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Your Observer

The Mall at UTC Marketing and Sponsorship Director Lauren Clark said the mall has adjusted its tenant mix over time to better serve the market. She said she is excited about how the community has embraced the mall.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 30, 2019
Mall at UTC is 5 years old ... and still growing in Sarasota

Mall at UTC is 5 years old ... and still growing in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Maeve and Owen Studdiford said they have learned to appreciate the things they have, including their education, more after visiting Gocio Elementary School regularly.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 30, 2019
Lakewood Ranch family offers two steps up for education in Manatee County

Lakewood Ranch family offers two steps up for education in Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
River Club resident Cas Bruniany signs up for information about Florida Department of Transportation's future plans during an e-public hearing Oct. 23 outside Detwiler's Farm Marker. FDOT's Dan Calais and Jesten Abraham were ready.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 30, 2019
FDOT contemplates I-75 expansion in Sarasota, Manatee counties

FDOT contemplates I-75 expansion in Sarasota, Manatee counties

  • East County
  • News
Children enjoy Lakewood Ranch Community Activities' campout in February. Now they have an educational outdoor opportunity as well. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 30, 2019
Lakewood Ranch children explore the wild side

Kids can explore the wild side of Lakewood Ranch through Sticks and STEM camp

  • East County
  • News
Bryan Veith.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 30, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Logan Veith

The Braden River junior talks his favorite memory and improving his game.

  • East County
  • Sports
Residents of Cortez Village are worried the roadway length and size for a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because the land the state will require through eminent domain (in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 30, 2019
The 30-year war on Cortez Bridge

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their 30-year war to stop a fixed-span bridge. From a practical, macro and economic standpoint, the fixed span makes sense. But then there’s that old commitment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Scrub techs Ashley Warren and Katie Corso and nurses Rachel Zera and Lyn Swann presented the Widow-maker pumpkin.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 29, 2019
Operation successful! Lakewood Ranch Medical Center holds its annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center holds its annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • October 29, 2019
Longboat Key remains one of Florida's safest towns

No surprise here: Security Baron recently named Longboat Key as one of Florida's five safest cities. Read which cities topped the list and what advice Police Chief Peter A. Cumming has to keep the city even safer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 29, 2019
Kiwanis kick off bell-ringing scheduling on Longboat

Volunteers needed for annual fund-raising activity that begins Friday after Thanksgiving.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Longboat Key Club in March converted tennis courts near the marina next to Portofino Ristorante & Bar into four pickleball courts.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 29, 2019
Town moves ahead on adding pickleball references to building standards

Town Commissioners back off pursuit of specific noise rules.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A three-dimensional model of the master plan — including the five-story garage with rooftop restaurant — sat in City Hall as the commission heard arguments for and against the Selby Gardens proposal.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2019
City Commission begins review of Selby Gardens plan

A public hearing on the gardens’ master plan proposal packed the chambers past capacity — and will require at least one more meeting to resolve.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As visitors begin arriving, so do their cars. Offloading often takes place on Bay Isles Road instead of the illegal stops in the center turn lane of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
  • By Nat Kaemmerer and Brendan Lavell
  • October 29, 2019
Longboat gears up as seasonal spike in population begins

The growing population of the island is impossible to ignore as traffic and social scenes grow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Nancy Schroeder and Tom Crawford.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 29, 2019
Grand Bay community gets together with seaside lobster bake

The evening was warm, but so was the company.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Tom Harmer
  • October 28, 2019
My View: Town debt doesn't rise to $100 million

Editorial's figures generally accurate but misleading.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Mary Lou Johnson with her book.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 28, 2019
Longboater Mary Lou Johnson returns with photography book of Sarasota and its keys and islands

Follow up publication to "The Lure of Longboat Key: From Sunrise to Sunset" broadens its focus.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 28, 2019
Maultsby resigns district position

Superintendent had recommended dismissal of the district chief operating officer following allegations of harassment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • October 28, 2019
Arlington Park gets spooky with Haunted Trail

Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex held its first-ever Haunted Trail Carnival on Oct. 25.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 28, 2019
Cops Corner: No one at the helm

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The bridge has been undergoing mechanical and structural repairs and upgrades since June. Work is expected to be complete this fall.Â
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 28, 2019
Longboat Pass bridge will be tested Monday with cycles of opening, closing

FDOT recommends alternate routes as span will open and close several times on Monday, Oct. 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 28, 2019
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church hosts silent scary movie

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" was accompanied on the organ.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Scott and Amy Franklin aboard onshore.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 28, 2019
St. Armands Boat Show drops anchor on land

Cannons Marina hosted the event

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • October 27, 2019
Chili Cook Off draws big crowds for 20th anniversary

Guests flocked to Morton's 20th Annual Firehouse Chili Cook-off Oct. 27.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 27, 2019
Bird Key Yacht Club celebrates Halloween

Rather than going the scary route, members went for the stars.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 26, 2019
Lakewood Ranch church offers trunk of treats

Lakewood Ranch's Living Lord Lutheran Church doles out Halloween fun, candy.

  • East County
  • News
The NBP Dragons 200m premier/senior mixed 20 team (2) battles for position in a crowded field.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 26, 2019
Dragon boat festival rocks Nathan Benderson Park

The event gave those new to the sport a chance to shine.

  • East County
  • Sports
Volunteers Mary Tighe, Sheri Miller, Del Potter, Dee Lovell and Julie Veith celebrate after finishing their work at the Play for Pink golf tournament.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2019
Golf for a pink purpose in Bradenton

Play for Pink golf tournament at Heritage Harbour in Bradenton raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seventh grader Marisa Easto cries as she hugs her dad, Capt. Josh Easto, who surprised her at school during lunch. Photo by Liz Ramos.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 26, 2019
A tearful homecoming at Nolan Middle School in Lakewood Ranch

U.S. Army captain surprises daughter at Nolan Middle School, sons at Out-of-Door Academy

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 26, 2019
Spookily spectacular

Lakewood Ranch's BooFest spookily spectacular for thousands

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota football roundup: 10.25.19
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 25, 2019
Sarasota football roundup: 10.25.19

Sarasota football roundup: 10.25.19

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 25, 2019
ODA football falls in first round of SSAC playoffs

The Thunder lost to Gateway Charter thanks to turnovers and big plays.

  • East County
  • Sports
East County Football Roundup: 10.25.19
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 25, 2019
East County football roundup: 10.25.19

A tough night for all area teams.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 25, 2019
Halloween inspires reading at Freedom Elementary

Halloween inspires reading at Freedom Elementary

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 25, 2019
Sarasota County Commission to hold special redistricting meeting

During the meeting, commissioners will select one or two maps to advertise for a public hearing Nov. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Martin Hyde said he would attempt to promote a more general message of his goals to reach a broader audience as he seeks a spot on the City Commission.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 25, 2019
Martin Hyde files for City Commission race

The businessman and former candidate is the third challenger running for the District 2 seat currently occupied by Mayor Liz Alpert.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Birds of Paradise Executive Director Debbie Huckaby holds Harvey, a ruby macaw found seven years ago in someone's backyard in St. Petersburg. "He whispered his name to. Me he said, 'Hello Harvey,'" Huckaby said.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 25, 2019
Manatee County's Birds of Paradise rescue seeks new home

Manatee County parrot rescue seeks new home.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • October 25, 2019
Mary Beth Mollo (nee Hoelter)

Mary Beth Mollo (nee Hoelter) died on July 17, 2019.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
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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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