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Your Observer

    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
School board keeps five finalists, talks contract details

All five remaining candidates will visit Sarasota for in person interviews June 30 through July 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 25, 2020
Breeze back on the road

After weeks of no service, the county began running the Siesta Key trolley again.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 450 Meadow Lark Drive was built in 2017 with four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,420 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 25, 2020
Bird Key home sells for $3.8 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 15-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 25

Martina Schmidt captured this beautiful sunset on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: June 25

Kevin French captured these ducks out for a swim at Celery Fields.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
East County weather page photo: June 25

Richard Bottorff captured this mockingbird having a sip of nectar from a white bird of paradise in Rye Wilderness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 25, 2020
No to mandatory masks

Instead of more dictatorial mandates telling us how to live our lives, Sarasota’s elected officials could engage civic and business leaders and use their bully pulpits to urge citizens to act responsibly.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Residents of The Mark, which opened earlier this year, have expressed concerns about the potential impact of Tavern on Main Brewery, which plans to open early next year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Noise concerns raise questions about downtown balance

A group of condo owners is worried about potential sound issues, but a city commissioner says the heart of the city was built for a mix of activity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Miranda Prouty is an employee at Pixie Dust, a downtown store that requires masks for entry. Pixie Dust workers said they saw the masks as a step that helped ensure the safety of their customers.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Rising COVID-19 numbers draw response from Sarasota leaders

City officials are considering making masks mandatory, while county staff is relying on the public to exercise good judgment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kyle Van Frank and Will Luera pose on stage in a promotional image for FST Improv's Triple Play. One safety precaution taken: minimizing the number of people involved in the production. Photo courtesy Sarah Haley.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
Reopening questions loom large for venues, attractions

As some local institutions welcome visitors back, others are working together on strategies for opening safely — whenever that's possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Based on the commission's input, City Manager Tom Barwin said he is revising his vision for an initiative focused on addressing major community issues.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2020
City manager pitches community conversations

A skeptical City Commission asked for more details before moving forward with the concept.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 6.25.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Manatee County hurricane shelters will provide 60 square feet per person in 2020.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 24, 2020
Emergency chiefs urge shelter use as 'refuge of last resort'

Longboat Key leaders held a "Zoominar" to outline hurricane preparations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2020
Horsing around in East County

Camp participants spend time learning about horses, riding and doing arts and crafts.

  • East County
  • News
Traffic exits Interstate 75 southbound at University Parkway, because of a crash on the overpass in this FDOT traffic camera image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 24, 2020
Fatal crash blocks I-75 in Sarasota, Manatee counties

Florida Highway Patrol reroutes traffic for fatal I-75 crash in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Debbie Andreacci and Beth Hocking. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 24, 2020
Million dollar effort for Peridia Golf and Country Club

Peridia Golf and Country Club residents collect almost two tons in food for Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Although he never thought he would be an author, Central Park resident Bill Kopcsak publishes his first book. Now he's taking playwriting classes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 24, 2020
Lakewood Ranch author treasures memories of 'Aunt Ruth'

Local writer publishes first book and starts writing plays.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Emergency Medical Services District Chief Mark Regis, Assistant Chief of Operations Larry Luh and paramedic Steven Wheler say the new station gives paramedics a place they can call "home" and space for training.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 24, 2020
Hospitals surge to help EMS in Manatee County

Improved turnaround time at Manatee County hospitals lets ambulances get back into action.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 24, 2020
Growth still on the rise in Lakewood Ranch area

Interesting projects flood into Manatee County for permitting.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 24, 2020
Resist permitted parking

There are more creative and private-sector options to solving the Village’s parking problems than creating a new government department.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said the second level would not be initially built out, however it could still be used for group functions. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 24, 2020
New Lakewood Ranch library will have two stories

Manatee County plans nearly double future library's size.

  • East County
  • News
Capt. Sandy McIver has taken over command of District 3.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 24, 2020
District 3 of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office has new leader

District 3 of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office has new leader in Capt. Sandy McIver.

  • East County
  • News
David Fink served as president of the board for the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and board chair for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 24, 2020
New president of the board invested in the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund

New president of the board Invested in the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

  • East County
  • News
The FDOT Operations Center on State Road 64 near Lakewood Ranch will operate as an early voting site.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 24, 2020
Lots of wonders for those living in Lakewood Ranch

Things to wonder about if you live in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Opinion
Manatee County will distribute $17.5 million in CARES Act funding.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2020
Manatee County will hand out $17.5 million to those impacted by COVID-19

CARES Act funding to be distributed through Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • June 23, 2020
Edward N. Schaye

Edward N. Schaye of Longboat Key, FL, husband of Harriet B. Schaye of blessed memory, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020 just shy of his 91st birthday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 23, 2020
Father and son bond over basketball in Longboat Key

Tim and King Grant vacationed in Longboat Key. The father and son found Bayfront Park's basketball court to share their love of the game.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • June 23, 2020
Barbara French “Bobi” Sanderson

Barbara French “Bobi” Sanderson was born in Ottawa, Illinois on July 24, 1923, and died peacefully at home in Sarasota, Florida on June 17, 2020.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Commissioner Jack Daly was among those agreeing with the notion of possibly increasing the town's 90-day rainy day fund minimum.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 23, 2020
Town's $10 million reserve adds comfort for leaders

Proposed budget would keep rainy-day fund at more than double town's requirement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 23, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: A lot hinges on this call

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 23, 2020
Happy birthday, Regina

The longtime Longboat resident celebrated 103 on June 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 16416 Baycross Drive and a vacant lot at 16506 Baycross Drive sold for $3,690,000. The house has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,160 square feet of living area. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 23, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area residential real estate transactions June 8-12

Lake Club home tops sales at $3.6 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Kirby Bywaters, Liza Kane-Hartnett, Stanley Kane, Betsy Kane-Hartnett, Meghan Kane-Hartnett and John Kane-Hartnett all celebrated at Betsy's home. Photo Courtesy of Cliff Roles.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 23, 2020
A life well lived: Stanley Kane turns 100

The arts benefactor recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 23, 2020
Fire station demolition gets underway

Longboat Key firefighters at the south station has started using a mobile trailer until a new station is built.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A view of the beach at Longboat Key, Florida.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 22, 2020
Town expects borrow between $21 million-$28.5 million for beaches

Town Manager Tom Harmer estimates Longboat Key will borrow between $21 million and $28.5 million in bonds for its beach management plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Peffley in 2011.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 22, 2020
Gentle giant Jack Peffley dies at 72

The man was known for his kindness, readiness to help, and his loud pants.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

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Helga Williams
  • April 9, 2026
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2
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  • April 9, 2026
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3
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
4
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
5
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

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