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Your Observer

Longboat Key Garden Club officers JoAnn Schwencke, Pat Cooper, Zelia Trueb, Susan Phillips, Barbara Gurchiek and Susan Tone
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Garden Club blossoms at annual meeting

The club hosted its annual meeting and picnic April 17 at Joan M. Durante Park where they awarded grants and scholarships.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
Students let off STEAM at McNeal Elementary

The fourth annual event at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary features robotics, interactive music and an art show.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 17, 2019
School Board continues debate on reserve fund calculations

As the school district enters deficit spending, board members stand divided regarding reserve fund calculations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Linger Lodge Project Manager Philipp Hartl said the goal is to replace aging infrastructure and modernize the RV park.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Plans would increase RV spaces in Manatee County

Linger Lodge's RV Park set to undergo renovation if approved by Manatee County commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Leadership Manatee Alumni Association Treasurer Neil Unruh awards Doug Wagner with the 24th Annual Kent C. Schulz Distinguished Alumni Award.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
School District of Manatee County administrator honored

“Every single person has value and can add value . . . Every single person counts and matters.”

  • East County
  • Schools
Bennett said he's enjoyed his time as a principal at Bashaw and will miss the community he helped create.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
Class act joins new community at Braden River Elementary

When Joshua Bennett transitions from being the principal at William H. Bashaw Elementary to Braden River Elementary, he’ll leave behind a legacy of creating friendships and building community among the students, staff and parents with whom he worked.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School seniors Ahmad Ibsais and Alana Kelly spoke in front of the school board in opposition of arming teachers on Tuesday, April 9.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
School Board of Manatee County hears opposition to arming teachers

Every time Ahmad Ibsais finds himself at a movie, a community event, a mall — or any public place— he finds himself looking for the exits in case somebody pulls a gun and starts shooting. But that doesn’t mean the Braden River High School senior wants tea

  • East County
  • Schools
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Tennis triumph

The Longboat Key Tennis Center's Men's 50s and 60s team won their Suncoast Tennis League division for the first time this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch junior pitcher Claire Davidson, an Auburn commit, has yet to allow an earned run this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 17, 2019
Mustangs make their pitch for a deep playoff run

The Lakewood Ranch High Mustangs softball team makes its pitch for a deep playoff run, thanks to Claire Davidson, Brooklyn Lucero, Payton Kinney and Kayla Howald, all NCAA Division 1 commits.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch senior James Rivera won the 300-meter hurdles (37.14) at last year's state championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 17, 2019
Mustangs' track star approaches final hurdles

He is eyeing another chance to shine at the state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Anne Ross and Braden River Utilities official Bob Simons say conservation of irrigation water in Lakewood Ranch through soil moisture sensor technology can save up to 30% on water costs.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Moisture sensors make monetary sense in Lakewood Ranch

Conservation program waters down irrigation costs in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Demolition of the former Amore restaurant site is nearly complete. From there, the town is planning to build an open-air site for gatherings and events to precede construction of the Art, Culture and Education Center.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 17, 2019
What do Longboaters want?

For partnerships to succeed, all the partners must be in alignment

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Kung Fu Tea and ChiChop franchise owner Michael Dong says he focuses on customer service and quality to ensure guests have a good experience. Bubble teas will become more popular as people try them.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
New business bubbles up in Sarasota

Asian franchises pair for one-stop concept.

  • East County
  • News
Bubba and Susie have are the mating pair on Islandside. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key swans expecting cygnets

Should any of the eggs survive the 35-day incubation period, it will be the first time in two years Longboat has new cygnets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Judy Achre, John Brill, Susan McGuire and Sidney Turner Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Rotary recognition

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key recognized some of its most dedicated members with awards.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A group patrols the beach in 2000, which is what the volunteers continue doing today.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key Turtle Watch hatches into 50th year

In 1969, volunteers monitored Longboat Key's beaches for the first time and counted nine nests. Now, the group works under Mote's permit and focuses on educating the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Operation Kindness Florida Founder Joanne Forch and Marcia and David Gutridge
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Operation Kindness salutes veterans

On April 16, the charity hosted its 12th annual Operation Kindness Florida Tennis Round Robin and Golf Tournaments at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brittany McManus says staying positive is not always easy, but everyone should try. "In one split second, everything can change," she says. "Nothing is given."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Boating accident can't rob Lakewood Ranch woman's passion for life

Brittany McManus tries to focus on her blessings.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: First come, first served

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 16, 2019
Town shifts Village's drive for resident passes into park

Commissioners agree to look at possible changes in no-parking zones, valet rules and speed limits.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Transportation issues and beach issues were among the top things mentioned in this week's Goals and Objectives workshop.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 16, 2019
The line for Longboat's budget forms here

At town's annual Goals and Objectives workshop, ideas queue up for their (possible) place in the next budget.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rev. Chris Wood carries the cross. File photo.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 16, 2019
Good Friday walk set to take over Main Street

Sarasota Ministerial Association hopes for 1,000 participants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 16, 2019
City to give away 250 trees to Sarasota residents

The program, which is run in partneship with the Arbor Day Foundation and Florida Forest Service, will help reduce energy bills

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Center for the Ars -- Â which opened in 1952 -- shut down in May 2017 after 10 years under Ringling College management.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 16, 2019
Commissioners reframe Arts Center discussion

Split vote on pre-construction document raises questions among town leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch’s Andrew Hertzfeld, who hit a hole-in-one, amazed his golf buddies Michael Krasnoff, Merrill Hoyt and Lowell Lakritz. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2019
Temple takes swing for charity

Lakewood Ranch resident hits hole-in-one.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 16, 2019
Sarasota County Schools receives international award from University of Cambridge

The Cambridge Pathway curriculum serves all students levels K-12 in at least 32 states across the country.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The City Commission questioned models that indicated traffic flow would not be negatively affected if a portion of Fruitville Road was reduced from four to two lanes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 16, 2019
Commission rejects Fruitville Road redesigns

Dissatisfied with both options city staff presented at a meeting Monday, the board declined to advance a Fruitville Road streetscape project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bay Park Conservancy plans to build out the bayfront project over the course of 15 to 20 years.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 15, 2019
City approves bayfront conservancy agreement

The City Commission unanimously endorsed a partnership empowering a private nonprofit to take the lead on the development of a public waterfront park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Chairman Heather Williams welcomes Dominic DiMaio as the organization's new CEO and president.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 15, 2019
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hires new CEO/president

Dominic DiMaio, former Synovus Bank Division CEO, hopes to lead the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance into expansion.

  • East County
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Ralph Garland Morrison

Ralph Garland “Morry” Morrison, 92 of Sarasota, Florida went home to the Lord on March 12, 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Richard David Nash

Richard D. Nash went to his eternal home on April 7th, 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Rebecca J. Denison

Rebecca “Becky” J. Denison, of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House on Monday, April 8, 2019, after a ten-year battle with breast cancer.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
James C. Rardin Jr.

James “Jim” C. Rardin, Jr. of Bradenton, FL passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2019 at the age of 68.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Jason Ward Tasler

Jason Ward Tasler, of Bradenton passed away Thursday February 21, 2019 at the age of 45; he was born September 11, 1973 in West Lake Village, California.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Mary Jane Van Winkle

Mary Jane Van Winkle, of Bradenton passed away on March 5, 2019 at the age of 79, she was born April 27, 1939 in Golden City Missouri to Alma and Jessie Sides and later adopted by Edward and Jane Van Winkle.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 15, 2019
Martin “Marty” Zawatsky

Martin A. (“Marty”) Zawatsky, age 89 (September 10, 1929 to April 1, 2019). Resident of Wakefield, RI, but spent many years in Longboat Key, FL.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
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Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
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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.
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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