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Your Observer

Thomas Pizzi plays the grand piano he'll use during his performance at the April 27 concert.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 24, 2019
Jazzing it up at Living Lord Lutheran Church

Lakewood Ranch church plans concert of professional jazz musicians.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Hampton, a retired educator and self-proclaimed "Queen of Recycling," is starting the Environmental Discussions Group of Manatee County.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 24, 2019
Going green in East County

The Environmental Discussions Group of Manatee County's inaugural meeting will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the Braden River Branch Library.

  • East County
  • News
County Veterans Services Officer Lee Washington said the events have seen increased attendance thanks to the library system's help.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 24, 2019
Library, Manatee County partner for veterans benefit seminars

This year is the first year that Manatee County’s Veteran Services department, who run the the annual seminar series in April, have held the event at libraries in the community instead of in the County Commission chambers in downtown Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County Floodplain Section Manager Sandy Tudor and Stormwater Engineering Division Manager Thomas Gerstenberger look at map areas that have changed.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 24, 2019
Flooding changes on the maps in Manatee County

Proposed FEMA flood insurance map changes may net savings for property owners along river.

  • East County
  • News
Town officials have said many of the town's existing poles, like this one, are taller than the proposed 35 feet.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 24, 2019
Longboat leaders prepare for key decisions on small-cell network

When Town Commissioners decide height of poles and other factors, aesthetics won't be the only consideration.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High's Richie Morales, Grant McCray and Colin Apgar are all committed to Florida State.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 24, 2019
FSU commits help Mustangs baseball have dominant season

Lakewood Ranch has three players committed to the Seminoles.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Braden River High beach volleyball team is the regional champion for the second year in a row.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 24, 2019
Pirates beach volleyball set to plunder state tournament

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Nick Romagnola.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 24, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Nick Romagnola

The ODA baseball junior talks his fastball and his dream vacation spots.

  • East County
  • Sports
Work is nearly complete on clearing the site of the former Amore restaurant.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 24, 2019
Survey results: 'No' to Longboat arts center

Whoa. Respondents to our online survey about the proposed arts, culture and education center say it's not needed and they don't want to pay for it. Commissioners need to find out more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jackson Nealis, an eighth-grader at St. Stephens Episcopal School, first became enamored with history after learning about the Titanic.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 24, 2019
Lakewood Ranch youth makes buzz about history

Titanic's sinking raised youth's passion for history.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2019
Town leaders plan strategic retreat

Friday event for commissioners, Longboat staff is open to public at Windward Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jay and Leighton Ricci Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 24, 2019
Sugar-filled search

Sand Cay Beach Resort hosted its annual Easter egg hunt after a weather delay.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit deputies Russ Younger and Christopher Ralston say people should never give out personal information or agree to make payments in gift cards.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 24, 2019
Manatee County Sheriff's Office warns against scams

Law enforcement urges due diligence to prevent victimization.

  • East County
  • News
Lawyers representing Longboat Key have sought the dismissal of a lawsuit against the town regarding access to its website.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 24, 2019
Longboat seeks dismissal of website lawsuit

Defense team says lack of federal rules nullifies claim of man who has sued dozens of towns, cities and counties.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming and Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi at last year's event.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 24, 2019
Rotary Club invites public to first responder event

For the first time, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key is offering a limited number of tickets to residents for their first responder appreciation event on May 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Fred Beyerlein often walks the beach, which is how his collection has grown.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 24, 2019
Longboater’s beach walks led him to unexpected fossil collection

Over the years, Fred Beyerlein has come across various fossils while walking Longboat Key beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The pair of pileated woodpeckers have babies in their nest. Photo courtesy of John Kravontka.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 24, 2019
Lakewood Ranch resident pecks for support

Woodpecker nest saved by neighbor.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 24, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Crossing the line

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Water quality issues have come into sharp focus locally following a devastating red tide outbreak last summer and fall.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 23, 2019
Commissioners contemplate focus, priorities of Water Quality Summit

Commissioners have different ideas of what they hope residents will get out of the June 5 event.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 23, 2019
School Board of Manatee County votes against arming teachers

Discussions spurred by state-level legislation.

  • East County
  • News
Christine Mayer co-founded Cinderella's Closet when she was still a teacher for Sarasota County.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 23, 2019
Nice at any price: Sarasota shop owners share their prom secrets

Prom attire can be expensive, but volunteers and shopkeepers do what they can to make their clients smile.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Event Chair Kent Hayes and Board Member Anne Rollings
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 23, 2019
Sarasota County schools strive toward success

Education Foundation of Sarasota County presented the Strive Awards on April 23

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Police Department has a prescription drug drop box in its headquarters that residents can access seven days a week.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 23, 2019
Sarasota police and DEA collecting unwanted prescription drugs

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Sarasota Police Department lobby.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 23, 2019
Sheriff’s Office participates in “Operation School Zone Safety”

The Sheriff’s Office’s participation is in partnership with the Florida Sheriffs Association.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 23, 2019
Cops Corner: Week of April 24

Enjoy this week's cops corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
A traffic circle at the intersection at Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under consideration for years. (eric garwood)
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 23, 2019
Longboat officials identify transportation priorities

Ensuring resiliency of existing transportation systems and designing new, streamlined ones were among top priorities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Although the city said the Epoch development met the standards in the zoning code, a group of residents are focused on setbacks as they attempt to overturn the city's decision. Rendering courtesy Seaward Development.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 23, 2019
Residents appeal downtown condo approval

A coalition of residents living on Gulfstream Avenue and Palm Avenue are challenging a planned 18-story project in their neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Public Works Director Spencer Anderson presents on behalf of Sarasota County at the Long Range Transportation Plan workshop.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 22, 2019
County officials identify transportation concerns, priorities for next 25 years

The MPO will release the first draft of their official Long Range Transportation Plan in September.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • April 22, 2019
James “Jim” Ninivaggi

James “Jim” Ninivaggi, 56, of Sarasota, FL passed away unexpectedly following complications from surgery on April 6, 2019 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 22, 2019
Maria DeSanto

Maria DeSanto, age 79, of Longboat, FL, died Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 22, 2019
Audrey M. Heavey

Audrey M. Shields Heavey, of Wakefield, died at her home surrounded by her family on Dec. 15, 2018 at the age of 65.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 22, 2019
Vernon A. Edgecomb

Vernon A. Edgecomb, of Brandon, Fl. and Bradenton Fl. passed away peacefully on April 8, 2019 at the age of 87.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 22, 2019
Sarasota celebrates Earth Day

Residents could wander through various educational tables in Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 22, 2019
Superintendent recommends dismissal of middle school teacher following investigation

John Russo has been teaching with Sarasota County Schools since 1996.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Police investigate the scene of a fatal bicycle crash on Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 22, 2019
Police identify New York man killed in bicycle crash on Longboat

Sarasota police work with town's department to investigate Monday morning incident.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Over 150 children participated in the egg hunt.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 21, 2019
Gulf Gate Church hosts an eggs-travaganza

The church hosted fun-filled Easter activities after its Sunday service.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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