• 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
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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

Grove General Manager Austin Harlow said cold items are stored in a trailer outside to help ensure quick delivery times to customers.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Survival in the bag for Lakewood Ranch restaurant

Grove in Lakewood Ranch offers market to support customers, sustain employees.

  • East County
  • News
University Place's Rebecca Blitz, with Gallagher, grew up riding horses and has spent her career working with nonprofits. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 8, 2020
Huge challenges for new SMART director in Manatee County

Rebecca Blitz takes over SMART during difficult financial times.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School horticulture students Paytton Yancey, Hannah Yancey and Madison Hartwig work on an assignment. Agriculture teacher Janyel Taylor will have her students work with plants at home. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 8, 2020
East County teachers note e-learning challenges

East County teachers find ways to engage their students through hands-on online learning

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 8, 2020
What about the 99%?

One-size-fits-all shutdowns don’t make sense. Public officials should shift their focus to reopening the economy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Mike Holderness placed fences along his property keep groups from gathering on the beach. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 7, 2020
Siesta property owner places fence on beach

A Siesta Key property owner placed a chain link fence near Siesta Key Beach Access 2, but county staff says it's not allowed.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has tested more than 840 individuals for COVID-19. Photo by Harry Sayer.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 7, 2020
Two COVID-19 patients die at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Seven people who tested positive for the disease have died at the facility, and 32 patients remain hospitalized.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 7, 2020
School board undecided on superintendent search

Board members agreed on a salary range and base qualificationsbut still do not know when the new candidate will officially be chosen.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Manatee County libraries have added a tutoring program to its online offerings. Stock image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 7, 2020
Manatee County libraries launch online tutoring

Tutor.com will offer live tutoring to Manatee County students.

  • East County
  • News
Josh Sinclair, left, Joanna Peng and Sunny Hannly present Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Robert Milano with 2,000 high-quality respirator masks they were able to buy through contacts in China. (Photos courtesy of Joshua Sinclair)
    By
  • Klint Lowry
  • April 7, 2020
Friends arrange shipment of 10,000 masks from China

Donations being spread among local hospitals, clinics .

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • April 7, 2020
Shout it out

Support first responders from afar by cheering for them at 6:30 p.m. every night in your front yard.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Allan Goldfarb and Earl Gordon
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 7, 2020
Earl "The Pearl" Gordon dies at age 87

Gordon served as president of Temple Beth Israel and was active in his community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 7, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: A bottle of trouble

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The town in recent weeks installed an interactive speed limit sign on Broadway Street. A second is planned.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 6, 2020
Village residents keep pushing for resident-only parking

The town will eventually decide whether to require restaurants to provide a parking space for every 150 square feet of floor.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 6, 2020
Longboat Publix adding curbside pickup amid COVID-19 pandemic

Town Manager Tom Harmer said it will take at least two days for the Longboat Key Publix store to implement curbside service.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Some of Brown's group stayed in a rental home, while he stayed on his boat. Photo courtesy of Jim Brown.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 6, 2020
Where's Jim? Longboat Key resident social distances on his boat

Jim Brown took a trip to Useppa Island, but he'll probably be staying in place for a while now.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
SunCoast Blood Centers has put out an urgent call for blood.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 6, 2020
Lakewood Ranch blood bank seeks donations from coronavirus survivors

SunCoast Blood Centers seeks plasma donations on behalf of Sarasota area hospitals.

  • East County
  • News
David Green
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 6, 2020
Commissioners reappoint Green to Planning and Zoning Board

The commission voted to postpone nominating a seventh candidate to the Planning and Zoning Board.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Town Manger Tom Harmer (left), Mayor Ken Schneier (middle) and Town Clerk Trish Shinkle (right) are shown at town hall on Monday, April 6.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 6, 2020
Sound issues delay virtual Longboat Key Town Commission meeting

The town will hold its essential meetings virtually for the foreseeable future to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High football coach Rashad West has been suspended six games by the FHSAA.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 6, 2020
Lakewood Ranch High football coach suspended six games

Lakewood Ranch High football coach suspended six games

  • East County
  • Sports
Greta and her eggs. Photo courtesy of David Novak.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 6, 2020
Longboat Key swans expecting cygnets

If the eggs remain viable, this will be the first time in three years that the swans have cygnets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The pear tart made by Carol Meier.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • April 6, 2020
Sisterhood of the traveling dish

Carol Meier found a creative way to swap food with friends amid the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 6, 2020
Seven cases of COVID-19 reported from Longboat Key

State's ZIP code reporting system indicates "5 to 9" cases, but town-by-town listing shows seven.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jane Herrin is promoted from fire marshal to assistant chief of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department during Wednesday's "socially distant" ceremony.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 5, 2020
Two Longboat firefighters promoted to assistant chief

Jane Herrin and Bryan Carr received their promotions in a "socially distant" ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Residents can sign up for the town's automated emergency-notification system on the town's website.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • April 5, 2020
Longboat urges citizens to sign up for CodeRED notifications

The notifications, which can be received by call, text or email, are used to provide urgent messages during emergencies such as COVID-19

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 1525 N. Lake Shore was built in 2006. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,407 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 5, 2020
Lake Shore Drive home sells for $1.9 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 23-27.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse senior Owen Ingham, here driving the lane against Manatee High in 2019, has been a leader for the Mustangs during the pandemic.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 4, 2020
Sports leaders rise in East County

High school lacrosse athletes keep their teammates on track during the pandemic.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells says the curfew passed Friday will help his department slow the spread of COVID-19.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 3, 2020
Manatee County commissioners vote in favor of immediate 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew

Curfew approved for Manatee County except for necessary travel.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Memorial Hospital said it would work to finalize staff and expense reduction plans in the days to come.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2020
Citing coronavirus effects, Sarasota Memorial Hospital announces staff furloughs

The hospital said revenues were down $16 million in March, leading to the decision to reduce hours for some workers and place others on temporary leave.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer is pictured.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 3, 2020
Longboat Key town manager on pandemic: ‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint’

Town Manager Tom Harmer said the coronavirus pandemic is different than other emergency-response events he's experienced in the past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Volunteer Washington Hill reads to a kindergarten class at Fruitville Elementary.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 3, 2020
Embracing our Differences sends message of inclusivity through literacy

The not-for-profit organization gifts each student a book during its Reading Day event.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Do: Find a fun background. It'll liven up that daily meeting without showing your dimly lit apartment.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • April 3, 2020
Tips for successful videoconferencing

Having trouble getting used to working from home? We can help.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, the nonprofit that runs Nathan Benderson Park, has made modifications to access but is keeping the park open.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 3, 2020
Sarasota park remains open during pandemic

Nathan Benderson Park officials will keep the park open but ask public to practice social distancing.

  • East County
  • News
Five trailers were stolen from a Bradenton RV lot.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 2, 2020
Thieves camp out at Bradenton RV lot, steal five trailers

Bradenton RV lot hit with theft of five trailers.

  • East County
  • News
East County, including Jiggs Landing, could be under a curfew beginning Friday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 2, 2020
Manatee County could set curfew Friday

Manatee County commissioners will consider setting a curfew on Friday.

  • East County
  • News
Kellie and Grace Menke with their English bulldog Dozer.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • April 2, 2020
Cuddle up for virtual stories from Church of the Redeemer

Jacki Boedecker, director of Children’s Christian Formation, started ‘Goodnight Redeemer’ to help the community stay connected.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Weston Spoon, Courtney Hessell and Lynne Byrd with loggerhead sea turtle Chipi.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • April 2, 2020
Bon voyage, Chipi!

After 149 days in Mote's care, once-stranded loggerhead was released into the Gulf of Mexico on March 25.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 »
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
Helga Williams
  • April 9, 2026
Helga Williams
2
Thomas H Wentz
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz
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

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