Your Observer

David Conway
April 1, 2019

APRIL FOOLS: Natural notes: Orchestra plan melds park with venue

APRIL FOOLS: Responding to resident concerns, the Sarasota Orchestra wants to incorporate major elements of Payne Park into its new concert hall.

April Fools

Amelia Hanks
April 1, 2019

APRIL FOOLS: Siesta Key 'cover charge' planned

APRIL FOOLS: Residents and county taxpayers will be exempt from new charges coming this summer.

April Fools

Samantha Chaney
April 1, 2019

APRIL FOOLS: State law permits pet presence on Siesta Key Beach

A win for pet owners comes at the expense of those who wish to prohibit dog presence on public beaches.

April Fools

Jay Heater
March 31, 2019

Not a heavenly experience at Bradenton neighborhood gate

Interesting Sheriff's Office reports from Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton areas.

East County
Cops Corner

Amelia Hanks
March 31, 2019

Temple Sinai's mens club enjoys breakfast and a talk

Dr. Allan B. Schwartz spoke about FDR and the Jewish Question.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amelia Hanks
March 31, 2019

Walk to End Summer Hunger kicks off All Faiths campaign

The Campaign Against Summer Hunger kicked off on March 31.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Atkins
March 31, 2019

Celebrating the 'Cascades Lifestyle' with fashion in Sarasota

The Women's Club of Cascades held its annual fashion show with plenty of prizes and donations to charity.

East County
Neighbors

Amelia Hanks
March 30, 2019

Booker Middle Schools raises "funs" for the VPA program

The Visual Performing Arts program raised around $15,000.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
March 30, 2019

Small venue hosts large opera voices in Sarasota

Opera fans treated to intimate performance at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota.

East County
Neighbors

Katie Johns
March 30, 2019

Longboat Key Foundation tees off inaugural golf tournament

The tournament, which took place on the Harbourside Golf Course on March 30, will benefit the foundation's general fund.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Samantha Chaney
March 30, 2019

County looks at financial projections through rosier lens at budget workshop

Commissioners will resume discussing the budget for the upcoming 2020 fiscal year at their April 24 mid-year budget workshop.

Sarasota
News

Amelia Hanks
March 30, 2019

Sarasota SCADaddles toward 5K finish line

The 5K raised money for Mayo Clinic for SCAD research.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Johns
March 30, 2019

Kiwanis Club serves up pancakes

The club's annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast took place on March 30 to benefits its scholarship program.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Atkins
March 30, 2019

Magical event in Sarasota

Rangoonwala Family Foundation presents "The Haven Has Talent."

East County
Neighbors

Katie Johns
March 29, 2019

Friars golf group celebrates 25 years

The men's golf group at the Longboat Key Club hosted its annual dinner March 29 in the Harbourside Ballroom.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Katie Johns
March 29, 2019

Spring break campers scope out Sarasota Bay

Mote's Flippers, Flukes, Fin and Fun camp let first to fifth graders search the Bay for marine life March 29.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
March 29, 2019

Really? Straws take priority over pensions?

Sarasota City Commission has its priorities wrong.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
March 29, 2019

The thought of teachers carrying concealed firearms triggers passions against guns, but when you look at the details of Senate Bill 7030, it presents sensible safeguards. Data also convincingly show guns deter criminals.

Sarasota
Opinion

Brynn Mechem
March 29, 2019

Game, set and match at end of season tennis party

Tennis players gathered at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center to celebrate.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
March 29, 2019

Milestones of our times

Often times, noteworthy historical events pass us by with little fanfare or recognition. Here are two that illustrate the richness of Longboat Key and one that's just plain fun.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Jay Heater
March 28, 2019

Man's wallet lifted at Bradenton convenience store

Man's wallet lifted at Bradenton convenience store in Cops Corner report.

East County
Cops Corner

Katie Johns
March 28, 2019

Save Our Seabirds spreads wings at Sunset Soirée

The 8th annual event took place March 28 at Michael's on the Bay at Selby Gardens.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

David Conway
March 28, 2019

Beachgoers damage Siesta nesting areas

Bird experts are urging the public to be mindful of protected sections of Sarasota beaches designed to accommodate wildlife.

Siesta Key
News

Brynn Mechem
March 28, 2019

Key of Sea Chorus dedicates concert to memory of member

The annual concert at The Players Club drew more than 50 people.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Amelia Hanks
March 28, 2019

Sarasota's Girls Inc. steps into a role

Spring break program showcases female role models in 'The Lion King' for members of Girls, Inc.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amelia Hanks
March 28, 2019

Sarasota Good Works: Art is a passion, even for tour guides

Leslie Young has volunteered 2,000 hours with Ringling.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Samantha Chaney
March 28, 2019

Recruitment, retainment struggles in Sarasota County Schools reflect nationwide teacher shortage

Sarasota County offers warm weather, sunny beaches and the second-highest average salary for Florida teachers. Even so, the district — like many others — struggles with open positions, recruiting and retention efforts.

Sarasota
News

Ryan Kohn
March 28, 2019

Riverview High baseball hopes to keep momentum high

The Rams won their first Sarasota Baseball Classic since 1999 last week

Sarasota
Sports

Ryan Kohn
March 28, 2019

Next spring training will bring options for Sarasota baseball fans

Next spring training will bring options for Sarasota baseball fans, with both the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium.