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Your Observer

A restoration project at Five Points Park is scheduled to begin later this week.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 23, 2020
City to close Five Points Park for repairs

The city announced the closure of the downtown park as a measure designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 via pedestrian activity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Matt Walsh and Joel Schleicher
  • March 22, 2020
Gov. DeSantis: We need economic hope

This is now a two-front war. Unless there is decisive action, Florida’s economy is facing an epic catastrophe.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 22, 2020
Member of Temple Beth Israel tests positive for COVID-19

The member has been admitted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 21, 2020
Longboat closes Public Tennis Center over COVID-19 concerns

Recreational facilities of Bayfront Park also closed, town says

  • Longboat Key
  • News
1500 Harbor Drive was built in 1948. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 4,131 square feet of living area. It sold for $978,000 in 1999.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 21, 2020
Harbor Acres home sells for $2.9 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 9-13.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Built in 2008, 353 S. Washington Drive has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,489 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 21, 2020
Ringling Estates home sells for $2.7 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 9-13.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Sarasota Memorial Hospital said the patients still being treated there are being kept in isolation and cared for by staff members trained in infection control methods.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 21, 2020
Three patients, physician test positive for COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial

Ten individuals have tested positive at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and five remain hospitalized. Three hospital workers in close contact with the physician are self-isolating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The City Commission has empowered City Manager Tom Barwin to take action in response to the coronavirus.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
City encourages nonessential businesses to cease in-person operations

In an emergency order, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin strongly urged most businesses to switch to remote or by-appointment work to whatever extent possible.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 20, 2020
Small town charm

Two Longboat residents will lead an initiative to recognize civic volunteers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • March 20, 2020
Eddie Arnold Odom

Eddie Arnold Odom, 77, passed away peacefully Monday, March 16 at Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 20, 2020
Longboat Key Tennis Center men's 50s team wins season championship

In the Suncoast League, the team won its second consecutive championship.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
After initially ordering restaurants to operate at half-capacity, the governor is now requiring the closure of all dine-in service.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
State orders closure of dine-in at restaurants

The new COVID-19 regulation goes into effect immediately. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed. The state is also ordering gyms to close.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sherry Dominick (left) and B.J. Bishop (right) are sworn in as Longboat Key town commissioners on Monday, March 23, 2020, at a statutory meeting.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • March 20, 2020
Bishop, Dominick sworn in to Longboat Key Town Commission

The town of Longboat Key did its best to practice social distancing when B.J. Bishop and Sherry Dominick were sworn in on Monday morning.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells dispelled rumors by saying no shelter in place order for residents has been discussed by county officials.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 20, 2020
Sheriff says no lockdown of Manatee County residents has been discussed

Manatee County Sheriff says no lockdown has been discussed by the county.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 20, 2020
You Observed: Pen Women demonstrate flower arrangements

Polly Curran's event was the third in a series for Grand Bay residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 2020 Dick Vitale Gala has been postponed to September 4. Photo courtesy The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 20, 2020
Dick Vitale Gala postponed to September

The move was made in response to COVID-19 concerns.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota Memorial Hospital President and CEO David Verinder speaks at a March 3 press conference about the local COVID-19 response. Since then, six patients at the hospital have tested positive for the disease.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 20, 2020
Visitors off-limits at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

After two more patients tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital said visitors will only be allowed in special circumstances effective at 6 p.m. today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Crossing guards were employed earlier this year during an art show in St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2020
Beach, dining restrictions prompt end to crossing guard plan

Sarasota, Longboat and FDOT agree to drop idea because of traffic drop-off.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 19, 2020
Longboat Key Foundation postpones inaugural golf tournament

The fundraising event would have been the first for the newly independent 501C3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Starting Saturday, the last call for alcohol at Sarasota restaurants will be 9 p.m.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 19, 2020
City limits alcohol sales at restaurants

Beginning Saturday, the city will temporarily prohibit the sale of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages at Sarasota businesses that sell food for on-site consumption.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cross atop Our Lady of the Angels church in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • March 19, 2020
Catholic diocese suspends services through at least Easter

All religious events and prayer visitations are suspended, but those who wish to view Mass can still do so online or on TV.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota and Manatee beaches will close by Saturday morning

Due to impact from other Florida beaches closing, county officials decided to close all Sarasota and Manatee county beaches by Saturday morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
10 candidates compete for 3 seats on Sarasota County Commission

Candidates span from former city mayors to two candidates under 35 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Melissa Leduc
  • March 19, 2020
Longboat Key weather page photo: March 19

Alexandra Lowe-Mains captured this flock of royal tern flying on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Thousands visited Lido Beach on Sunday.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
As cancellations continue, Sarasota tourism takes dip

As popular tourist attractions remain closed, many have canceled their Sarasota vacations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
** Ella Radovich, Sharlene Asiain-Mejia, Leonardo Moreno Martinez and Noah Saint Cyr try to lift up a hula hoop with their teammates.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Fruitville students set sail with good behavior model

Students at Fruitville Elementary are split into different ships to learn about good behavior.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
If the pledge is approved, solar power would be one of the major sources of renewable energy.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 19, 2020
Residents hope Sarasota County takes the Ready for 100 pledge

The pledge says the county will be run with 100% renewable energy by 2045.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Built in 1950, 160 Coolidge Drive has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,050 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 19, 2020
Ringling Estates home sells for $925,000

Residential real estate sales for March 2-6.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
For art lovers, the majority of the Ringling Museum art collection can be found on its website.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota attractions switch to online presence

Many locations have closed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Here's what they recommend to stay busy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota organizations to feed families amid school closures

What coronavirus school closures means for Sarasota students.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Melissa Leduc
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota weather page photo: March 19

Mark Dimitroff captured this brown pelican skimming the surface on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2020
East County weather page photo: March 19

Gordon Silver captured this white pelican swimming with a group of double crested cormorants off Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • March 19, 2020
Sarasota gardeners open yards to community

The Sarasota Garden Club hosted the seventh annual Gardens in Paradise tour on March 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • March 19, 2020
St. Mary, Star of the Sea celebrates St. Patrick's Day

Attendees enjoyed a classic Irish dinner and music.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The service at Christ Church was live streamed on March 15 and will be for the foreseeable future.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2020
Longboaters make adjustments

Residents, businesses and town leaders gear up to face coronavirus' changes and challenges.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Crew senior Megan Caron said she would still race if it was an option, as she does not want to miss the chance to make memories. Photo courtesy Megan Caron.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 19, 2020
High school seniors talk potentially losing final season

The FHSAA has suspended all athletic events indefinitely.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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Latest News

1
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  • April 9, 2026
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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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