• 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
  • Key Life
  • 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
  • Key Life
  • 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

Junior guard/forward Isaiah Jenkins (left) looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 7A boys basketball state championship between Sarasota and Miami Columbus. The Sailors fell, 53-50, on March 14 at Jacksonville's UNF Arena.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Learning to love transformed Sarasota boys basketball

As corny as it sounds, a culture of care lifted the Sailors to historic heights.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Savanna at Lakewood Ranch's John Calovich is running for the District 6 at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident enters competitive District 6 election

John Calovich will have to win the primary first because there are four other Republicans in the race.

  • East County
  • News
The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser

The tournament has raised $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation and the goal is to reach $150,000 with one last tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Concession Golf Club is hosting the Senior PGA Championship April 16-19.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 18, 2026
Final preparations underway for The Concession to host Senior PGA Championship

The Lakewood Ranch golf club has officially begun its one-month countdown to the tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
Preston Bowers volunteers for TOPSoccer, and Chris Collins manages the program.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit soccer program is tops

TOPSoccer offers fun and camaraderie to children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This parking lot at Plymouth Harbor will be the site of its planned expansion.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 18, 2026
City Commission agenda includes citywide speed limit and parking fee discussion

In addition to discussions about speed limits citywide and parking fees, the Sarasota City Commission consider hiring a noise consultant and hear about possible impacts of property tax reform.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By One Park Sarasota
  • March 18, 2026
A Sarasota Townhome Collection Designed for Rooftop Living

The idea of lounging by a pool or taking a quick dip is always enticing, especially when that pool is in one’s private backyard or roof! This was the vision behind the development of One Park Sarasota’s Townhouse Collection. These three-story townhouses, located on the north side of the luxury condominium with views of The Bay, are redefining downtown Sarasota living.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Cathy and Dennis Kennedy
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 17, 2026
Revelers head to Shamrock Pub to uphold their St. Patrick's Day tradition

The location remains a hot spot for celebrating the occasion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2026
Temple members encouraged to reflect at outdoor art exhibit

Members of Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key took a guided tour of the downtown Sarasota exhibit, 'Embracing Our Differences.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alex Bates of Riverview track and field is a reigning FHSAA regional and district champion for pole vault. Four meets into his senior season, he's already notched a pair of first-place finishes.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Alex Bates

The reigning state runner-up in FHSAA Class 4A for pole vault placed first at the Ram Invitational.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A Lake Club home at 16218 Daysailor Trail sold for $2,499,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Daysailor Trail tops the week's sales at $2.5 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Ava DiPasquale is ranked sixth in Florida among girls age 13-14 for the 2025-26 season, as well as 67th nationally in that regard, per Swimcloud.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava DiPasquale

The 14-year-old from Mill Creek won big at the Florida Age Group Swimming state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Life Time, an athletic country club, is slated to open in Lakewood Ranch in late 2026. This is the outdoor pool and waterslide at the Life Time in Winter Park.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 17, 2026
Entertainment district expands in Lakewood Ranch

Several entertainment options are under construction on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Moni, a yellow-naped Amazon and Amber, a Scarlet macaw, spend time in the Leonard Reid House.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 17, 2026
Historic Leonard Reid House hosts parrots in honor of family pets

Sarasota Jungle Gardens brought some feathered friends to the Leonard Reid House in an event that hosted kids from local schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key resident Cathy Ross looks at FDOT plans for a fixed-span bridge to replace the drawbridge currently connecting Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island at a public meeting at Christ Church Thursday, March 13.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 17, 2026
FDOT shares fixed-span Longboat Pass bridge plans, community shares feedback

Opinions varied on FDOT’s proposal to construct a 78-foot clearance fixed span bridge connecting Longboat to Anna Maria Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Two properties at 369 S. and 369 N. Polk Drive sold for $3.65 million. The property at 369 S. was built in 1948, and it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,703 square feet of living area. The property at 369 N. was built in 1948, and it has one bedroom, one bath and 728 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 17, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 2-6 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A two-property sale in John Ringling Estates on Polk Drive tops the week’s sales at $3.65 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Flamenco dancer Carolina Esparza performs with Los Rumberos on March 15 at The Education Center for the final Sunday Performing Arts Program installment this season.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2026
Los Rumberos close out Education Center's Sunday shows

The 2026 Sunday Performing Arts Programs ran the gamut of musical genres.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Police investigate after shell casings, not shells, reported washed up on beach
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 17, 2026
Police investigate after shell casings, not shells, reported washed up on beach

An anonymous caller reported finding gun shell casings washed up on the Longboat Key beach. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
National chain Wahlburgers is among the latest dining options to open in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 16, 2026
SRQ looks toward potential of guest passes beyond security

With the opening of Wahlburgers, SRQ Concourse B food and beverage upgrades are complete as SRQ looks toward opening concourse access to non-travelers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ashley Dawson and Kristen Laviolette share what the Ladies of Longboat social group has meant to them as they greet members at the March 11 meetup at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 16, 2026
'Ladies of Longboat' social group enjoys new energy

This monthly meetup of Longboat Key residents offers an valuable space to swap knowledge and catch up with friends.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Marc and Susan Benjamin are all smiles on the dance floor as they groove to the Aloha Sharks band March 14 at The Sanctuary.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 16, 2026
The Sanctuary celebrates season with annual poolside party

The upscale outdoor barbecue featured live music from Aloha Sharks.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 16, 2026
Manatee County partners with nonprofit to help residents with dementia

DementiAbility, which will provide the funding to run the nonprofit, will be given space in a county-owned building.

  • East County
  • News
Several attendees of Budget 101 are surprised to learn how little money the Manatee County Commission controls.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 16, 2026
Manatee County delivers budget primer in Lakewood Ranch

About 20 residents attended the session, which covered how Manatee County creates its annual revenue and spending plan.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota's Kelley Rouse celebrates after she participates in the Bus Pull for Inclusion, a fundraiser for the nonprofit Inclusion Revolution, that will assist in providing job-related resources to people with disabilities.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 16, 2026
Bus pull raises $22,455 for Sarasota nonprofit

Inclusion Revolution's bus pull gave community members the opportunity to test their strength at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Beachgoers often bring umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun on beach days. Tents, however, are prohibited by town ordinance.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 16, 2026
Heading to Longboat Key's beaches for spring break? Know the rules.

On a public beach with no lifeguards, the responsibility to enforce local ordinances falls on the shoulders of the police department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Armando Ubeda, Ashley Ellis and Forest Hecker join the Longboat Key Garden Club as guest speakers from UF/IFAS Extension on March 10 meeting.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 16, 2026
Longboat Key Garden Club takes deep dive into native plants

Team members from UF/IFAS Extension offered insight into living shores, "Florida-friendly" garden guidelines and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Fourth grader Ava O'Mahoney of 4-H and her mother Megan O'Mahoney spend time with Clover.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 15, 2026
Kids showcase agricultural skills amid carnival fun at Sarasota County Fair

Community members managed to enjoy some rides and roller coasters, while students from local groups showcased their hard work.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chamber youth leadership program accepting applicaitons
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 15, 2026
Chamber youth leadership program accepting applicaitons

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Sarasota program class of 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Speed tables have been installed ahead of pedestrian crosswalks at St. Armands Circle, a popular shopping and dining destination on the barrier islands across the Ringling Causeway Bridge.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 15, 2026
St. Armands Circle gets pedestrian safety improvements

Eight permanent asphalt speed tables have been installed before pedestrian crosswalks at the popular shopping and dining district.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota boys basketball coach BJ Ivey embraces Johnny Lackaff. The junior guard had a game-high 27 points March 14 in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship, but it wasn't enough for the Sailors.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 14, 2026
Sarasota boys basketball falls by 3 in state championship

An overtime-forcing shot from Johnny Lackaff didn't fall, leaving the Sailors just short of a title.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Key firefighters were set up outside of Publix from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 14, 2026
Island firefighters raise $3,600 for muscular dystrophy

Longboat Key firefighters “filled the boot” through a fundraising effort for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hysen Muhametaj, Jamison Eige, Ron Major and Sydney Bartlett of Direct Window & Door celebrate Eige's win at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 14, 2026
Spicy showdown at the Suncoast Builders Association Chili Cook Off

On March 12 in Lakewood Ranch, members tasted and voted for their favorite out of 13 entrants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 14, 2026
Hospital joins clinical trial of new heart failure treatment

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is part of a global research effort on an option to traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Johnny Lackaff, in his third season as a starter, has scored as many as 35 points in a game for Sarasota. He's done it twice — first on Nov. 21 against Braden River and again on Jan. 29 against Booker.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 13, 2026
Sarasota boys basketball reaches first state title game in program history

The Sailors exploded in the fourth quarter of the state semifinals to advance.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
"Paradise Runway" fashion show models Judie Jacobson, Patti Wrobel, Cheryl Gross, Janet Nash and Regina Napoli wait to show off their second outfits for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club fundraiser.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 13, 2026
Paradise Runway fundraiser hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club

The club raises funds for four charities — Hope Family Services, Solve Maternity Homes, Smart With Heart and Children's Guardian Fund.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Registered sex offender arrested on 10 new charges
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 13, 2026
Registered sex offender arrested on 10 new charges

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrests man released from prison in November.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »
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

Sponsored Content
1
  • April 2, 2026
Images of Dance
2
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?
Sponsored Content
3
  • April 2, 2026
For Sale: 8134 Pavia Way, Bradenton
Sponsored Content
4
  • April 2, 2026
P7 - Foundations of Royalty
5
Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

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.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now