• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

During the past two years, Steve Stancel and other city staff members have conducted outreach with stakeholders to explain the rationale behind the proposed narrowing of a segment of Fruitville Road.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 28, 2019
Controversial Fruitville Road plans resurface

Despite initial pushback, city staff is once again endorsing a proposal to eliminate lanes from a segment of the downtown street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although School Avenue is already blocked off during school days, the school district wants a permanent closure.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 28, 2019
Proposed School Avenue closure draws opposition

Residents and Planning Board members criticized a Sarasota County Schools plan to permanently close a road that cuts through Sarasota High.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 28, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 3.28.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 27, 2019
Temple Beth Israel goes from baroque to Broadway

The Third Annual Florence Katz Memorial Concert brought more than 200 people to the temple March 27.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Jeffreys, Devin Epps and Lashelle Williams
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • March 27, 2019
Teen Court of Sarasota gives out annual scholarships

The scholarship award dinner took place on March 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
GMD and Bay Isles Parkway (41 feet)
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 27, 2019
Longboat streetlight heights take center stage

Commissioners seek more data on streetlight height before making their final call.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 27, 2019
Mental health scan seeks to transform mental health care in Sarasota County

The scan found that there are over 10,000 untreated youth in the county, costing more than $86 million annually.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Goats ... with Taste at Taste of Mixon's event

Anybody looking for a dose of cuteness needed to look no farther March 23 than the annual Taste of Mixon’s at Mixon Fruit Farms.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Clydesdales deliver 'best day ever' at Sarasota Polo Club

Millie Sica stood bolt upright, a look of shock and bewilderment dancing across her face. Towering above her, a Budweiser Clydesdale sniffed her cap. She giggled while her mom, Melissa Sica, snapped a photo.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Runners chug along at Beer Belly 5k on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

The race featured 4 pour stations where racers could choose water, spiked seltzer or — of course — beer.

  • East County
  • News
The section of 44th Avenue East heading east from Rosedale's back entrance has long been completed but Manatee County is in the design stage for the section going westward to cross Interstate 75.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 27, 2019
44th Avenue project advances in Manatee County

Construction set to begin on 6,900-foot long bridge over Manatee River.

  • East County
  • News
Participants at the 2018 Walk for Water carry their buckets.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch cause will hold water at annual event

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch holds Walk for Water event at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
William Thomas completed the firefighter's combat challenge in three minutes and 25 seconds.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • March 27, 2019
Future firefighters honored at Manatee Technical College

MTC honors six students during its Fire Academy graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
John Kurz, Stacey Mazza, Chris Stevens, Jessica Stevens, Cassie Wegeng, Sean Altice and Lexi Smith courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 27, 2019
Cleanup crew

On March 24, 20 volunteers spent their morning cleaning up the trash littering the north end of Longboat Key beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Steve Branham said Susan Phillips and Phyllis Black will be back as pancake creators this year.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 27, 2019
Kiwanis Club cooking up annual pancake breakfast

This year’s breakfast is from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 30 and will benefit the club's scholarship fund.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Church members packed 1,000 kits for Lutheran World Relief Services. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 27, 2019
Sending care from afar

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church members packed 1,000 care kits for Lutheran World Relief.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
File photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 27, 2019
Longboat Island Chapel to host first-time fundraiser

A Charity Affair will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the chapel and will benefit Feeding Empty Little Tummies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 27, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: Nothing to see here

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is selling his "Rambling River Retreat" home at 12709 Upper Manatee River Road in East County.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 26, 2019
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band musician sells home along the Manatee River

Former Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member John McEuen says it's time to part with his "Rambling River Retreat" in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
SCSPD Sgt. Steve Kim greets students at Bay Haven & School of Basics Plus. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Schools.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • March 26, 2019
Sarasota County Schools Police Department officially announces plans for growth and expansion

Currently, the SCSPD has a total of 28 sworn officers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Victim Advocate Coordinator Autumn Roppolo, GAL Child Advocate Manager Lynne Higgins, Sheriff Tom Knight, GAL Director Toni Latortue, GAL Advocate Manager Keith Hammond, Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez, Col. Kurt Hoffman
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • March 26, 2019
Sheriff Tom Knight named 2019 Community Advocate Of The Year

In 2018, the Sheriff's Office collected more than 1,300 gifts and more than $3,700 in gift cards for GAL in a holiday toy drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Competitors prepare to launch their vessel into the bay.
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • March 26, 2019
Sails raised in Sarasota Bay during Flying Scot Midwinters

More than 50 sailing teams turned out for the event.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • March 26, 2019
School Board to consider a district-wide resolution to not arm teachers

At the March 26 workshop, board members also discussed bringing in officials from other school districts in order to learn more about similar resolutions that have passed elsewhere in the state.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bradenton Marauders have big plans for fans. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 26, 2019
Bradenton Marauders have big plans for fans

The Bradenton Marauders have big plans for its upcoming 10th season.

  • East County
  • Sports
The inaugural tournament will benefit the foundation's general fund.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 26, 2019
Longboat Key Foundation to host inaugural golf tournament

The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. on March 30.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Demolition of the Amore building is nearly complete.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 26, 2019
Several key issues face Longboat in the next weeks, months

Commission will hear a lot of these topics.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Resort at Longboat Key Club General Manager Jeff Mayers cuts the ribbon on the pickleball courts.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 26, 2019
Resort at Longboat Key Club serves up new pickleball courts

The tennis courts near Portofino were converted into four pickleball courts following an increased interest in the game.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Paid parking began in the garage on March 13.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 26, 2019
St. Armands leaders monitor paid parking

More than a month into the implementation of paid parking on St. Armands Circle, city officials continue to report positive trends.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 24, 2019
Sleepy Lagoon gathers for neighborhood bash

More than 100 Sleepy Lagoon residents enjoyed a buffet dinner March 24.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 24, 2019
Manatee County man dies in I-75 crash

Manatee County man dies in I-75 crash near State Road 64 exit.

  • East County
  • News
Event hosts Chuck, Sue and Tom DiNatale
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 23, 2019
Danny's Dream supports Ewing sarcoma research

The second annual event was hosted on March 23 in the Harbourside Ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 22, 2019
Garden Club rocks the boat at Dinner and a Movie

The club hosted its annual Dinner and a Movie event on March 22 at Bayfront Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
John Cannon is hands-on with every aspect of the building process, such as these barn doors.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 22, 2019
Lakewood Ranch builder John Cannon a master of tree forts to mansions

Lakewood Ranch builder John Cannon a master of tree forts to mansions

  • East County
  • Opinion
Robyn Rocklein headlines the Sarasota Festival of the Vocal Arts performances at Palm Aire Country Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 22, 2019
'Cavalleria Rusticana' will stir emotions in Sarasota

Sarasota Festival of the Vocal Arts comes to Palm Aire Country Club.

  • East County
  • News
Former Lakewood Ranch High basketball player Jack Kelley is out of of intensive care after his hit-and-run accident.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 22, 2019
Former Lakewood Ranch basketball player out of intensive care

Former Lakewood Ranch High basketball player Jack Kelley is out of intensive care at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sue Ann Iannello and her husband, Frank, carry out one of her paintings from J&J Gallery, which closed.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 22, 2019
Main Street's J&J Gallery closes in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's only art gallery couldn't survive with its unique business model.

  • East County
  • News
« 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

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

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now