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Your Observer

The housing proposal would have applied to properties like Midtown Plaza, which formerly housed a Winn-Dixie grocery store.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 5, 2019
City rejects mixed-use proposal for commercial properties

Although commissioners declined to adopt a proposed zoning text amendment, the board directed staff to develop a new concept with a greater emphasis on affordable housing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents ride the Newtown Alive trolley. File Photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 4, 2019
Newtown Alive trolley tour to add stop at Southside Elementary

The stop will honor Dorothye Smith, the first African American principal hired within Sarasota County's integrated school system.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 4, 2019
Sarasota streets, businesses to shut down for Veterans Day festivities

Streets affected by the Veterans Day Parade include Main Street, Osprey Avenue and First Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 4, 2019
Riverview High Kiltie Band in search of donations for parade performance

The band needs about $40,000 to support its trip to participate in the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 4, 2019
Kids bounce through Nathan Benderson Park

The Big Bounce America took over Nathan Benderson Back from Nov. 1-3.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • November 4, 2019
S. Martin Parker, Jr.

S. Martin Parker, Jr., 76, of Johns Island, South Carolina, husband of Lynn F. Parker entered into eternal rest Friday, November 1, 2019.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Myakka's Gold Apiary owner Jim Cutway gives Lakewood Ranch's Jayson Quinn a taste of his honey at the opening day of the Market at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 3, 2019
Holy guacamole! Market's open in Lakewood Ranch

Market at Lakewood Ranch opens to large crowd at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center parking lot.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 3, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic again a smash hit

The tournament raises money for cancer research.

  • East County
  • Sports
(This one is my favorite because you can see the bulbs up close and the sculpture in the background establishes where the lights are.)
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 3, 2019
Out on a limb with lights

Wait... are those Christmas Lights in October?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 2, 2019
Casino Night raises funds for Lakewood Ranch YMCA

Casino Night raises funds for Lakewood Ranch YMCA

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 2, 2019
Ferraris take over St. Armands Circle for the day

The cars and their drivers were there to support Flight to the North Pole.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch football ends regular season with win.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 1, 2019
Lakewood Ranch football ends regular season with win

The Mustangs will find out their playoff fate Nov. 3.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 1, 2019
Pirates football falls to CAI in regular season finale

Braden River held a late lead but could not keep it secure.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 1, 2019
Concession opens par 3 course

Concession Golf Club opens new Par 3 course in Manatee County

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County has begun delivering its new single-stream recycling carts. The service will begin Jan. 6.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 1, 2019
Sarasota County begins delivery of single-stream recycling carts

The program, which is for residents living in unincorporated portions of Sarasota County, will begin Jan. 6

  • Sarasota
  • News
A statue turned spooky on the Circle.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 1, 2019
Fright Night brings Halloween spooks to St. Armands Circle

Creepy creatures and sweet second selves wandered the streets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 1, 2019
Father Dave Marshall installed as rector of All Angels

The installation service was held Wednesday, Oct. 30.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Wheel Base owners Dennis Brozak and Hans Schmeits say their garage condos project is the first of its kind in the region.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 1, 2019
Garage condo idea comes to life in Sarasota

Wheel Base begins selling its garage condos in Sarasota

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 1, 2019
UBS opens office to trick-or-treaters

UBS Financial Services Inc. welcomed trick-or-treaters from after school programs on Oct. 31.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 1, 2019
Siesta Key estate sells for $10.5 million

Flamingo Drive property is the highest sale on the island this year and second highest overall.

  • Siesta Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 1, 2019
Sarasota Kiwanis Club's Veterans Day breakfast sends out a call to action

Retired Sergeant Major tells gathering communities must help veterans

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2019
Sarasota weather page photo: October 31

Pamela Williams captured image of a deer while visiting Rothenbach Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2019
Longboat Key weather page photo: October 31

Patricia Muller caught this butterfly on some beach flowers on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2019
East County weather page photo: October 31

Pamela Williams caught this great blue heron catching a fish in the Hazeltine neighborhood of Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Residents of historic Cortez Village are worried that a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because of the land the state will require through eminent domain (outlined in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 31, 2019
Cortez's 30-year war

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their battle 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
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 31, 2019
Gators at Mote Marine enjoy spooky enrichment on Halloween

Pumpkins contained the animals' afternoon snacks

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 31, 2019
New 55-plus community now open in Lakewood Ranch

Kolter Homes opens 55-plus community, Cresswind, in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Affordable housing experts
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 31, 2019
Affordable Housing: Community concerns complicate push for new policies

Neighborhood activists say the dynamics of residential communities must be respected when considering new housing regulations, a potential challenge for officials and builders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The moms posed for a photo with their babies before starting the baby parade at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 31, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center hosts annual Halloween Baby Parade.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center hosts annual Halloween Baby Parade.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 31, 2019
Sarasota County schools resource officers aim to do more than protect

A few months in to the first fully-staffed department, Sarasota County school police officers hope to make bonds, be mentors to students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Jim Martin with Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County members.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • October 31, 2019
Sarasota man receives $20,000 grant for Boys & Girls Clubs

Jim Martin has been a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County for more than 15 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
More than 100 citizens packed the commission chambers, with some wearing shirts that say "Rigged" on them.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • October 31, 2019
Sarasota County Commission moves ahead with two redistricting maps

The maps drew controversy, with many Newtown residents saying they would be disenfranchised.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sailors coach Spencer Hodges believes the team is "120" degrees turned around, not "180," despite being in the playoff hunt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 31, 2019
Sarasota football secures first winning season in 13 years

The Sailors now have a chance to make the postseason with a win against Riverview High.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Nanzy Rozance hugs Rich Kirschner,
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • October 31, 2019
Rotary Club of Longboat Key celebrates five years

The club gathered together to celebrate their successes and friendships.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The East Manatee Fire Rescue District now has two ladder trucks in its fleet. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 31, 2019
Lakewood Ranch area homeowners may see change in insurance rates

Improved East Manatee Fire Rescue District rating results in potential savings to homeowners in Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • News
The Cougars celebrate a win over Bishop McLaughlin.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 31, 2019
Prose and Kohn: Crazy for the Cougars

The Cardinal Mooney community has embraced volleyball in 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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Latest News

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Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC
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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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Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges
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