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Your Observer

Sherry Dominick (left) and B.J. Bishop (right) are sworn in as Longboat Key town commissioners on Monday, March 23, 2020, at a statutory meeting.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 20, 2020
Bishop, Dominick sworn in to Longboat Key Town Commission

The town of Longboat Key did its best to practice social distancing when B.J. Bishop and Sherry Dominick were sworn in on Monday morning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells dispelled rumors by saying no shelter in place order for residents has been discussed by county officials.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 20, 2020
Sheriff says no lockdown of Manatee County residents has been discussed

Manatee County Sheriff says no lockdown has been discussed by the county.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 20, 2020
You Observed: Pen Women demonstrate flower arrangements

Polly Curran's event was the third in a series for Grand Bay residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 2020 Dick Vitale Gala has been postponed to September 4. Photo courtesy The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 20, 2020
Dick Vitale Gala postponed to September

The move was made in response to COVID-19 concerns.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota Memorial Hospital President and CEO David Verinder speaks at a March 3 press conference about the local COVID-19 response. Since then, six patients at the hospital have tested positive for the disease.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
Visitors off-limits at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

After two more patients tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital said visitors will only be allowed in special circumstances effective at 6 p.m. today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crossing guards were employed earlier this year during an art show in St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2020
Beach, dining restrictions prompt end to crossing guard plan

Sarasota, Longboat and FDOT agree to drop idea because of traffic drop-off.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 19, 2020
Longboat Key Foundation postpones inaugural golf tournament

The fundraising event would have been the first for the newly independent 501C3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Starting Saturday, the last call for alcohol at Sarasota restaurants will be 9 p.m.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
City limits alcohol sales at restaurants

Beginning Saturday, the city will temporarily prohibit the sale of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages at Sarasota businesses that sell food for on-site consumption.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cross atop Our Lady of the Angels church in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 19, 2020
Catholic diocese suspends services through at least Easter

All religious events and prayer visitations are suspended, but those who wish to view Mass can still do so online or on TV.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota and Manatee beaches will close by Saturday morning

Due to impact from other Florida beaches closing, county officials decided to close all Sarasota and Manatee county beaches by Saturday morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
10 candidates compete for 3 seats on Sarasota County Commission

Candidates span from former city mayors to two candidates under 35 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Melissa Leduc
  • March 19, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: March 19

Alexandra Lowe-Mains captured this flock of royal tern flying on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Thousands visited Lido Beach on Sunday.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
As cancellations continue, Sarasota tourism takes dip

As popular tourist attractions remain closed, many have canceled their Sarasota vacations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
** Ella Radovich, Sharlene Asiain-Mejia, Leonardo Moreno Martinez and Noah Saint Cyr try to lift up a hula hoop with their teammates.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Fruitville students set sail with good behavior model

Students at Fruitville Elementary are split into different ships to learn about good behavior.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
If the pledge is approved, solar power would be one of the major sources of renewable energy.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Residents hope Sarasota County takes the Ready for 100 pledge

The pledge says the county will be run with 100% renewable energy by 2045.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Built in 1950, 160 Coolidge Drive has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,050 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 19, 2020
Ringling Estates home sells for $925,000

Residential real estate sales for March 2-6.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
For art lovers, the majority of the Ringling Museum art collection can be found on its website.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota attractions switch to online presence

Many locations have closed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Here's what they recommend to stay busy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota organizations to feed families amid school closures

What coronavirus school closures means for Sarasota students.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Melissa Leduc
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: March 19

Mark Dimitroff captured this brown pelican skimming the surface on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2020
East County weather page photo: March 19

Gordon Silver captured this white pelican swimming with a group of double crested cormorants off Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota gardeners open yards to community

The Sarasota Garden Club hosted the seventh annual Gardens in Paradise tour on March 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 19, 2020
St. Mary, Star of the Sea celebrates St. Patrick's Day

Attendees enjoyed a classic Irish dinner and music.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The service at Christ Church was live streamed on March 15 and will be for the foreseeable future.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2020
Longboaters make adjustments

Residents, businesses and town leaders gear up to face coronavirus' changes and challenges.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Crew senior Megan Caron said she would still race if it was an option, as she does not want to miss the chance to make memories. Photo courtesy Megan Caron.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 19, 2020
High school seniors talk potentially losing final season

The FHSAA has suspended all athletic events indefinitely.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kassie Cross was an innings eater for Riverview High softball.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 19, 2020
Prose and Kohn: Recognizing hard work

A tribute to the athletes whose seasons may be cut short.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The first phase of The Bay Sarasota project would be largely located north of Boulevard of the Arts, though a segment of the public park property would be located on the south end of the street.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
The Bay criticizes resident opponents of park project

As condo residents argue against elements of the bayfront proposal, the planning group is rejecting the merit of the critiques.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shamrock Pub hosted customers for one last afternoon Tuesday, March 17 before closing to comply with a state order.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
Restaurants, bars face uneasy future during COVID-19 response

Businesses and workers are facing a daunting question: How do you balance public health concerns with the need to continue to earn a livelihood?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Plymouth Harbor’s COVID-19 leadership team meets Monday, March 16 to discuss the latest plans related to combatting the spread of the disease.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
Retirement communities work to protect residents

Screening visitors and halting group activities are two of the steps Plymouth Harbor leadership has taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 3.19.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 19, 2020
Longboat Key's Publix store puts customer limit on water, toilet paper

Longboat Key's Publix store uses a third-party service called Instacart to deliver groceries to customers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Brian Jones sorts cows to demonstrate a talent featured in the Ranch Rodeo.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2020
Coronavirus postpones Ranch Rodeo in Palmetto

Manatee County Cattlemen's Association sees its Ranch Rodeo postponed.

  • East County
  • News
A Life Story Foundation founder Kevin Swan was amazed by the generosity exhibited at Cirque to Cure to support ALS research.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2020
Coronavirus affects health of nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch area

Coronavirus affects health of nonprofits in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
No more spring sports? It is a possibility.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 18, 2020
FHSAA postpones all Florida High School athletic events until further notice

FHSAA postpones all Florida High School athletic events until further notice

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Wednesday has confirmed a death from the coronavirus.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 18, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center confirms patient who died tested positive for coronavirus

Patient who died at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center tested positive for coronavirus.

  • East County
  • News
Pets have become colleagues many of those who are working from home.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 18, 2020
Staying busy: Tell us how you social distance

Staying home doesn't mean staying bored.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 18, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Loud guy in a truck

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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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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