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Your Observer

    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2019
St. Mary Men's Club dishes out Italian feast

The club hosted its annual Italian Night Jan. 17 in the parish fellowship hall.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A threat to Lakewood Ranch High School this morning was deemed not to be credible. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2019
Lakewood Ranch High reopens after threat

A threatening note left in a restroom was deemed 'uncredible.'

  • East County
  • News
Pay increases are included for most teachers. File art.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2019
Pay raises on way for teachers, paraprofessionals in Manatee County

District, Manatee Education Association finalize deal but other negotiations continue.

  • East County
  • News
Owners of Sarasota Kennel Club have not made clear what will happen to the track.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • January 17, 2019
Sarasota Kennel Club's final season is underway

Amendment 13 has officially banned dog racing in the state of Florida. What does this mean for the Sarasota Kennel Club, its fans and its greyhounds?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cheryl Mendelson's work includes experience in the arts, education and healthcare fields.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 17, 2019
Van Wezel Foundation hires CEO

The board announced Cheryl Mendelson, whose previous work includes an executive role at the Harris Theater in Chicago, will lead the foundation beginning in February.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2019
Golfers scramble for SPARCC

The inaugural SPARCC Auxiliary Winter Golf Tournament teed off on Jan. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brian Roberts welcomes participants at his Newtown clinic on Jan. 12.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2019
Star-studded clinic opens door for Newtown baseball

The Newtown baseball clinic was put on by former Baltimore Orioles All-Star Brian Roberts, with help from other community leaders

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Riverview sophomore defender Joey St. Onge out-leaps a Venice player for a header.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2019
Rams' stout defense has them in prime position

The Riverview High Rams boys soccer team is on track for another district title game berth, thanks in large part to its defense and goaltending.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jim Wallace announced his intent to file a brief against the Siesta Promenade at the Siesta Key Association meeting.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • January 17, 2019
Opponents seek court action to halt Siesta Key Promenade

A Siesta Key resident has filed a brief in Circuit Court in an effort to block the recently approved Siesta Promenade.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 17, 2019
Longboat Key weather page photo: Jan. 17

Cindy Leder captured this evening sky from a Longboat Key beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 17, 2019
East County weather page photo: Jan. 17

Gordon Silver photographed these cows grazing in a pasture along Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 17, 2019
Sarasota weather page photo: Jan. 17

Niki Muller photographed people fishing for mullet one morning on Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Bay Island home at 707 Norsota Way recently sold for $3,114,000. Built in 1938, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,617 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.4 million in 2014.Â
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 17, 2019
Bay Island home sells for $3,114,000

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 31-Jan. 4

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
In the demolition notice for the SeaBreeze Inn, issued Dec. 19, 12 different violations are listed.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 17, 2019
North Trail buildings draw concerns

Residents want the city to take action to address issues associated with derelict motels, which has led to a demolition order for at least one structure.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High School's new principal, Dustin Dahlquist, says he's in "observation mode" as he comes to Lakewood and prepares to build on a foundation of success.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
Can Lakewood Ranch High go higher?

New Mustangs principal hopes to build upon the school's success.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2019
Seaplace residents put new clubhouse to good use

The clubhouse renovations began in August and were completed in the beginning of January.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • January 16, 2019
Siesta group files federal lawsuit in response to Big Pass dredging proposal

Save Our Siesta Sand 2 has taken to the federal court system in order to prevent dredging that would be used to renourish Lido Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 16, 2019
Shaq spreads message of humor, kindness in Sarasota

The basketball Hall of Famer talked about life after sports at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cyclist approaches the northern end of the multi-use trail east of Gulf of Mexico Drive. To continue, riders must cross the street.
    By
  • Suzanne Elliott
  • January 16, 2019
Trail extension added to town's transportation wish list

The prokect would have competition from the region

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pamela Nadalini was the subject of an investigation in which employees accused her of retaliation and bullying in the workplace.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 16, 2019
City fires auditor and clerk

Former City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini declined a request to resign, preserving her ability to take legal action against the city in the future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 16, 2019
Cops Corner: No one suspicious around here

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The Bird Key home at 604 Mourning Dove Drive recently for $2.47 million. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,240 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1.65 million in 2012.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 16, 2019
Bird Key home sells for $2.47 million

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 31-Jan. 4

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The Braden Oaks home at 3414 65th St. E. recently sold for $930,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,011 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 16, 2019
Braden Oaks home tops local sales at $930,000

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 31-Jan. 4

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 16, 2019
The Lido mob wins

The developers’ withdrawal of their Lido Beach Pavilion plans will be a Pyrrhic victory. In the end, all the city’s residents will lose.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 16, 2019
How red tide affects an 11-year-old

We'll send your letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sign on Gulf of Mexico Drive advertising the St. Regis.
    By
  • Suzanne Elliott
  • January 16, 2019
Unicorp request for Longboat sales office moves forward

Sales office could be on site in six months

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The ODA crowd throws commemorative mini-basketballs in the air at the close of the school's ceremony at its new field house.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 16, 2019
ODA's new multi-sport facility offers athletic and academic benefits

The Out-of-Door Academy's new Fox Field House facility gives the Thunder more room for basketball, volleyball and other indoor sports.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mustangs senior forward Josh Young barrels into a Pirates defender on a drive to the basket.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 16, 2019
Mustangs extend culture of winning — and fun

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball program has had a consistent culture despite the typical turnover of high school rosters.

  • East County
  • Sports
Levi works as an ambassador dog for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • January 16, 2019
Barking good time at the Southeastern Guide Dogs Heroes Breakfast

Southeastern Guide Dogs hosted their annual Heroes Breakfast on Jan. 16 to honor veterans who have guide dogs and service dogs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2019
Welcome, baby Baldwin

Jon “Tripp” Bradford Baldwin III was born Dec. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said he is proud of the county's employees and their commitment to the community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
Manatee County administrator seeks retirement

Manatee commissioners must decide about hiring process for top-level post.

  • East County
  • News
East County resident Violeta Velazquez, center, lost her husband, Tony Rodriguez, unexpectedly in September 2018 to health issues. Her sons, Zergio Rodriguez Velazquez (left) and Zebastian Rodriguez Velazquez (right) are healing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
Group explores grief for children

Tidewell program in Lakewood Ranch expands bereavement services for children and families.

  • East County
  • News
Fawley Bryant Architecture Vice President of Interior Design Sarah Colandro, Southwest Florida Museum Executive Director Brynne Anne Besio and Willis Smith Construction project manager Angel Ortiz are excited about the partnership
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
Museum creates regional child-focused exhibit

Lakewood Ranch businesses support museum vision.

  • East County
  • News
Through her children's books, Joy Shepherd aims to start a positive conversation between children and parents.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2019
Longboater brings childhood conversations to life in books

Joy Shepherd has written four children’s books discussing serious topics that challenge parents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Danny Walker, a member of the Web.com Tour, and LECOM Trustee Tom Wedzik get together at a press conference to announce LECOM as the title sponsor.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 16, 2019
LECOM is fit to a tee in Lakewood Ranch

LECOM believes Suncoast Classic sponsorship in Lakewood Ranch will pay major branding dividends during Web.com Tour.

  • East County
  • News
Marco Peters opened Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve to the public on Dec. 1.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 16, 2019
Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve now open to the public in Myakka City

Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve now open to the public in Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
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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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