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Your Observer

The boats at the Sarasota Yacht Club shine just as bright as the homes.
    By
  • Kayleigh Omang
  • December 10, 2018
Sarasota celebrates the season with lights

Nothing brings joy like a beautiful light display. Here's some of Sarasota's brightest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Laura Hampton is one of the librarians who teaches people who come to the Creation Stations how to use the technology.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 10, 2018
Nearly $1 million donation fuels Creation Station project in libraries

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation's $947,000 grant will help county libraries to install 3-D printers, sewing machines and more.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bay Conservancy will be responsible for implementing the city's adopted vision for 53 acres of public land. Without accounting for a planned new performing arts center, the project is expected to cost up to $150 million.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 10, 2018
Bayfront group announces transitional leaders

The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization is transitioning to The Bay Conservancy, a group that will oversee the redevelopment of 53 acres of public land.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 9, 2018
Longboat Island Chapel hosts holiday brunch

Chapel members gathered Dec. 9 for a Sunday morning service and a festive brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mary Lynn Cheatham sits on a specialized wood made from white oak.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 8, 2018
Lido Beach's Holiday of the Arts

Lido Beach hosted their holiday art festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2018
Diamond and Crystal Ball sparkles

Diamond and Crystal Charity Ball raises funds for Just for Girls.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 8, 2018
Longboat Harbour lights up the night

On Dec. 8, residents lit their docks before gathering in the clubhouse for a holiday party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Boats were prepared for the parade in the marina by the Marina Jack restaurant.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 8, 2018
Sarasota sails through the boat parade

The 33rd annual holiday boat parade brought a floating light-up party through the bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2018
Crafters cultivate spirit of giving

Lakewood Ranch group raises funds for Turning Points.

  • East County
  • News
Peyton Gallof, Hayden Gallof and Deputy Brian Biegel
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 8, 2018
Sarasota Sheriff's Office welcomes visitors to open house

Food, demonstrations and lots of hands-on experiences greeted hundreds who attended.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2018
Woodland pageant tells Christmas story

'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' takes stage at Woodland Community Church in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 7, 2018
St. Armands lights up with holiday cheer

On Dec. 7 Santa paid a visit to St. Armands Circle to light the 55-foot Christmas tree and visit with children.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 7, 2018
Temple Beth Israel celebrates sixth night of Hanukkah

More than 100 members gathered Dec.7 for a performance by the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, dinner and the traditional candle lighting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Michael Shefrin and Rabbi Elaine Glickman
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 7, 2018
Hanukkah is a happening time at Temple Emanu-el

The temple hosted a fundraiser on Dec. 7.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
After posting several years of losses, Bobby Jones Golf Club has required hundreds of thousands of dollars in general fund subsidies in the past two years.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 7, 2018
City to discuss Bobby Jones improvements

Plans to renovate the municipal golf course could cost up to $16.7 million, with no guarantee of future profitability.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Charles Hines had been vice chair in the previous year.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 7, 2018
Commissioners elect Hines as 2019 chair

Moran named vice chair of County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • December 7, 2018
Thelma “Temi” Saivetz

Thelma “Temi” Saivetz, 97, of Sarasota, FL, died on December 3, 2018. Born in New York City she resided in Quincy, MA for 70 years and retired to Longboat Key, FL for the past 27 years. Her obituary tribute is publishing in the Longboat Observer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Authorities checked about 80 locations countywide on Thursday.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 7, 2018
Sarasota deputies warn against gas pump skimmers

Two discovered at Tamiami Trail station near Gulf Gate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wilkinson Elementary performs their chorus and recorder ensemble.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 6, 2018
Performances ring in the holidays at The Ringling

The Ringling Holiday Splendor brought out local schools to amp up the holiday season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Seaward Development's David Hargreaves and Patrick DiPinto
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 6, 2018
EPOCH Sarasota launches into the future

The new luxury condos launch event was on Dec. 5

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joan Peters finished her art piece in four hours.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • December 6, 2018
Sarasota artists try something new with big top project

Natural light painters go beyond their normal scenery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Zy Grable takes a punt return to the end zone against Riverview (Hillsborough).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 6, 2018
Riverview football reflects after state semifinal loss

Riverview High Rams football coach Josh Smithers believes his seniors, including running back Ali Boyce, helped save the season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Freshman forward Drew Miller controls the ball for Cardinal Mooney against Booker High. Miller would score a goal in the game.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 6, 2018
Claw marks: Cougars boys soccer tears through opening stretch of season

The Cardinal Mooney High Cougars boys soccer team is tearing through the opening stretch of the season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2018
Longboat Key weather page photo: Dec. 6

Sandra Brut-Christensen captured this photo on Longboat Key near the Spanish Main Yacht Club beach access.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Trevor Yull.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 6, 2018
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Trevor Yull

Cardinal Mooney Cougars boys soccer junior Trevor Yull talks balancing school and soccer, and his best advice

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2018
East County weather page photo: Dec. 6

Paddi Juliano captured this rainbow over Bealls on State Road 70.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2018
Sarasota weather page photo: Dec. 6

Mary Tygh Parks photographed this green heron having a bad hair day at Celery Fields.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Paradise Shores home at 1503 Blue Heron Drive recently sold for $2.8 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,518 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 6, 2018
Paradise Shores home sells for $2.8 million

Residential real estate transactions for Nov. 19-23.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Attorney Jane West addresses the audience at a Save our Siesta Sand 2 fundraiser.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2018
Big Pass legal expenses mount for Siesta, Lido

Resident groups on both sides of the contested project have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to make their arguments.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioner Charles Hines suggested the county should revise its meeting procedures to prevent public comment periods from pushing back other agenda items.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2018
County considers public comment changes

In response to activist groups speaking at commission meetings, officials want to establish guidelines for public input.

  • Sarasota
  • News
DID board member Ron Soto said city fees were hampering his efforts to organize events such as the downtown tree lighting.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2018
Downtown event plans face hurdles

The Downtown Improvement District sees an events coordinator as a wise investment, but city leaders aren’t on board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The master plan recommends improvements to encourage more activity in neighborhood parks, as depicted in this rendering of Shenandoah Park.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2018
City’s parks ambitions remain uncertain

A master plan outlines $200 million in potential improvements to city parks. How much of that are officials interested in pursuing?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rosemary District Association President Howard Davis discusses the proposed changes to the overlay district at a Nov. 28 workshop.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2018
Rosemary District stakeholders plot building changes

New zoning regulations brought a wave of residential projects to the Rosemary District. Can those same regulations help provide neighborhood improvements?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • December 6, 2018
What will grow Sarasota tourism?

Visitors who say good things about Sarasota constitute the big X factor in tourism.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2018
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.6.18

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Lisa Fulk of Sunshine Canning said The Market's second season should be bigger than last year.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 6, 2018
The Market at Lakewood Ranch opens new season

The Market at Lakewood Ranch opens a new season.

  • East County
  • 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
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
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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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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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