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Your Observer

Rendering of an affordable housing project proposed by the late Sarasota entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff. Citing frustration with city regulations, Vengroff abandoned the idea after spending three years and $300,000 on it.
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • May 2, 2019
Affordable housing requires whole solution

The answer to Sarasota's lack of affordable housing is simple, but few communities are willing to commit to what's necessary.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Longboat Center for the Arts closed in 2017.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2019
Ringling reconsiders arts center venture: Now what? Don't give up

College's president didn't shut and lock the arts center door. When two sides want a deal to happen, they'll find a way.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 2, 2019
Disposed of properly

The department partnered with the DEA for its National Drug Take-Back Initiative.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 2, 2019
Honoring hunger fighters

The couple co-founded the Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 2, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.2.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Sarasota Crew is hoping to expand to a new location on Bayview Lane soon.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 2, 2019
Sarasota Crew plans boathouse, still stuck in permit phase

The organization first bought parcels of land in order to expand in 2014.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lauryn Dougherty.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 2, 2019
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Lauryn Dougherty

The Riverview High senior talks learning pole vault and her dream vacation.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Although residents have complained about the lack of activity on the project, the city said there's little recourse to prod a development along.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 2, 2019
Stalled Rosemary project draws concerns

The Vanguard Lofts project is partially constructed — and residents want to see the developer finish the job.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 2, 2019
A morning of cars and coffee in Sarasota

When auto enthusiasts get together, the stories often involve a lot more than spark plugs and fan belts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident and Sirius Day Spa franchise co-owner Karen Medford said she loves the concierge concept of the spa and helping people feel good.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
Lakewood Ranch area spa offers sensational services

Sirius Day Spa franchisee works 'to create a brand."

  • East County
  • Business
Commissioners will continue discussing the Fiscal Year 2020 budget at their May 17 budget workshop.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • May 1, 2019
Previous county cuts play role in rosier outlook

County Financial Manager Kim Radtke says she feels comfortable that the county is "on target" with its current 2019 budget.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Savannah Hoffman and Ryelynn Brunner. Andrew Atkins
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Students run Braden River Elementary for a day

Lakewood Ranch resident lands dream job, television debut.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Permitted temporary signs, such as these promoting recent open houses at a condo community on Gulf of Mexico Drive, are 1 square foot.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 1, 2019
Longboat points the way toward new sign rules

Real estate companies on the front line of batch of regulations based on size, number and location, not message.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 1, 2019
New amenity center opens at Shoreview at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch

Pulte opens new amenity center at Shoreview at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 1, 2019
Sarasota residents gathered for Paws and Pints

The fundraiser, held at Calusa Brewing, benefitted The Humane Society of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith taught his daughter, Amanda Smith Tullidge, about the importance of giving at an early age.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 1, 2019
Lakewood Ranch man has special gift for giving

Lakewood Ranch man collects $25,025 from his neighbors to benefit Bradenton's Stillpoint House of Prayer.

  • East County
  • News
Dexter Carter won first place at the speech contest held at McNeal Elementary.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Speech contest winner shares lessons of empathy

Dexter Carter may be a small kid in fourth grade, but behind his thick, black-framed glasses is a boy who possesses wisdom beyond his years.

  • East County
  • Schools
Those who had a hand in the early stages of the project officially break ground.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • May 1, 2019
Seaward Development breaks ground on Gulfstream Avenue

The company will construct Epoch, an 18-story high-rise with views of Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Second grader Rylan Post said her favorite part about manatees is that they have nails on their flippers. She's helped adopt eight of the manatees.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Adopting Manatees in Manatee County

As of April 23, students adopted nearly 70 manatees between the two classes, meaning the students have raised about $1,400.

  • East County
  • Schools
Habitat for Humanity of Manatee County volunteers secure tresses for a new home under construction. Volunteers work in a variety of roles, whether building homes or helping with office work. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Helping hand-ups at Habitat for Humanity of Manatee County

East County volunteers find value in supporting others.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Market season winds down

Visitors to the farmers market had plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves. They could do yoga, pet goats, fly kites, shop from any number of local vendors and enjoy dinner and music in the evening sun.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, left, first suggests a millage reduction during an April 16 workshop on a proposed stormwater fee. She said a millage reduction should be considered to offset the fee.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
Tax break on horizon in Manatee County?

District commissioners suggests millage reduction.

  • East County
  • News
The graduating migrant students from Lakewood Ranch High School. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Onward and upward at Lakewood Ranch High School

Migrant students overcome challenges to graduate.

  • East County
  • News
Volunteer Toni Muirhead and Peace Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Elizabeth Deibert worked together to organize Peace Presbyterian Church's first Health and Wellness Fair.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • May 1, 2019
Peace of mind and body

Peace Presbyterian Church will hold its first Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 4.

  • East County
  • News
New Lakewood Ranch coach Rashad West gives instructions to his team during spring practice. West said the Mustangs are using "training wheels" in practice for now.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 1, 2019
Area football teams use spring practice to implement new strategies

Teams will get three weeks of practice before their spring games.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chris Fowler (right) will be honored at the 14th-annual Dick Vitale Gala. Photo courtesy ESPN.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 1, 2019
Chris Fowler 'very flattered' by Dick Vitale Gala honor

ESPN's Chris Fowler said he is 'very flattered' by receiving his Dick Vitale Gala honor.

  • East County
  • Sports
George Davis.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 1, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: George Davis

The Lakewood Ranch senior talks winning districts and fishing in Lake Manatee.

  • East County
  • Sports
Florida Department of Transportation Interstate Construction Project Manager Marlena Gore said the sound walls are just one piece of the larger $80.8 million construction project. It is 25% complete.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
Sound walls rise along I-75 in Bradenton

Sound walls to offer relief for some area homeowners.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 1, 2019
Turtle tradition

Four Anna Maria Elementary School students were given camp scholarships by the Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
File photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 1, 2019
Good reads, literally

Michael Jordan's novel, "The Company of Demons," was designated as a Goodreads Reader’s Choice.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Wildlife rehabilitator Justin Matthews, of Justin Matthews Wildlife Rescue, this month rescued an emaciated fawn from behind a home in Greenbrook. Most of the time, however, fawns are OK and do not need intervention.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
It's fawn season in Lakewood Ranch

Town Hall urges residents to leave wildlife alone.

  • East County
  • News
First graders Adam Perkowski, Gazyriah Lopez and Kinzey Harrod do an activity after hearing "The Lonely Lion" written by Lakewood Ranch High senior Lantz Barton.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
Lakewood Ranch seniors are authors of influence

Literacy program pairs generations of learning.

  • East County
  • News
Both Patrick and Sandy Bogert say the atmosphere of Longboat Key inspires them.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 1, 2019
Longboat couple prove to be each other's best critics

Sandy Bogert, a painter, and Patrick Bogert, a photographer, each have their own hobby but come together for support.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Friends of the East Manatee Library at Lakewood Ranch secretary Alice Baumann, Vice-president Joan Muschamp and treasurer Karen Mann say they are excited about the changes in funding for the library. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 1, 2019
Future Lakewood Ranch library gets infuse of funding

More sales tax revenue may mean bigger library in East County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 1, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Why did the turtle cross the road?

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Duane and Beth Chapman are known for their show "Dog the Bounty Hunter," which aired more than 300 episodes in 10 years. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 30, 2019
Bounty hunting legend to share about cancer battle

'Dog the Bounty Hunter' star Beth Chapman to make special Mother's Day appearance at Bradenton church.

  • East County
  • News
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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

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