sphere, said he and Kirk decided to relocate the company to Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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