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Your Observer

Nate Jacobs and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2025
WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

The festival takes place June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's campus.

  • Arts + Culture
Out-of-Door Academy freshman Michael Garzia (No. 0) ran for over 100 yards, scored a touchdown and made an interception in the a 19-14 win over The Master's Academy on May 15.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 19, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Michael Garzia

Out-of-Door Academy freshman had a breakout performance in spring game win.

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
  • May 19, 2025
Steffany’s story: Finding Purpose in Rehabilitation

“I was living a completely normal life. I worked full time, went to school full time and was always on the go,” she said.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Oaks and other hardwoods are considered desirable replacement trees over their ability to grow into a canopy.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 18, 2025
Sarasota branches out with more trees for residents

A total of 300 trees are available for city residents, some free, some discounted.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering by DSDG Architects of the front of a rebuilt Bird Key Yacht Club.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 18, 2025
Bird Key Yacht Club plan wins Planning Board endorsement

Bird Key Yacht Club plans to replace its existing clubhouse with a FEMA-compliant structure and make other improvements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carol Peschel, Executive Director Amy Steinhauser and Barbara Koetsier participate in a relaxing afternoon of drinking tea and coloring at The Paradise Center.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 17, 2025
Longboat Key's yearlong residents enjoy high time for tea

Attendees at one of The Paradise Center's latest social events partook in afternoon tea and coloring.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Developer plans another attempt at Siesta Key hotel approval
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 17, 2025
Developer plans another attempt at Siesta Key hotel approval

A privately initiated Sarasota Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal targets the "South Bridge area" off Stickney Point Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key Firefighter Paramedic Chris O'Brien (left) walks in front of the group with Michelle Floril, who is traveling the east coast with Carry the Load.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • May 17, 2025
Longboat Key Fire Rescue joins Carry the Load to remember fallen heroes

Longboat Key is on one of Carry the Load's national routes that sends volunteers across the country to walk alongside first responders and families of service members every May.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Donors Jack and Priscilla Schlegel with Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero (left) and CEO Joe McKenna (right).
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 16, 2025
Sarasota Orchestra receives major gift from longtime patrons

Jack and Priscilla Schlegel have pledged $10 million toward construction of Sarasota Orchestra's planned Music Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation hosts Casino Royale May 14 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 16, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation bets on new fundraiser

The foundation is already planning its second Casino Royale event for next April.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Communities' Nicole Hackel was named the Young Leaders Alliance Member of the Year at the Next Gen Awards Thursday at Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance presents its Next Gen Awards

Lakewood Ranch Communities' Nicole Hackel earns the Young Leaders Alliance' Member of the Year award.

  • East County
  • Business
Julie Fanning took over the chairmanship of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance in January.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 16, 2025
Hear from the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's new chair

Julie Fanning, the chair of Lakewood Ranch's leading pro-business group, comes to the role — during a milestone year — with an unwavering belief in the organization's mission.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Judy Young has been a nurse in the area for nearly 40 years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 16, 2025
LWRMC chief nursing officer leads with empathy-first approach

An empathic and servant leader’s mindset — like the time she covered a shift on Christmas Eve — pushes Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's top-level nurse Judy Young to set up her team and community for success.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 16, 2025
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Arts camps abound for a variety of interests.

  • Arts + Culture
Tsunami's Sashimia appetizer mixes sashimi, crunch and color for a dish that's as fun to admire as it is to devour. The tuna tartare is artful and flavorful — wrapped in avocado, crowned with a quail egg and an edible flower and served in a savory ponzu sauce.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2025
Tsunami Sushi continues to evolve with menu items aimed to please everyone

Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson share their recipe for excellence at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill's Lakewood Ranch location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
New species of flowering plant named for Selby CEO
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 16, 2025
New species of flowering plant named for Selby CEO

Selby researcher John. L. Clark discovered four new species in the Andean rainforest in South America.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kaele Smith, Sophia Eastman, Miley Walker and Sam Baker show their excitement for graduating from Braden River High School.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 15, 2025
Commencement speaker punctuates Braden River High's graduation ceremony

Louann McCord says graduation is just a "comma" in the students' lives.

  • East County
  • Schools
Thanks in part to the new Allegiant-leased Concourse A, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport continues its passenger growth trend.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2025
Passenger count continues to rise at SRQ

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport experienced a 10% growth in April over the year prior and a 3.3% growth in the first quarter of 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cliff Hornsby, aka "Gerry Atric," opens the show.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 15, 2025
Longboat Key comedian books streaming special

Longboat Key's favorite comedian Cliff Hornsby, aka "Gerry Atric," kicks off his 2026 tour with a standup special taping in November.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A rendering of the Sarasota Police Department's completed Real-Time Operations Center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 15, 2025
SPD'S new operations center is already solving crime in real time

Only in its infancy, the Sarasota Police Department's new technology-rich, fully integrated facility managed by an unretired former detective is already paying dividends.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 3500 Bayou Louise Lane was built in 2002 and has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,934 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 15, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for April 28 to May 2 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Siesta Key home on Bayou Louise Lane tops the week's sales at $7.83 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Shanaia Nadesu, a fourth grader at Innovation Academy, provided an illustration.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2025
Sarasota students write letters about Florida for Virginia third grader

A letter from a Virginia third grader's class asked what life is like in Florida. Sarasota students provide answers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
New Booker head football coach Carlos Woods has united the Tornadoes after former coach Scottie Littles resigned in April.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 15, 2025
Booker football regroups after losing head coach

The Tornadoes' goals remain high despite the loss of Head Coach Scottie Littles.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Arts Center Sarasota was granted $250,000 by Sarasota’s Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation expansion of its free art programs.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 15, 2025
Barancik Foundation grants $6 million

The grants fall into four categories: arts and culture, humanitarian causes, education, and the environment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Benderson Development has been growing the tenant base in the UTC area for at least the past decade.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2025
Check out what's coming soon to UTC

From Tesla to Trader Joe's, the University Town Center districts that straddle Manatee and Sarasota counties just outside Lakewood Ranch have redefined the region's retail scene.

  • East County
  • Business
Flower Child is known for its customizable bowls, wraps, salads and overall healthy menu.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • May 15, 2025
New restaurant seeks local following with fresh-first take on casual dining

An Arizona restaurant concept popular with yogis, foodies and lots of health-conscious people in between choose the Lakewood Ranch area to make its Florida debut.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lakewood Ranch resident Simi Ranajee founded MN5, then known as Mission Neem 5, in 2019.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 15, 2025
MN5 aims to change the world by empowering the women in it

After facing and overcoming a harrowing medical experience, a Lakewood Ranch resident leads a group of women on a mission to help other women live their best lives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Back: Victor Van Den Broek, Sarasota Paradise CEO Marcus Walfridson, Enzo Panozzo; Front: Mathis Leveque and Angel Velasquez of the Sarasota Paradise.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2025
Sarasota Paradise brings a whole new level of soccer to Lakewood Ranch

A dogged Swedish soccer player-turned-coach-turned-team owner is determined to push through on an ambitious goal: to sustain professional soccer in the region.

  • East County
  • Sports
A natural storyteller and hands-on farmer, Garrett Dakin and his brothers are carrying on a multi-generational dairy legacy in Myakka City.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 15, 2025
At Dakin Dairy Farms, four brothers tend to cows, kin and a vanishing way of life

Got milk? Dakin Dairy does. And here’s what it takes to get it from the cows to the shelf.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Vivid lighting and sparkling water features create a dramatic lakeside setting.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 15, 2025
A spectacular home in The Lake Club defines the ultimate in Florida living

After 36 years in the industry, Derek and Kelly Nelson designed a Lake Club home that brings together everything they learned about beauty, function and Florida living.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Paradise Center, located at 546 Bay Isles Road, has until August to raise funding to move to a new space after its rent went up under new ownership.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 14, 2025
The Paradise Center has until August to raise support

With the recent sale of the Tidewell building and subsequent rent increase, the nonprofit has until August to raise funding to relocate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kevin Spencer performs in a Fruitville Elementary classroom.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2025
Magician known for therapeutic applications of magic tours Sarasota

Kevin Spencer visited various locations in the community during a week as the Artist in Residence with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mark Eubanks IV reads his essay “Chess with My Grandma” at the school board meeting April 29.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2025
Willis Elementary fifth grader wins contest with essay on grandma

Mark Eubanks won the Florida Retired Educators Association contest for Manatee County with his essay "Chess with my grandma."

  • East County
  • Schools
The Sarasota-area spring sports players of the year
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • May 14, 2025
The Sarasota-area spring sports players of the year

These athletes stood out in the box score and off the field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Commencement speaker Nadia Gandi makes her way to receive her diploma while waving to the crowd.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High School graduates hit the finish line

Valedictorian Olivia Spiegel compares graduation to winning a big race.

  • East County
  • Schools
Opponents of the Obsidian condominium tower demonstrate their solidarity by wearing red shirts.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 14, 2025
City halts progress for 18-story condo development Obsidian

Residents of the adjacent Bay Plaza succeed in their long-awaited chance to thwart the development of the Sarasota's tallest condominium tower. Now the matter is likely headed it court.

  • 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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