• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Selby's plans have drawn concerns about increased traffic and the size of a parking garage.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 20, 2019
Timing of Selby meeting sparks debate

Despite protests, a hearing on a proposed Selby Gardens project is being pushed from July to September.

  • Sarasota
  • News
David Lough said Rosemary District residents want a centrally located park that would serve as many people
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 20, 2019
Rosemary residents share park vision

The Rosemary District Association is lobbying the city to purchase land to convert into a park for the rapidly growing neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The pedal tours are already permitted on Siesta Key and have the support of some downtown businesses. Photo courtesy Sip-N-Cycle Cruises.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 20, 2019
City explores pedal pub regulations

The city will consider an ordinance permitting pedal tours to operate downtown, though some officials have questions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 20, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 6.20.18

Enjoy this weeks edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Eileen Walsh Normile is chairwoman of the Sarasota Planning Board.
  • By Eileen Walsh Normile
  • June 20, 2019
My View: Blank slates or informed volunteers?

Questions over Epoch appeal raise a broader issue of expertise, involvement on advisory boards.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 19, 2019
Three Sarasota teens killed in Ringling Causeway crash, police say

Victims were two brothers, 19 and 17 years of age, and a 15-year-old girl.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The intersection between U.S. 41 and Gulfstream in Sarasota is frequently a point of contention.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • June 19, 2019
Longboat Key and Sarasota leaders hold joint session, talk transportation

Roundabouts figured prominently into the discussion between the municipalities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Commissioners also considered the idea of downpayment assistance for residents in need of financial aid.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • June 19, 2019
County to organize workshop on affordable housing

To be scheduled in August or September, commissioners aim to take action on affordable housing by hosting an expert-led workshop.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 19, 2019
2019 Southeast Region Youth of the Year winner Leonela Tase Sueiro receives warm welcome at SRQ airport

Leonela Tase Sueiro, the 2019 Southeast Region Youth of the Year, had a big surprise waiting for her when she came home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This conceptual image shows the initial vision for building out the bayfront under the city's adopted master plan.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 19, 2019
The Bay receives $2 million donation

The anonymous gift will go toward establishing the first phase of a bayfront park project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
1. Lakewood Ranch junior Christian Shaneyfelt hits a 3-point shot over Gianfranco Grafals (35) against Fleming Island. Shaneyfelt finished with a game-high 21 points.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 19, 2019
East County's top high school sports moments of 2018-2019

Lakewood Ranch, Braden River and ODA high schools feature on our top moments list for East County in 2018-2019.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River running back Brian Battie had a huge junior season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 19, 2019
Marquee East County athletes provide thrills

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch member Sybil Porter and eight fellow Rotarians bagged 5,184 meals for the Sack Summer Hunger program at The Food Bank of Manatee May 21. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 19, 2019
Funds needed for summer hunger program in Manatee County

Meals on Wheels PLUS short $40,000 in its quest to provide meals for children in need.

  • East County
  • News
Andy Lee loves Smokey Bear. The mural outside Florida Forest Service Myakka River District's office on State Road 70 currently is modified to showcase Smokey Bear's 75th anniversary.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 19, 2019
Smokey Bear is top of mind in Bradenton

Retired ranger wants residents to think about Smokey Bear and fire prevention.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 19, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Dogs and cats in all the wrong places

Police reports from around the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Panther Ridge's Kristine Vaillancourt said two escape rooms are open and two more original rooms are on the way.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 19, 2019
EYE ON BUSINESS: Escape from the ordinary in Bradenton

Panther Ridge family strive to offer an exceptional escape room experience.

  • East County
  • News
Giving Circle member Peggy Kronus, in blue, gives a $1,500 grant to Myakka-based Limb, Laugh and Love, represented by (left to right) Taylor and Colton Lawson, April Costello and Chris Lawson.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 18, 2019
Giving Circle doles out $20,000 in Lakewood Ranch.

Sisterhood For Good helps Sarasota, Manatee county nonprofits.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 18, 2019
Sarasota County School Board approves new cell phone policy

The policy provides different regulations for students based on their educational stage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River High graduate Alyssa DiCarlo has published her first book ""Catatonic."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 18, 2019
From SpongeBob to blood ... author matures in Sarasota

Local author Alyssa DiCarlo explores her love of writing and publishes her first novel.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioners specifically cited their desire to see an increased use in foot traffic as opposed to circulation use during the program. Photo by Cassidy Alexander.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • June 18, 2019
County plans to pursue pilot program for Sunday library hours

If introduced, the pilot program would introduce 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours at two local libraries.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rhonda Montminy and Arnold Simonsen
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 18, 2019
Arnold Simonsen remembered as a gentle giant with big heart

The Longboat resident who donated millions to various Sarasota organizations died at age 88.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Frontier began flying out of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport last year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 18, 2019
Frontier announces flights to Cincinnati

The seasonal route will begin in October. The carrier will also offer flights from Sarasota to Philadelphia later this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners will continue their budget workshops and discussion on Wednesday, June 19.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • June 18, 2019
Sarasota County expects to hold the line on tax rate

Sarasota County officials reviewed budget assumptions at their June 18 budget workshop, which included their annual discussion on the millage rate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The sidewalk ends at the property line of The Shore on Broadway Street.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • June 18, 2019
Longboat planning board denies Shore's sidewalk request

Shore restaurant owner Tom Leonard rescinded the petition almost immediately following the meeting.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
In addition to a regulation pickleball court at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park, there are two courts relined on a tennis court.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 18, 2019
Commissioners agree with residents on pickleball

Longboat leaders back plan to convert Bayfront Park tennis courts to six or eight permanent pickleball courts.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Supporters of the resident group STOP wore red to Monday's meeting as part of an effort to expand the use of public hearings to review development proposals. The commission ultimately kept all existing review procedures in place.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 18, 2019
City Commission declines to change development review

Split on the best approach for reviewing proposed projects, commissioners left existing procedures in place, instead focusing on zoning code changes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The north end beaches are among the island's most erosional, officials said.
    By
  • Sten Spinella
  • June 17, 2019
Beach management plan continues forward in Longboat Key

The Town Commission and interested parties took in a presentation on what will be a completed plan in October.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • June 17, 2019
Robert Senie Biller

Robert Biller, known as Bobby or Big Bob to family and friends, died Sunday June 16 at the Inn of Sarasota Bay Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The School District of Manatee County hopes 10 summer events will encourage children to read over the summer. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 17, 2019
Manatee Schools partner for summer learning opportunities

District hopes to prevent learning loss over sumer.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • June 17, 2019
Kids learn about marine life at ocean-themed camps

Around 900 kids will attend summer camps at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium this summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Eric Davy and his 1 1/2-year-old son, Braden, got an autograph from the Bucs' Shelton Quarles.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 17, 2019
Nice take on being a dad at UTC Mall in Sarasota

Former NFL linebacker offers advice at Dad's Day Block Party at Mall at UTC in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Rick Brauckmuller shared this photo of a possible waterspout on his Twitter. Photo Courtesy.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 17, 2019
Possible waterspout spotted off Longboat Key

The National Weather Center says if one is seen, people should move at a 90-degree angle away from its motion.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 16, 2019
Walk in the Park: Heading to the beach

A stroll around some of Longboat Key's most popular places to visit.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Charlene Donnelly said she purposely bought a used Jeep Wrangler in that blue color to blend with her custom artwork wrap.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 15, 2019
'Wild' Jeep starts conversations

Wildlife educator loves her 4-wheeler that delivers a message about nature.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 15, 2019
Volunteers dive into Seagrass Survey in Sarasota Bay

About 100 people take part in fifth-annual event.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The sidewalk ends at the eastern end of Broadway Street.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 14, 2019
Longboat Planning & Zoning will hear Shore's sidewalk request

Restaurant builder wants to eliminate sidewalk in front of Village location to accommodate more on-site parking.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 »
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

1
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
2
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
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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 © 2025 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