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Your Observer

Rob Oglesby gives Nik and Erendira Wallenda a tour of Nate's Honor Animal Rescue that includes dog hugging.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 23, 2025
Circus Arts Conservatory, Wallendas donate $125,000 to Nate's Honor

Nate's Honor Animal Rescue was selected as charity partner of the Circus Arts Conservatory and Nik and Erendira Wallenda's holiday spectacle, "Wonderland: Illuminate."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River senior Rhys Klein pitched six shutout innings in a 1-0 district semifinal win over St. Petersburg Hollins on April 15.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 23, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Rhys Klein

The Braden River senior threw six shutout innings in a pivotal district win.

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat Key's beaches looked deflated after Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 23, 2025
Resiliency projects top focus of Longboat Key’s 2026 planning

Projects in response to the 2024 hurricane season are among the top priorities during the commission's strategic planning retreat on April 21.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 23, 2025
Sarasota debates city manager search again

City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch reasserts her position that the city should accept more applications for its top job but finds no support from her colleagues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A legacy for us to carry on
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 23, 2025
A legacy for us to carry on

Modest, likable, trusted, respected, Charlie Stottlemyer is a testament to a life well-lived — and to which we should aspire.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The property at 2100 Main St. is under consideration by Sarasota County as part of its jail-expansion plans.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 22, 2025
Sarasota commissioners reject deal to buy Main Street lot for justice center

The proposal to buy 0.6 acres for $4.875 million failed to reach super-majority approval by the Sarasota County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dry weather prompts Manatee burn ban
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 22, 2025
Dry weather prompts Manatee burn ban

The ban will remain in effect until at least April 29.

  • East County
  • News
The Englewood Arts Center will close May 3. The facility on McCall Road occupies a former
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 22, 2025
Ringling College consolidates arts programs as Englewood building closes

Members of South Sarasota County facility will have access to Museum Campus for one year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lara Zoppe plays Eurydice in "Hadestown: Teen Edition" alongside Sawyer Girgis, who plays Orpheus at the Ovation School of Musical Theatre. Zoppe is 14 years old and has been a student at Ovation since she was 3.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 22, 2025
Young actors love the challenge of 'Hadestown: Teen Edition'

It was a different kind of challenge for the Ovation School of Musical Theatre students.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Manatee County Commission will make its final decision May 6.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 22, 2025
Traffic calming requests streamlined by Manatee County

The Traffic Management Division receives about 800 service requests a year, many of which are seeking solutions for neighborhood roads.

  • East County
  • News
Resident yells at neighbor about vehicle blocking mailbox
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 22, 2025
Resident yells at neighbor about vehicle blocking mailbox

The dispute ensued after the complainant blocked the neighbor's mailbox while unloading her car. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The site map shows the existing and planned expansion of Plymouth Harbor.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 22, 2025
Plymouth Harbor retirement community plans major expansion

The addition of 153 more residences and parking structure will help the 59-year-old Plymouth Harbor retirement community reduce its five-year waiting list and parking shortage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
7935 Waterbend Trail was sold for 1.62 million. It has 2,673 square feet of living area including three bedrooms, three baths and a pool.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 22, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for April 7-11 in Lakewood Ranch

A Sapphire Point home on Hidden Oak Loop topped the week's sales at $1.7 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Debris set out on the street after Hurricane Helene was scattered by the winds of Hurricane Milton on Siesta Key two weeks later.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 22, 2025
Sarasota County to host hurricane preparedness workshop May 8

Sarasota County residents are encouraged to attend a community conversation to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dale Root, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, stands with a Zebco rod and reel that will be given to kids who attend the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar on May 3 at Summerfield Park.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 22, 2025
Kids get hooked on fishing in Lakewood Ranch

The Anglers Club of Lakewood Ranch along with Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will host a youth fishing clinic May 3.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hatchling loggerhead sea turtles climb out of their nest and make their way to the water at dusk on Clam Pass Beach in Naples, Florida.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 22, 2025
What to know before sea turtle nesting season begins May 1

From May 1 to Oct. 31, Longboat Key residents will need to adhere to the town's sea turtle protection ordinances which include using turtle-friendly lighting and removing beach furniture at night.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The property at 2100 Main St. is under consideration by Sarasota County as part of its jail-expansion plans.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 21, 2025
Sarasota County leaders to consider land buy for jail expansion

The Main Street parcel would be an early step in a yearslong process to add space to the over-capacity facility.

  • Sarasota
  • News
South Osprey Avenue is closed between Ringling Boulevard and Main Street
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 21, 2025
Utility work prompts closure of one Osprey Avenue block in downtown Sarasota

Connections are being made to Caragiulos Italian American restaurant's under-construction location just to the east.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 21, 2025
Obsidian public hearing postponed to May

Scheduled for Monday's City Commission meeting, Bay Plaza's appeal of the approval of the 348-foot, 14-condo tower was rescheduled over public notice matters.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 21, 2025
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise

The historic Mira Mar was built in 60 days but has withstood time. Now crumbling, it needs to be saved.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Stillpoint Mission past president Gene Tischer and current president Gary Scott pick up donations from Longboat Island Chapel for this month's Gather and Give drive.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 21, 2025
Longboat Island Chapel aids food pantry when needed most

Stillpoint Mission leaders accepted food donations and a monetary contribution from the church during the most recent Gather and Give.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
One-year-old Nell Doyle, accompanied by father Kevin, carefully inspects an orange Easter egg at Sand Cay.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 21, 2025
Newcomers and legacy families enjoy egg hunts on Longboat

Sand Cay Condominiums and Longboat Key Club Resort host Easter egg hunts for family members of all ages.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • April 21, 2025
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC

Both were created during challenging times and both show how an investment can pay off.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Dr. Owen Bradley never wanted to pursue a career simply playing an instrument. He knew he wanted to be a band director since he was in 10th grade.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 21, 2025
Longtime teacher gears up to conduct the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble

Owen Bradley has 35 years of experience teaching jazz, concert and marching bands.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Tal Siddique and Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison chat at the Employee Recognition Banquet in March.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 21, 2025
New Government Relations department promotes Manatee County

Ex-Apple recruiter and Senior Manager Stephanie Garrison has been chosen to lead the department.

  • East County
  • News
Arcadia's Whitley Stewart earns a high score for staying on the bull so long during the Dakin Bull Bash April 19 in Myakka City.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 20, 2025
Dakin Bull Bash attracts hundreds to Myakka City

The Elite Bullriders Association event includes mutton busting, bull riding and barrel racing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paradise Center members boogie down with a 70s-themed farewell party.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 20, 2025
Paradise Center, Longboat Harbour get groovy before saying goodbye

The Paradise Center and Longboat Harbour Condominiums held their end-of-season parties this week.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Webb Brue, Griffin Wills, Sullivan Pippins, Parker Royce and Nolan Appel are in Tammy Peters' first grade class. They learned all about bees and informed the public on ways to save them.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 20, 2025
Braden River Elementary showcases project-based learning at Innovation Expo

The first graders developed a love for bees and planted flowers to attract them.

  • East County
  • Schools
Christina and Robert Dickens attended Spring Fling with their son Carter who is 2 years old. Carter Dickens has attended Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch since he was 2 months old. "We love it, it's like his second family," Christina Dickens said.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 20, 2025
Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch raises funds for charity through Spring Fling

The proceeds will be split between the Primrose Children's Foundation and Mothers Helping Mothers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Neal Shipley was all smiles after winning the LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 19, 2025
Shipley wins 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic in five-hole playoff

The 2024 Masters and U.S. Open Low Amateur notched his first pro win in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Sports
Stellan Salander, 5, holds a bunny.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2025
Easter eggs and animals feature in Siesta Key's Easter Egg Hunt

The annual event, held by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce on the grounds of Siesta Key Chapel, involved different community organizations.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Tim Tebow speaks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2025
Former Gator Tim Tebow headlines Good Friday event at Payne Park

Good Friday at Payne Park, held by First Sarasota, also featured activities including an egg hunt.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ricardo Robinson-Shinall has worked in the Braden River High School theater department since 2016.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 19, 2025
'Hadestown' will be Braden River High theater director's final show

Ricardo Robinson-Shinall is leaving Braden River High after 15 years.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office began flying its new Bell 429 helicopter this spring.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 19, 2025
Sarasota Sheriff's Office adds safety, abilities with new helicopter

The aircraft is designed to make rooftop rescues possible with greater hoisting power.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town is working on an accelerated timeline to begin construction of the roundabout.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 19, 2025
Town, FDOT plan public meeting for Broadway Roundabout

The open-house style meeting will be held on May 1 for residents to talk with Longboat Key and FDOT officials about the Broadway Roundabout Project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Johnny Keefer lines up a putt on No. 18 at Lakewood National during the third round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic on Friday. Keefer shot a 2-under 69 to put him in a tie for 19th place.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 19, 2025
Leaderboard tightens headed into final round of LECOM Suncoast Classic

Twenty-six players are within five strokes of the lead with one round to play at Lakewood National.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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