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Your Observer

Aiden Torres said one day he hopes to make a cure for brain cancer.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 3, 2019
Small code, big dreams at SCF Lakewood Ranch

Local children — some as young as first graders, but most are fourth graders — attended a spring break coding camp the from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 25-29 at the State College of Florida’s Lakewood Ranch campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Cast members poured all the emotion they could muster into their last rehearsal before the actual performance.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 3, 2019
Curtain call: seniors and director finish their time at Out-of-Door Academy

When student actors took the stage on Friday, March 29, at Out-of-Door Academy, it wasn’t just the last opening night for departing seniors in their drama department. It was the last performance for director and Associate Head of School for Academics L’Ta

  • East County
  • Schools
Chief of Operations Larry Luh, EMS Chief Paul DiCicco and District Chief Mark Regis are seeking ways to keep their ambulances in circulation.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 3, 2019
Surge is EMS concern in Manatee County

Manatee County EMS hopes better use of 911 will lessen strain on ambulances.

  • East County
  • News
At the core of the lawsuit against the town, and most others filed against governments, public agencies and private businesses, is the formatting of documents and information posted on their websites.Â
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2019
ADA lawsuit filed against Longboat Key over website

Town's lawyer in case said no clear standards exist for governments to follow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 3, 2019
Swinging success

The Longboat Key Club 3.4 Tricities Continental Team are division champions.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Eddie Cacciola of SRQ Vets, Bryan Jacobs of Vets 2 Success, President of Operation Kindness, Florida Inc, Joanne Forch and Bill Sterbinsky of SRQ Vets at last year's dinner.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 3, 2019
Operation Kindness continues supporting local veterans

On April 16, the 12th annual Operation Kindness Florida Tennis Round Robin and Golf Tournaments, will take place at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's June and Stan Schuer have enjoyed life despite June's battle with Parkinson's disease. "We really do," Stan said.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 3, 2019
Parkinson's disease can't rob Lakewood Ranch woman of her good days

Huge Parkinson's disease expo coming to the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 3, 2019
Longboat Key to host health fair

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 10, town employees and any residents with Florida Blue health insurance can get health tests done.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Luxury coyotes? Yeah, that's an April Fools gag.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2019
Don't call it 'fake news,' it's just our annual April Fools fun

Once a year, we enjoy a little goofiness while not taking ourselves too seriously.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Christine Wozz Photography
    A time to celebrate |
  • April 3, 2019
Just Married: Kellen & Julia

This couple's love story took them from the gym to the circus tent.

  • Sarasota
  • Celebrations
New pavers in a variety of earth tones were installed through the second half of 2018 at the Sanctuary.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2019
Sanctuary's paver project fits together for a new look

Condo community spruces up its grounds with a project to replace the original bricks laid decades ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 2, 2019
Gas line break causes traffic jam on U.S. 41

Southbound lanes remain closed just south of Proctor Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although at least one city commissioner expressed a desire for more proactive law enforcement targeting the homeless community, City Manager Tom Barwin said the city needed to consider other long-term strategies.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 2, 2019
City Commission hears update on homelessness

Officials expressed excitement about progress made in the last two years, but significant challenges remain.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Guest Author
  • April 2, 2019
Letters to the editor

Readers sound off on key issues.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Alligators are more active this time of year as they seek breeding partners.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 2, 2019
Alligator 'on the prowl' in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch resident has a close-up encounter with an alligator on his neighbor's porch.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota leaders are expected to discuss the Fruitville Road project's best options on April 15. Longboat leaders plan to be there.
  • By David Conway and Eric Garwood
  • April 2, 2019
Longboat leaders try to head off Sarasota's 'road diet' plan

Commissioners plan special meeting to consider ways to oppose Fruitville Road remake.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 1, 2019
Spanish Main cooks up fish fry

On April 1, residents enjoyed a fish fry of Spanish mackerel and potluck dishes and desserts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Executive Director Suzy Brenner said progress on converting the Northern Trust building into a medical and wellness center are proceeding well.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
Longboat Key's Paradise Center plans moving ahead

Engineering plans for former Northern Trust building's new use are underway.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 1, 2019
Jill Wine-Banks visits Longboat Key Democrats

On April 1, Wine-Banks addressed a crowd of more than 220 in the Harbourside Ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Vanda Yvonne Bayliss
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
Vanda Yvonne Bayliss

Vanda Yvonne Bayliss, 67, passed away March 3rd, 2019, in Sarasota, Florida after a brief battle with cancer.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
John F. “Brownie” Brown

John F. Brown, known as “Brownie” of Port Huron, Michigan peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on March 9, 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming hands the Officer of the Year plaque to Sgt. Lee Smith.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
Sergeant named Longboat's Officer of the Year

Smith has been in law enforcement since 1999.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Arnold Ray Davis
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
Arnold Ray Davis

Arnold Ray Davis, 82, passed away on February 27, 2019. He was born August 15, 1936, in Alvy, West Virginia to the late Paul and Arlie (Cain) Davis

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
William Walter (Bill) Roberts

William Walter (Bill) Roberts, age 92, born June 27, 1926 to Millard Fillmore (Jim) Roberts and Eva Swan Roberts in Samoset, Florida, went home to be with the Lord March 3, 2019.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lockwood Dexter Street
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
Lockwood Dexter Street

Lockwood Dexter Street (Dexter,) devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, died on March 26, 2019, in Hingham, Massachusetts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
David Bolger
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
David F. Bolger

David F. Bolger, 86, of Longboat Key, Florida and Ridgewood, NJ passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 29th, 2018.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Publix employee Richard Ziven accepts a certificate from the Longboat Key Police Department for turning in a lost money clip.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
Longboat Police honor honest Publix pair

Employees found and turned in cash found in the store.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Birgit Passler Cox
    In Memoriam |
  • April 1, 2019
Birgit Passler Cox

Birgit Passler Cox, Age 75, left this world for a better one on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, peacefully at her home in Longboat Key, Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Skunks have raised a stink.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2019
Skunk preserve raises stink in Myakka City

Skunk preserve raises stink in Myakka City APRIL FOOLS.

  • April Fools
An above ground pool with plastic sides will have 10 competitive lanes.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 1, 2019
Pool project goes to higher level in Lakewood Ranch

New aquatics center will get plastic, above-ground pool in Lakewood Ranch, APRIL FOOLS.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Contract gaffe means less sand for Lido

APRIL FOOLS: Maritime law expert says dispute's resolution might have to stand.

  • April Fools
Depending on the application and location, components built by such high-tech startups as Philco, Dumont, Admiral and Motorola would be employed on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Entrepreneur offers Longboat Key revolutionary cell-phone tech

APRIL FOOLS: High-tech company pitches free test to island customers.

  • April Fools
It’s the first time a large-scale civil project has been derailed the United States by an 6-ounce animal.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Brazilian bat could turn bridge-repair schedule upside down

APRIL FOOLS: Appearance of rarely seen animal could hamper bridge work, prompt detours.

  • April Fools
The training ground will be paid for with private funds.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Traffic circle training school coming soon

APRIL FOOLS: Famed Italian instructor donates money to build mock-up.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Longboat coyotes found to be rare, refined breed

The coyotes that have been roaming the golf courses and beach are more tame than other coyote breeds, research shows.

  • April Fools
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 1, 2019
APRIL FOOLS: Oooh, la, la, Longboat

APRIL FOOLS: Sign indicates something beach isn't.

  • April Fools
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Latest News

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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.
  • December 20, 2025
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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.
  • December 20, 2025
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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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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