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Your Observer

Shannon Elyse Curry speaks at the reception
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 10, 2025
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative hosts exhibition at Van Wezel

The exhibit, “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm,” is part of the “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Among the $17 million in Hurricane Milton damage to city property was the shoreline behind the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield, Eric Garwood
  • April 10, 2025
City of Sarasota, county fund balances take a hit in hurricane cost

Storm recovery costs and FEMA reimbursement delays will be a factor as Sarasota city and county governments enter budget season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 4901 Sabal Lake Circle was built in 2000 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,703 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 10, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for March 24-28 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Siesta Cove home on Siesta Cove Drive tops the week’s sales at $3,995,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
An infinity-edge pool and outdoor terraces are among the special features of the home that sold for $14.8 million in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 10, 2025
$14.8M home sale in Sarasota sets 2025 record

The property along Sarasota Bay remains under construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview senior Caroline Steinwachs has provided invaluable leadership for a young girls lacrosse team that won a district championship.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 10, 2025
Young Riverview girls lacrosse team eyes district title

11th-year Rams coach Ashley McLeod has readied a young team for the district tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota High sophomore Braedon Mackay and the Sailors would have had to defeat Venice, the No. 4 team in Florida, twice to advance past the regional playoffs.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 10, 2025
The 2025 prep softball and baseball stars of Sarasota

These players have been the best on the diamond this spring.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • April 10, 2025
Navigating Tax Changes in 2025 and 2026

How J.L. Bainbridge Helps Secure Your Financial Future

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By None
  • April 10, 2025
Construction rises along Tampa Riverwalk on Pendry Hotel & Residences

A refined expression of the polished comfort and contemporary luxury of the esteemed Montage Hotels & Resorts lineage, Pendry Tampa offers unrivaled amenities and a renowned culture of hospitality, amid one of the nation’s hottest downtowns.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Top white rectangle: Hi Hat is donating 10 to 17 acres of its property so the county can widen Fruitville Road. Bottom rectangle: Hi Hat has agreed to pay half the cost of widening Bee Ridge along the blue line; it will pay 100% of widening the green strip, as well as the road leading into Hi Hat Ranch.
    By
  • Eric Garwood, Matt Walsh
  • April 9, 2025
Officials OK controversial roads proposal for large east Sarasota County project

Commissioners vote 3-2 to move ahead with Hi Hat Ranch agreement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lannie Fineman, 17, and Sophie Huralde, 17, created Positively Sweet.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Young entrepreneurs sell their creations at The Bazaar

The Young Entrepreneur Market highlighted the creativity of some of the community's entrepreneurs ages 8 to 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Family discovers a surprise tenant in condo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 9, 2025
Family discovers a surprise tenant in condo

A couple entering a family-owned rental finds a man living there, later learning their agent signed the lease for them. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Six months ago, hurricanes Helene and Milton flooded St. Armands Circle. Today, a sense of normalcy has returned.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield, Carter Weinhofer, Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Helene and Milton Six Months Later: Back to normal, except people aren't here

Longboat Key, St. Armands Key, Siesta Key and Sarasota are climbing out of the hurricanes hole as residents continue to rebuild.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lido Beach welcomes plenty of visitors near the end of the busy season despite challenges posed by the hurricanes six months ago.
    By
  • Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Moving forward from hurricanes takes united community effort

Leaders in the tourism industry celebrate successes in recovery and encourage both visitors and residents to support local businesses along the road to full recovery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mote Ranch's Carolann Garafola is handing out blue and silver pinwheels to family and friends throughout the month of April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 9, 2025
Taxpayer fund doles out millions to Manatee County nonprofits

Each year, members of the Children's Services Advisory Board pour over grant applications to divvy up about $14 million.

  • East County
  • News
Martin and Diana Rosansky, of Sarasota, sold their home at 495 McKinley Drive to Sea Dancer LLC for $4.83 million. Built in 1993, it has two bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 3,903 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,135,000 in 1998.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 9, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for March 24-28 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Lido Beach home on McKinley Drive tops the week’s sales at $4.83 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Samantha Casanueva, Parker Poplaski, Matthew Jackson and Trenton Horne of Blue Lightning with their robots and awards.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 9, 2025
Three East County schools headed to Vex Robotics World Championship

Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School, Virgil Mills Elementary School, Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School are going to compete in Dallas, Texas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Crews remove debris in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 9, 2025
Debris removed to sites across the state

Some of it recycled, the rest buried in landfills, the debris removed across the county numbered in the millions of cubic yards.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Joe Neunder cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Sarasota County cuts ribbon on Historic Keith Farmhouse restoration

The farmhouse, built in 1916, is considered one of Sarasota County's most significant historic structures.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A crowd gathers on the No. 18 hole at Lakewood National Golf Club to watch 15-year-old junior golfer Miles Russell play in the 2024 LECOM Suncoast Classic on April 21. Russell finished tied for 20th at 14 under par.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 9, 2025
A golf fan's guide to watching the LECOM Suncoast Classic

Lakewood National offers some challenging shots to Korn Ferry players.

  • East County
  • Sports
Some boardwalks around Joan M. Durante Park and Quick Point Nature Preserve remain impassable after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 9, 2025
Town works to rebalance funds after estimated $7.6M in hurricane expenses

Longboat Key Finance Department staff are working through FEMA claims and managing the town’s budget to complete hurricane-related expenditures that total.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
AI: The next new frontier?
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 9, 2025
AI: The next new frontier?

While some media organizations are clamoring to be leaders in artificial intelligence, the Observer is following a different approach.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Morgan Peggs has a 2.88 ERA across 41 1/3 innings in his senior season for Riverview baseball.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 9, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Morgan Peggs

Peggs held the No. 20 team in the nation in check in a 4-1 Riverview win at CoolToday Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Fifth graders Jaleeyah and Journee mix the coffee cake.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2025
Girls Inc. girls bake coffee cakes in honor of Virginia B. Toulmin

Girls Inc. members cooked the dessert, a favorite of philanthropist Virginia Toulmin, in honor of their one-year scholarships to Young Chefs Academy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Brill, chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County, Sen. Joe Gruters, Sen. Jim Boyd, Graci McGillicuddy, Rep. Fiona McFarland, Rep. James Buchanan and Rep. Will Robinson.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2025
Graci McGillicuddy presented with Lifetime Achievement Award

Republican Party of Sarasota County recognizes her work on behalf of abused children, including through her co-founding of All Star Children's Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From left, Marilyn Davol, Mary Del Pup, Susan Gilmore Clarke, Kay Kochenderfer and Lynn Kennelly swear to uphold their duties as the officers of the Women's Guild at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 8, 2025
Women's Guild leaders prepare for new term

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church installed its officers for the Women's Guild.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Artist Series Concerts names new executive director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2025
Artist Series Concerts names new executive director

Keren Shani-Lifrak succeeds Marcy Miller, who is retiring after six years with the cultural group.

  • Arts + Culture
Rose Marie Stieber (1928-2024)
    In Memoriam |
  • April 8, 2025
Rose Marie “Rosie” Stieber

Rose Marie “Rosie” Stieber, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at age 96.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lakewood Ranch senior Savannah Adams placed first in the 800-meter run, first as part of the 4x800 relay team and third as part of the 4x400 relay team on April 3 at the Wally Keller Invite.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 8, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Savannah Adams

Lakewood Ranch senior placed first in two track events at the Wally Keller Invite.

  • East County
  • Sports
Electric dirtbikes have become a popular mode of transportation for Lakewood Ranch teenagers and a nuisance to Lakewood Ranch adults.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 8, 2025
Teens on electric bikes 'taunt' Lakewood Ranch residents

Residents in neighborhoods along White Eagle Boulevard are fed up.

  • East County
  • News
Sylvia Abdelsalam, vice president of the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club and Garden Fest Committee Chair with Penny Kress, a Garden Fest committee member.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 8, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Library to host Garden Fest

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club's Garden Fest will have 50 vendors, educational speakers and crafts for kids.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
John Woodman, a division manager for Homes by Towne, sits on a swing at the new Midway Park. A grand opening is being held April 12 at the park that connects the Wild Blue and Shellstone communities.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 8, 2025
Two Waterside communities unveil a park at their midway point

Wild Blue and Shellstone combine to build an exceptional athlete and social facility.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
10309 Riverbank Terrace, built in 2003, was sold for $2.55 million. It has 6,136 square feet of living area, including four bedrooms. Photo courtesy of Steve Slocum.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 8, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for March 24-28 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Lindrick Lane topped the week’s sales at $2.85 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Man unable to find car calls for emergency backup
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 8, 2025
Man unable to find car calls for emergency backup

The man first presumed the car was stolen, and officers showed up to search for the missing vehicle. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Children wait to dive for eggs during a previous Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park pool.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2025
Aqua Egg Hunt set for April 12

The annual event will be held at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An aerial picture of the beach near Bayfront Park in October 2024 shows how storm surge washed over the beach and impacted dune height and vegetation.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 8, 2025
Major progress toward rebuilding Longboat's beaches still far out

Longboat Key’s flatter beaches — thanks to hurricanes Helene and Milton — will need federal funding to assist the town in rebuilding.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Andrew Jensen is the fourth head coach of Lakewood Ranch softball in the past four seasons.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 8, 2025
Lakewood Ranch softball team chases a return to its glory days

The Mustangs struggled after losing Coach T.J. Goelz but are showing signs of contending again.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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