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Your Observer

Remy DeVictor. Photo courtesy of Susan DeVictor.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 30, 2020
Despite COVID-19, pandemic birthday party in Lakewood Ranch goes on

Despite COVID-19 pandemic birthday party in Lakewood Ranch goes on

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota residents returned to Siesta Key Beach on Monday after the county reopened the public properties. Lido Beach in the city of Sarasota remains closed. Photo by Harry Sayer.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 30, 2020
Sarasota officials prepare strategies for reopening

What does a reopened Sarasota look like while COVID-19 remains a threat? How do officials determine when it's OK lift restrictions?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although Siesta Key residents have expressed concerns about the potential for negative effects associated with the dredging, the project team has said it will monitor for and mitigate any issues that may arise. File photo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 30, 2020
Big Pass dredge plans move forward

With a contractor selected, the city said work on a Lido Key renourishment project is poised to begin by July.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city has set up portable toilets and hand washing stations in the City Hall parking lot.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 30, 2020
Governments, agencies coordinate homelessness response

Although some stakeholders offered a positive assessment of ongoing outreach efforts, City Manager Tom Barwin is pushing for more action.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Restaurants, which have been forced to switch to carry-out and delivery service only while the stay-at-home order has been in effect, will be able to have dine-in service at a limited capacity beginning May 4.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces plans for first phase of reopening Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces plans for first phase of reopening Florida

  • Sarasota
  • News
Police Chief Pete Cumming (right) presented Detective Eric Smith with the Officer of the Year Award.
    By
  • Mark Bergin
  • April 29, 2020
Detective named Longboat's Officer of the Year

Eric Smith has worked in law enforcement for 36 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The School District of Manatee County equipped buses with Wi-Fi to send to at least 24 locations throughout the county to assist with e-learning. The Manatee Education Foundation started a relief fund to help with emergency costs.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Manatee Education Foundation starts COVID-19 relief fund

Manatee Education Foundation starts COVID-19 relief fund

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 29, 2020
County events canceled through May 17

Utility fees and service shutoffs are suspended through May 31.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dustin Dahlquist, principal at Lakewood Ranch High School, looks forward to celebrating the school's seniors' successes at the graduation ceremony July 29. File photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Bradenton area seniors can commence making plans

Bradenton area seniors grateful for new graduation dates

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 29, 2020
Gardens of Ringling Park neighborhood's lion says thanks

Statue frequently decorated for seasonal events.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Valerie Demino layers her rainbow cake. Demino has delivered cakes to health care workers, teachers and friends.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Multi-layered generosity in the Bradenton area

Greyhawk Landing resident bakes homemade cakes for people helping with COVID-19

  • East County
  • News
Isabella Juliano earns several awards during the regional Fusion National Dance Competition. She'll dance at the 2020 Fusion Nationals this summer. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch girl goes from tutu to can-do

Lakewood Ranch dancer flutters to national competition

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch 7-year-old Brayden Bishop makes sure to turn off the water while brushing his teeth.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 29, 2020
Water conservation urged in Lakewood Ranch area as Phase 1 Water Shortage declared

Self quarantine due to the coronavirus provides time to check your home's water efficiency.

  • East County
  • News
R. Dan Nolan Middle School yearbook co-advisor Sarah Steckling is dedicated to finishing the school's yearbook even if it means working on it from home. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Pandemic one for the books in Lakewood Ranch

East County schools are including online learning memories in yearbooks.

  • East County
  • News
Garrett Shinn, president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, said his board has approved $150,000 in grants to nonprofits in a "separate and immediate response as a direct result of COVID-19 in our area."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 29, 2020
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Giving Challenge go forward during tough economic times

Despite tough economic times, Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Giving Challenge go forward.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 29, 2020
‘You’re not the boss of me’

No one really knows what is the best path forward — not President Trump, not Gov. DeSantis. But given the option to reopen, we’ll figure out what’s best.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Lauren Shinn
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 29, 2020
Cardinal Mooney signs point to seniors

Cardinal Mooney honors graduates to be.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pierre Bosse, a waiter at Paris Bistrot, helps prepare takeout and curbside orders for customers. In the 12 years the restaurant has been open, it has not done curbside pickup and had few takeout orders.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
An order of normalcy at Lakewood Ranch restaurants

Lakewood Ranch restaurants provide sense of normalcy to customers

  • East County
  • News
Zack Weston.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 29, 2020
East County athletes had shown promise before season was cancelled

Lakewood Ranch, Braden River and ODA stars gave great performances.

  • East County
  • Sports
John Frank, digital photography teacher at Braden River High School, creates videos to show examples and expectations for assignments. Communication is key for him and his students. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Manatee County teachers hone online skills

Online learning educational for Manatee County teachers too

  • East County
  • News
Samantha North, a third grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary School, writes "Happy birthday Nathaniel" as part of a birthday message for Nathaniel Molinar.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2020
Chalk up a surprise in Bradenton area

Gullett Elementary teacher surprises students with birthday message

  • East County
  • News
Unit 601 of La Bellasera was built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,384 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 29, 2020
Golden Gate Point condo sells for $2.55 million

Residential real estate transactions for April 13-17.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The home at 447 Meadow Lake Lane was built in 1997 with four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,778 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 29, 2020
Bird Key home sells for $4.85 million

Longboat Key residential real estate transactions for April 13-17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Longboat Key beach art grows and changes daily

Bob Dreyfus works on his beach installation daily. But by turtle season, it has to go.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Charlene Donnelly helped transport the new batch of turtle nest stakes.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Fresh coat

Longboat Key Turtle Watch updates supplies for turtle tracking

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A golfer decided not to play this ball that crept close to the swans. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Longboat Key swans on track for hatching

Of course, the date isn't exact, but the island could see cygnets soon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
"Anything goes in a dress," said Maryann Mazzaferro.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Longboater urges her neighbors to consider wearing their Sunday best

One Longboat Key resident hopes to start a new tradition.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A car full of donations heads to Our Daily Bread of Bradenton.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
You Observed: Christ Church of Longboat Key makes donation

Paper and canned goods, face masks and other quarantine essentials were delivered.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2020
Foundation, builder launch hospitality relief fund

Accutech Restoration and Remodeling approached the foundation wanting to help.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 28, 2020
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Yarrr, this boat launchin' ramp be open?

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Manatee County commissioners decided county owned beaches will open up next week.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 28, 2020
Manatee County to reopen beaches

Manatee County-owned beaches will open May 4 with some restrictions.

  • East County
  • News
City officials have expressed a desire to help small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 28, 2020
City plots COVID-19 economic assistance program

At next week’s City Commission meeting, officials will discuss dedicating $2.3 million to an initiative that would issue $5,000 grants to local businesses affected by COVID-19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A COVID-19 drive-thru testing site will be open April 28 to May 1 in Manatee County. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 28, 2020
Manatee County Health Department to host drive-thru COVID-19 test site

Officials say Manatee County residents no longer need a prescription, but appointments are required.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • April 28, 2020
Julia Goldman

Longboat Key, Florida – It is with great sadness that the family of Julia Goldman announces her passing on April 25, 2020, at the age of 90 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
2. Rollerblade
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • April 28, 2020
You Can Do It: Alternative Ways to Exercise

Gyms are closed, weights are nearly impossible to buy. Still, you can work out and have fun with a few substitutions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
With a statewide closure of nonessential businesses set to expire at the end of the month, a group of local business leaders is advocating for a rapid reopening over the next few weeks.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 27, 2020
Business leaders advocate for reopening region

An ad-hoc task force is encouraging government officials to lift some COVID-19 restrictions and allow businesses in Sarasota and Manatee to resume operating.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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