• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

The Florida Department of Transportation has signaled an interest in shifting the design of Fruitville Road from an almost-exclusive emphasis on cars to one that more effectively serves cyclists, pedestrians and transit users.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 2, 2020
State examines future of Fruitville Road corridor

The state is emphasizing safety and multimodal transportation as it considers changes to a road that stretches from the interstate to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
St. Armands Circle stakeholders have been pursuing plans for public restrooms for years. File image.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 2, 2020
Circle bathroom plans clear hurdle

Although construction is projected to take place during season, the St. Armands Business Improvement District is moving forward with the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City Manager Tom Barwin speaks at a press conference to discuss new COVID-19 regulations and the city's plans to give out 50,000 masks to the public. Residents can get masks at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 2.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 2, 2020
City mask requirements officially take effect

Sarasota officials hope an increased emphasis on face coverings — mandatory in the city, strongly encouraged in the county — will slow the spread of the coronavirus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 2, 2020
Cops Corner: Sarasota 7.2.20

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch President Laura Adcock. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club installs new officers

Lakewood Ranch area clubs get creative during pandemic.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Pamela Gibson. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Manatee County librarian finishes final chapter

East County's Pamela Gibson retires from Manatee County's library system.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Police released this image of the crane.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 1, 2020
Two men charged with climbing aerial crane

Sarasota police arrested pair after security personnel spotted them inside a fenced construction site, climbing a crane ladder.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David Verinder, president and CEO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
    By
  • Guest Author
  • July 1, 2020
Masks can help slow the spread

Health care professionals urge the public to wear face masks to slow the virus spread.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
JT Girman enjoys spending quality time with his mother, Danielle, before he goes to the University of Florida. He was supposed to take summer classes, but they were canceled due to COVID-19.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
Date nights on hold for east Bradenton parents

Lakewood Ranch-area parents excited to have a few more months with their college-bound kids before becoming empty nesters.

  • East County
  • News
The Concession residents Alicia Peetril (front) and Pamela Donahue (behind) opposed the changes because of concerns related to flooding, as well as connections to Concession's private water and sewer lines.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Manatee County Commission nixes Concession development in Lakewood Ranch area

Plans for The Concession Phase IV turned down Manatee County commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Get used to ordering groceries online.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • July 1, 2020
So you have the coronavirus. What's next?

Our reporter gives his thoughts on experiencing the virus.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Town Manager Tom Harmer, town labor attorney Reynolds Allen, Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association president Mick McHale and union attorney Caroleen Brej at the November impasse-resolution meeting.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 1, 2020
Police, town have a deal on contract

Three-year pact agreed to by town and union bumps pay, town contributions to retirement plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Financial Director Jan Brewer and Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea worked closely to develop the budget, planning for reductions in state and local revenues.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Manatee County officials come up with 4% budget solution

County prepared to push ahead on 44th Avenue extension, new Lakewood Ranch library.

  • East County
  • News
Country Club's Peter Moscovita is working on his second book after publishing his first in June.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
Lakewood Ranch author takes new profession by storm

The self-published author is working on his second book after publishing his first in June.

  • East County
  • News
Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Program Director Ron Serpliss said he disappointed the residential foster care program has ended, but he is excited about potential programming opportunities that may be coming.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
New direction for Sheriffs Youth Ranches property in Manatee County

Group home services discontinued at the Rye Preserve campus.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • July 1, 2020
Longboat reports sewer line repairs completed

The break happened Sunday night in an underwater sewer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Geri Lopez, Manatee County’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity (REO) Department director, said new federal funding will allow the small business recovery program to go countywide.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 1, 2020
Safety First grants targeted for Manatee County businesses

Manatee County will award funds to help businesses with safety features.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Middle School rising seventh graders Ehab Bakhet, Kyle Page and Peyton Lyn eat lunch in the cafeteria. The district is considering different options for food services for next year. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
Learning plan unveiled for Manatee County schools

School District of Manatee County recommends full return for elementary students and hybrid classes for middle and high school students.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch athletic director Kent Ringquist said he believes adding a sand volleyball court on the school's campus is something that can be done.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 1, 2020
New sports might be headed to local high schools

Sand volleyball and girls wrestling were approved by the FHSAA.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fireworks start at 9 p.m. People should be in their designated parking areas by 8:30 p.m. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 1, 2020
A celebration with pop at Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park's Fireworks on the Lake will require a ticket to ensure social distancing.

  • East County
  • News
    A time to celebrate |
  • July 1, 2020
Dr. Norman Pritchard

We are blessed to have Dr. Pritchard delivering world class sermons at Christ Church of Longboat Key (CCLBK) and ministering selflessly to our growing congregation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Celebrations
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 1, 2020
Time for silence to end

The Fourth of July is a time for the silent majority to begin reasserting its voice for a strong defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the 75 products available at AltMed MUV.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

AltMed MUV cannabis dispensary makes debut in Lakewood Ranch area

  • East County
  • News
Those who participated gave special attention to social distancing.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
Group health — 6 feet apart in Lakewood Ranch

Public yoga sessions bring Lakewood Ranch community together during difficult times.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
AltMed MUV Director of Corporate Affairs Todd Beckwith discusses the new store in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 30, 2020
New joint in Bradenton signifies how our society adapts to change

AltMed MUV comes to Bradenton to fill a market need for medical cannabis.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Longboat Key has posted signs around town urging residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 30, 2020
Longboat plans Thursday vote on mask rule

Emergency rule would take effect immediately, if approved at special meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home in Cypress Creek Estates sold for $860,000. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,771 square feet of living area. Photo courtesy of listing agent Lisa Morreale.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 30, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area residential real estate transactions June 15-19

Cypress Creek Estates home tops sales at $860,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The City Commission gathered for a special remote meeting to discuss the proposed mask ordinance.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 29, 2020
Sarasota City Commission approves mask requirements

In a 4-1 vote, the commission adopted an ordinance mandating face coverings when social distancing is not possible in public settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key's public beach parking closed in mid-March until June 1. It will closed again on Tuesday.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key beach parking to close Tuesday

The closures will likely extend beyond the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SunCoast Blood Centers is urging those recovered from COVID-19 to donate plasma. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch area blood bank needs plasma from COVID-19 survivors

Lakewood Ranch blood bank officials say plasma levels are 'critical.'

  • East County
  • News
The Paradise Center executive director Suzy Brenner is shown taking a selfie with a mask. The facility is one of three in Longboat Key distributing free masks to the public. Photo Courtesy: Suzy Brenner, The Paradise Center
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key leaders encourage mask usage

As of Monday, the town of Longboat Key is not mandating mask usage to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 29, 2020
Community members can take part in superintendent interviews

Community members will be able to watch livestream of superintendent interviews and submit questions for a community forum.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Anne Roberts.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 29, 2020
Longboat Key readers rejoice in time enough at last

Anne Roberts has no shortage of quarantine reads.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Temple executive director Isaac Azerad, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and new temple president Stuart Sinai at an event in 2019.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 29, 2020
Stuart Sinai becomes Temple Beth Israel president

He was installed via Zoom in May.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 27, 2020
Need a mask? Have one

Fire department makes free masks available at Station 91's front door.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • June 26, 2020
Bringing home baby

Longboat's little ones head to the sea.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
Reclaimed water systems run separately from drinking-water systems.
  • June 24, 2026
Dry weather cuts into Manatee reclaimed-water system's pressure
2
Roadway cameras help identify park-damaging suspect
  • June 24, 2026
Roadway cameras help identify park-damaging suspect
3
This house in Plantation Oaks is advertised on several booking platforms as sleeping up to 32 guests.
  • June 24, 2026
Manatee County commissioners consider regulating vacation rentals
4
Mia Busser's recruitment opened June 15 following the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program National Championships. There, she placed fourth in the all-around, second on floor and fourth on vault.
  • June 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch gymnast soars to career-best success
5
A visitor to Sarasota Art Museum takes a photo of David Hockney's "Inside It Opens Up As Well," which collector Stanton Storer loaned to the museum for "Something Borrowed, Something New."
  • June 24, 2026
Collectors lend their treasures to Sarasota Art Museum for blockbuster exhibition

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free