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Your Observer

Former MLB player Ian Desmond was hired to coach the Lakewood Ranch High baseball team on May 21.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 27, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High adds major-league experience with baseball coach

Ian Desmond, a Sarasota native, is embracing a new chapter with the Mustangs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Democracy takes foresight and forethought
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 27, 2025
Democracy takes foresight and forethought

One should consider the consequences before making a decision, a reader says.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Officer Dallas Troyer points out the buoys that clearly mark the vessel exclusionary zone. Still, the area is a problem for the marine patrol unit.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 27, 2025
Longboat Key Police Department continues to expand marine patrol unit

Now up to almost eight marine-patrol-trained officers, the department hopes to have a larger presence on the waters around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Officers investigate report of fishermen spitting in Gulf
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 27, 2025
Officers investigate report of fishermen spitting in Gulf

The complainant said the group was throwing objects and spitting in the water, prompting police response. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
David Quintano
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 27, 2025
Army vet receives refurbished car through NABC Recycled Ride program

David Quintano says the vehicle, refurbished by Crash Champions Sarasota, will shorten his two-hour commute to work, to 10 minutes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This is a finished section of the river. The water was barely visible before.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 27, 2025
'Tons of debris' removed from Braden River

Contractors cleared downed trees and debris from River Club Boulevard to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
A Country Club village home at 7028 Lacantera Circle sold for $2.3 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,518 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 27, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for May 12-16 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Lindrick Lane topped the week’s sales at $4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sarasota Military Academy students Skyler Selby, Nathan New, Aiden Blair, Benson Van and Desmond Hunter walk in the procession.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 26, 2025
Memorial Day Parade carries on a tradition of remembrance

The parade brought together local law enforcement agencies, first responders, organizations and government officials.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gemma Briggs plays the bagpipes while accompanied by Rear Commodore Saul Landesberg, Jay Plager and Vice Commodore Tony Britt during Bird Key Yacht Club's tribute to the fallen for Memorial Day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 26, 2025
Bird Key honors fallen heroes Memorial Day weekend

Bagpipe instrumentalist Gemma Briggs offers special tribute with patriotic songs, remembering her family members who served.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The current Longboat Key Fire Rescue boat is from 2011, and it's time for a new one, said Fire Chief Paul Dezzi.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 26, 2025
Longboat Fire Rescue Department hopes to purchase new rescue boat

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said it’s time to replace the boat with a new, more efficient boat for marine rescue calls.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The proposed apartments along North Tamiami Trail at 16th and 17th streets are outlined in red. The Strand condominiums are located to the left of the site along Whitaker Bayou.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 26, 2025
Planning Board sides with The Strand residents against apartment project

A developer proposes 58 apartments between North Tamiami Trail and The Strand condos in a matter to be settled by the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Phlebotomists Kierrah Stanford and Diana Lemus staff the SunCoast Blood Centers' "bloodmobile" stationed outside of Longboat Key Town Hall on May 21.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 26, 2025
Longboaters appreciate convenience of blood donation

SunCoast Blood Centers volunteers continue outreach efforts throughout the year on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Walter Breuggeman with the Florida Department of Transportation and traffic engineering consultant Samuel Berkman give a presentation to Rosedale residents May 21.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 26, 2025
FDOT addresses traffic concerns at State Road 70 and Lena Road

Rosedale residents asked for solutions to make it safer for them to exit their neighborhood.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River rising senior Nick Cinelli made an impact on both sides of the ball in the Pirates' spring game with a touchdown and two interceptions.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 26, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Nick Cinelli

Cinelli had eight receptions, a touchdown and two interceptions for Braden River.

  • East County
  • Sports
Libby Moser poses with her father Teddy Moser, brother and graduate Charles Moser, mother Erin Moser, sister and graduate Collier Moser, and brother Teddy Moser.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 25, 2025
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School celebrates 2025 graduates

Over 200 students graduated at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Tommy Madi of Slim Chickens, which provided food at the event, and his friend Maria Guardado, walk over the Ringling Bridge.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 25, 2025
Memorial Day hike crosses Ringling Bridge in honor of the fallen

Hosted by SRQ Vets, the event also featured a giveaway of two vehicles to military veterans in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Despite major damage to his Westwinds home, Jimmy Gula still loves his neighborhood.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 25, 2025
Home repairs complete a week before the new Atlantic hurricane season

Westwinds' Jimmy Gula is uneasy but hopeful that Hurricane Milton was a once-a-century storm.

  • East County
  • News
Porshia Lococo and Meredith Piazza, two of the leaders with Riverview High School's Cyesis parenting program, speak with members of Longboat Island Chapel who held a donation drive this month.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 25, 2025
From diapers to daycare, parent program offers holistic assistance

Longboat Island Chapel is supporting parents at Riverview High School with this month's Gather and Give drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Virtual tours are now offered at UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for both in-person and online visitors.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 25, 2025
Virtual tours now offered at UF/IFAS Extension

Self-guided tours now offered by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County on a range of educational topics from landscaping to sustainability both in person and online.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Head of school Debra Otey congratulates co-salutatorian Josey Rubinstein on graduating. Rubinstein was honored as a U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic American, signifying excellence in academics and athletics.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 24, 2025
ODA graduates reflect on the road ahead

The top graduates of ODA were heavily involved in horseback riding, sports and stem based activities while maintaining success in the classroom.

  • East County
  • Schools
Susan Phillips and Cyndi Seamon volunteer to help replant the Butterfly Garden at Bicentennial Park early in the morning. Replanting efforts continue this week.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 24, 2025
Work on Butterfly Garden restoration gets underway

Volunteers showed up this week to replant the Butterfly Garden at Bicentennial Park on Longboat Key, and they're starting work on the wider park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A rendering by Kimmich Smith Architecture of Saravela, which is planned between Fourth and Fifth streets at North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 24, 2025
North Tamiami multifamily project wins alley vacation

A developer worked with concerned residents on concessions to win support for plans to build 282-unit Saravela.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A single family home catches fire May 21. The home was under construction in Wild Blue at Waterside.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 23, 2025
Home under construction catches fire in Lakewood Ranch

The home is located in Wild Blue at Waterside.

  • East County
  • News
The ride proceeds along Ringling Boulevard.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 23, 2025
Bikers ride through downtown to honor cyclist victims of roadway accidents

The annual Ride of Silence is held by Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club and the Village Idiots Cycling Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Seventh grade students at Haile Middle School Cooper Gallegos, Connor Willats, Joshua Parker, Sofia Laubacker and Amelia Cendere make up team "Charlie."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 23, 2025
East County robotics teams perform well at world championships

Haile Middle placed third in its division, and Mona Jain Middle placed second in its division for teamwork.

  • East County
  • Schools
Construction crews work on removing the last group of overhead wires and poles before summer 2025.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 23, 2025
Longboat hopes to close undergrounding project near end of June

The last piece to finish is pole removal, which is slated to wrap up around June 30 or early July.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The parcel breakdown by developer Newtown Gateway of the Marian Anderson site.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2025
City sale of Marian Anderson property inches closer

A developer plans to build a medical plaza and light industrial use on the former unlicensed landfill in Newtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Euphemia Haye Restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, reopens tonight.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 22, 2025
Euphemia Haye says it will reopen on Friday

Social media post announces reopening for Memorial Day weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Potbelly specializes in sandwiches. It also sells salads, soups, shakes and cookies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 22, 2025
Potbelly opens first Sarasota location

The Sarasota Potbelly will be the 14th for the brand in Florida.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Chuck and Phyllis Lynn, owners of Lynn's Spins Inc. provide entertainment for the senior fair. Phyllis controls the music while Chuck sings. They will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary on May 24.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 22, 2025
Lakewood Ranch YMCA hosts senior fair

The fair is designed to provide local people aged 60 and older resources they may need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ranch Nite Wednesdays are wrapping up for the season. May 28 is the last food truck gathering until Oct 1.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 22, 2025
Ranch Nite Wednesdays nears summer hiatus

The food trucks only gather from October through May.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Artist Stephen Harlan offers a glimpse into his creative process this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 22, 2025
Self-taught digital artist shakes up high-end art world

Florida-based artist Stephen Harlan met with fans this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota softball dog-piled in the pitcher's circle after securing the final out against Riverview Sumner on May 15.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 22, 2025
Second-chance Sailors advance to state final four

Sarasota High softball has returned to the final four for the first time since 2015.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The flag flies over the pier on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2025
Siesta Key resident honors military service members with flag ceremony

Every day, rain or shine, except Sundays, Wayne Bundy raises and lowers the flag at Beach Access 2 at Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 1400 Siesta Drive was built in 1978 and has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,660 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 22, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for May 5-9 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Upland home on Siesta Drive tops the week’s sales at $3.6 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
A rendering by architect Igor Reyes depicting the two residential towers behind the Mira Mar building on South Palm Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 22, 2025
18-story Mira Mar development project moves forward

After a daylong hearing, a Comprehensive Plan amendment to facilitate the rehabilitation of the historic Mira Mar building wins unanimous approval of the Sarasota City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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