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Your Observer

The Bay Sarasota is working with the city to develop 53 acres of city-owned bayfront property as a public park.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 5, 2019
City endorses core terms of bayfront funding model

City officials backed a plan to use property tax revenue from the area around the project site to help pay for The Bay. Will the county follow suit?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 5, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.5.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Ed Janka (right) and Bob Brown sit in the living room of Janka's apartment. They did most of their work for the book in this building, where Brown also owns an apartment.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 4, 2019
Jordan, Nike and Knight: Ed Janka's basketball life

Ed Janka spent a lifetime making memories and friends through the game of basketball. He decided to write a book about them.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rabbi Stephen Sniderman (far left) reads from a passage from a history book, while (from middle left to far right) Lois Barson, Mort Tarter and Gloria Sabin listen.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 4, 2019
Temple Beth Israel provides in-depth lessons on Jewish history and culture

The Miniversity program allows people to share their knowledge on topics from Jewish art to Kristallnacht

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Andy Sandberg joined the Hermitage Artist Retreat in 2019 with an extensive and highly successful theatrical background that includes a Tony Award.
    By
  • Klint Lowry
  • December 4, 2019
Hermitage Artist Retreat's board names new executive director

Andy Sandberg chosen to succeed Bruce Rodgers at start of new year

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hayley Harvey is the new shelter manager for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch opens new shelter in Myakka City

Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch opens new shelter in Myakka City

  • East County
  • News
Joe Miller founded the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble and he conducts the group during its first concert at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Music among the angels in Lakewood Ranch

New wind ensemble makes its debut at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Tatum Simpson, 9, works with Jaymie Klauber at Epic Equine Experiences.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Lakewood Ranch resident finds that teaching polo in Sarasota becomes food for the soul

Lakewood Ranch's Jaymie Klauber finds that teaching polo in Sarasota becomes food for the soul

  • East County
  • News
Shelby Connett, the director of sports for Visit Sarasota County, said economic impact statistics are very conservative.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Economic impact for Nathan Benderson Park requires complex formula

Putting together economic impact numbers for Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota a complex project.

  • East County
  • News
Gordon Gregory, a Legacy outside service manager, has seen the ups and downs of the course since 1996.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Pride is back at Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch

Renovation projects bring pride back to Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Santa leads a group of children through the Myakka Country Christmas parade. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 4, 2019
Tradition marches forward in Myakka City

Old fashioned fun at annual Myakka Country Christmas Parade

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 4, 2019
Court denies petition against Siesta Promenade

The mixed-use project is planned for the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 4, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5 refinances bond

Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5 refinances bond with MBS Capital Markets.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Gloria Kaminsky shows off her oil on canvas painting of Crater Lake. She said she has been painting 10 years and is self taught.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 4, 2019
Lakewood Ranch lobby turns into museum

ComCenter allows local artists to display their work on its walls.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Girl Scouts Mylee Gilbert, 9, and McKinlee Gilbert, 8, show off their gingerbread houses at the annual Gingerbread Festival at the Mall at UTC in 2018. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 4, 2019
Home sweet home in East County

East County Girl Scouts share tips on how to make the perfect gingerbread house

  • East County
  • News
Braden River senior D'Angelo Antonino said his finishing ability is one of this best attributes.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 4, 2019
Braden River basketball player has strength to move forward

The Pirates senior says his added muscle will aid him on the basketball court

  • East County
  • Sports
Of the more than 6,000 eastbound cars monitored in a week in November, the average speed was about 18 mph.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 4, 2019
Longboat neighborhood, town leaders steer for traffic solutions

Village residents and town officials work to document and stay a step ahead of speed, parking issues.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Lake Club residents Marybeth and Jay Traverso have temporarily converted their kitchen island into "Santa's workshop" as they gather gifts for a family in need. They have had fun shopping for toys and other needs.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 4, 2019
Charity another of Santa's secrets in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents help local family in need with Christmas gifts.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch freshman Devlin Loynd chats with coach Pat Ancil after his match at the 2019 Preseason Classic.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 4, 2019
Prose and Kohn: Coach pins leadership on senior wrestlers

Lakewood Ranch has an experienced group in 2019-2020.

  • East County
  • Sports
Zi Burns.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 4, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Zi Burns

The ODA basketball player talks being more aggressive and winning a state title in Delaware.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Rabbi Mendy Bukiet and wife, Chanie Bukiet, are pleased to name the mikvah in honor of Mendy Bukiet's late grandmother, Esther Bukiet.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 4, 2019
Manatee County's first mikvah opens

Manatee County's first mikvah built by Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 4, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Jackets are required

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Restrictions established following the construction of the St. Armands garage established a one-hour time limit on nearby residential streets. Now the city is working to ensure residents can exceed that limit.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 4, 2019
Residential parking program planned on St. Armands

The city is working with St. Armands residents on a program that will allow people living in the area to exceed time limits when parking on neighborhood streets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 4, 2019
Where $91 billion of Florida tax money goes

Social services, education and transportation devour nearly 90% of Florida’s tax collections.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Cops Corner
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 3, 2019
This yoke in Lakewood Ranch isn't funny

Cops Corner features Interesting Sheriff's Office reports from Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 3, 2019
Spreading holiday cheer

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch residents spread holiday cheer with parade.

  • East County
  • News
Lisa, Chris, Zofia and Bristol Scott enjoy the holiday decorations Florida Power and Light put on their home as a surprise for the family and a 'Thank you' for Chris Scott's service in the Navy.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 3, 2019
A bright surprise for East County veteran

FPL decorates East County veteran's home as a holiday surprise

  • East County
  • News
Martin Hyde railed against the notion his actions in two altercations this year were racist, though he acknowledged issues with how he handles confrontation.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2019
Hyde to withdraw following reports of second altercation

City Commission candidate Martin Hyde was involved in a February confrontation in which construction workers accused him of racist remarks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Monday's presentation included this conceptual image showcasing plans to elevate the performing arts center on stilts with parking at ground level.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2019
Van Wezel shares progress report on venue planning

Plans for a new bayfront performing arts center include a 2,250-seat main hall, but details on cost estimates are still forthcoming.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Robert Allan hopes to draw customers into the Spice and Tea Exchange.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 3, 2019
Businesses on St. Armands encourage Small Business Saturday

The moniker comes from American Express, who wanted to help small businesses earn big bucks.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Grant's Gardens is moving ahead with plans to remodel its Gulf Bay Road site, but further town action is to come.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 3, 2019
Town rezones property for Grant's Gardens

Landscaping business has remodeling plans but more approvals must happen first.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bonnie Roesch packs up the beef to be sent to Longboat Key for the Kiwanis Lawn Party.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • December 2, 2019
Lawn Party will feature a treat from honoree Murf Klauber's hometown

Buffalo's Charlie the Butcher donates beef-on-weck sandwiches to the event honoring ex-Colony owner Klauber.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 2, 2019
Longboat beach bonds head to March ballot

With no Town Commission races to consider, referendum is the only local issue to on which to vote.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beth Fusco rings the Salvation Army bell, ready to greet customers as they walk out of Publix.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • December 2, 2019
Salvation Army red kettle accepting donations in front of Longboat Publix

The Salvation Army red kettle drive on Longboat Key, located in front of Publix, is open everyday through Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. All $20 bills will be matched by a silent donor for the second straight year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • December 2, 2019
Dona Fay Ellsworth

Dona Fay Ellsworth, 85, formerly of North Carolina, Maryland, and Florida, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at The Meadows at East Mountain Assisted Living Facility in Rutland, VT.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • December 2, 2019
YMCAs to hold 'State of Y' meetings

Save Our Y leaders will meet with patrons at the Frank G. Berlin Sr. and Evalyn Sadlier Jones branches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
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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.
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