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Your Observer

    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 19, 2019
Manasota Flooring gives back to first responders

Mansaota Flooring handed out 500 turkeys to first responders on Dec. 19.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2019
Sarasota weather page photo: December 19

Stephen Jordan captured the Marina Jack II and LaBarge as they cruised past Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2019
East County weather page photo: December 19

Sharon Piotrowski captured this full moon illuminating the sky over Del Webb in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2019
Longboat Key weather page photo: December 19

Michael Cohen captured a photo of this yellow crowned night heron on Lido Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Matthew Garcia is doing big things at Tennessee. Photo courtesy UT Athletics.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 19, 2019
Prose and Kohn: Winter wonderland

Sarasota athletes are finding success in college.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Hope Family Services' Irene Martinez, the Lakewood Ranch Elks' Darrin Simone and Hope's Lynn Lavigne go through toys the Elks collected for the nonprofit.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 19, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Elks' toy drive raises Hope

Lakewood Ranch Elks team with Walgreens to collect almost 800 toys for Hope Family Services.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jordyn Byrd.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 19, 2019
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jordyn Byrd

The Cardinal Mooney freshman talks keeping her composure and giving her all on the court.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 19, 2019
Pickup crashes through airport wall, lands in SRQ baggage claim area

FHP troopers investigating overnight incident that started with report of a truck driving recklessly on U.S. 41.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Delta Air Lines is adding flights to New York's JFK International Airport
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 19, 2019
Airport sets passenger record in November

More destinations, new airline still to come in months ahead at SRQ.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By AUTEUR Staff
  • December 19, 2019
A Home Among the Arts with Front Row Seats on Sarasota Bay

A Home Among the Arts with Front Row Seats on Sarasota Bay

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Pat and Bill Kopcsak still enjoy telling a story of incredible kindness that allowed them to have a wonderful Christmas in 1976.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 18, 2019
Lakewood Ranch couple tells Christmas story of kindness

Hitting a cow and damaged car doesn't stop a wonderful Christmas for Lakewood Ranch couple.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Bay Sarasota included this rendering of the Phase 1 park in the site plan proposal it filed with the city.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 18, 2019
The Bay Sarasota files site plan for first phase

The independent group leading the redevelopment of city-owned bayfront land has submitted a detailed proposal for a 10-acre park north of Boulevard of the Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 18, 2019
Worship Calendar

Worship Calendar

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Riverview High School Kiltie band performs in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Photo courtesy
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 18, 2019
Trip to Hollywood makes big impression on Kilties

Around 150 Riverview High students traveled 2,500 miles to perform in the parade on Hollywood Boulevard.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 18, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Throwing beans on a car

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Peggy and Skip Turner, of Riverwalk Grove, always enjoy seeing kids' and parents' faces light up with excitement when they see their holiday display of Whoville.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 18, 2019
Seuss in the spotlight in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents transform yard into Whoville every year for Christmas

  • East County
  • News
Debbie Huckaby says an offer has been made to buy the property her refuge calls home and if the sales goes through, she can stay.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 18, 2019
East County parrot sanctuary could be rescued

East County's Birds of Paradise Sanctuary and Rescue could be rescued.

  • East County
  • News
Dave Bullock
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2019
Retired Longboat manager is EDC's interim CEO

Bullock will serve as agency launches a search to replace Huey, who resigned Dec. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ray and Wilma McRay love the tradition of this Missouri prisoner's tie, which Ray McCray firs received as a gag gift in 1959.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2019
Tie creates holiday cheer, family bonds for Tara couple in Bradenton

Tie creates holiday cheer, family bonds for Tara couple in Bradenton

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch senior forward Jacob Jordan (8) goes for a header against Manatee High. He had two goals in the game.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 18, 2019
Lakewood Ranch boys soccer off to a fast start, but want more goals

The Mustangs are trying to find a go-to goal scorer.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Public Works Project Manager Robert Halbach says the improvements will improve traffic flow in the area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2019
Public-private partnership improves traffic flow in Lakewood Ranch

County will work with Publix to execute Lorraine Road/State Road 70 intersection improvements.

  • East County
  • News
Carl Santos, a third grader, plays "12 Days of Christmas" with fourth graders Sheldon Wilkinson, Aiden tenHaaf and Ben Tomczuk-Ross during the winter concert at Gene Witt Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 18, 2019
Gene Witt renovation back on track

Gene Witt Elementary renovation and addition to move forward

  • East County
  • News
Ty and Stephanie Gremaux and neighbors Deborah and Jack Skelly love seeing their yards lit up for Christmas and having friends and neighbors to stop by to view them.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2019
Lakewood Ranch couples are shining stars of Christmas lights

At Christmas, these neighbors can't wait for the sun to go down.

  • East County
  • News
Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates event coordinator Megan O'Donnell and SANCA President and CEO Stephen Rodriguez were excited nearly 400 students were on site in November for a camp. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2019
Training results in boat-load of revenues at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

Training results in boat-load of revenues at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Bella Patterson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 18, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Patterson

The Braden River girls basketball player talks learning to stop relying on height and her ability to box out opponents.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 17, 2019
Office, parking lot plan moves ahead on Longboat

Planning & Zoning Board approve 98-parking spots, 300-square foot office on GMD for employees, patrons.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hudson Conway, Caedance Day and Noah Saintcyr divvy out coins.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 17, 2019
Second graders branch out on holiday knowledge

Fruitville Elementary second graders spent Dec. 17 learning about Hanukkah traditions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suzy Brenner and her organization's new sign on Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 17, 2019
Longboat's Paradise Center moves to new home

Office and most activities move up the block on Bay Isles Road for now, but more remodeling is still in store.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 17, 2019
Sarasota holiday cheer takes to the waters

The annual Sarasota Boat Parade took place on Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cops Corner
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 16, 2019
Best of Cops Corner for 2019

Best Cops Corners of 2019 highlight strange Sheriff's Office reports.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 16, 2019
St. Mary Star of the Sea hosts Christmas party and concert

A soloist led the gathered members through a festive concert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office cordoned off the courthouse building as authorities investigated the bomb threat this afternoon.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 16, 2019
Downtown Sarasota courthouse evacuated after bomb threat

The Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center was evacuated around 12:30 p.m. as authorities investigated the threat, but individuals are now returning to the building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renee´ Fletcher, her son Jack Fletcher and her husband, Wyatt Fletcher, are all musicians.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 15, 2019
Young drummer finds rich rewards in Sarasota

Young drummer finds rich rewards in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Guests could pet a variety of animals, including donkeys, goats and llamas.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2019
Lakewood Ranch church recreates 'Night in Bethlehem'

Families experience scenic night with crafts, music and food.

  • East County
  • News
Max LaForge hugs his mom, Cara Covert, after being called to the stage.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 14, 2019
Pine View student surprised with Make-A-Wish visit to New Orleans Saints

Pine View School sophomore Max LaForge, who has cystic fibrosis, learned at a fake assembly that he will meet players from his favorite NFL team this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Santa Claus and Everleigh Zetts, 6 months
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • December 14, 2019
Southside Village hosts festive night

Southside Village Business Association held its annual Southside Village Holiday Stroll on Dec. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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