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Your Observer

    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 18, 2019
Deadline to apply for Longboat Key boards is April 24

Openings exist on a variety of panels.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cameron played for SSFA's fundraiser on April 13. Photo by Niki Kottmann
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 18, 2019
Southside Elementary plays along

Sandy Cameron, acclaimed violinist, played for students and donors on April 12-13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Barbara and Mike Pollack make reading packets for Booker Elementary. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 18, 2019
Temple Sinai provides community service

The temple took part of Mitzvah Day on April 7.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Former Sailor Jaasiel Torres is winning high jumps a a freshman at North Florida. Photo courtesy Todd Drexler, Sideline Sports.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 18, 2019
Making their move: A check-in on local collegiate spring sports stars

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Cardinal Mooney senior Nick Petrucelli confirmed that, yes, getting hit with a lacrosse shot does hurt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 18, 2019
Cardinal Mooney goaltender takes one (after another) for the team

Cougars lacrosse senior Nick Petrucelli mans the net despite the shots rocketed at him.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Joan Marie Condon and Robin Fulk
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 18, 2019
Grown-ups find their fun at egg hunt

Fundraiser for Children's Garden and Art Center puts a different spin on a holiday staple.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Now the city wants to spend $200 million in public and private funds on another park — this one on the bayfront.
  • By Joel Schleicher and Jonathan Mitchell
  • April 18, 2019
My View: City needs better governance, not a big park

Since 1974, the city’s spending has increased 420%. But in that time and with all that money, the City Commission repeatedly demonstrates irresponsible and dysfunctional leadership and management.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Victoria Ochoa is helping to plan and lead Save Access 10 and the Siesta Fiesta.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 18, 2019
Siesta Fiesta 5K planners aim to raise awareness over public beach access

The Siesta Fiesta 5K, as hosted by the leaders of Save Access 10, is a separate event from the 41st Annual Siesta Fiesta as hosted by Howard Alan Events on the same weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A cabinet containing a variety of Siesta Key Sea Bee Dee products.
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 18, 2019
10 CBD-related questions, answered

CBD is a hot topic right now, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding it.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Units in the 18-story Epoch building are listed from $3.3 million to nearly $9 million for the penthouse. About 40% have sold.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 18, 2019
City approves Gulfstream luxury high-rise

Despite concerns from some residents, the city has signed off on plans for an 18-story, 23-unit condominium project near the bayfront.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Cabana Inn has been the source of resident complaints for years. The city has issued no noise citations at the property since 2018.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 18, 2019
Neighbors check in on Cabana Inn complaints

Residents could lobby the city to increase the maximum fine for violating noise regulations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rev. Wayne Farrell is part of SURE’s campaign to invest more local funds in affordable housing, calling it a pressing need among the group’s members.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 18, 2019
SURE campaigns for local housing funds

A coalition of churches is leading the charge for more ambitious affordable housing policies in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 18, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 4.18.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Garden Club officers JoAnn Schwencke, Pat Cooper, Zelia Trueb, Susan Phillips, Barbara Gurchiek and Susan Tone
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Garden Club blossoms at annual meeting

The club hosted its annual meeting and picnic April 17 at Joan M. Durante Park where they awarded grants and scholarships.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
Students let off STEAM at McNeal Elementary

The fourth annual event at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary features robotics, interactive music and an art show.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • April 17, 2019
School Board continues debate on reserve fund calculations

As the school district enters deficit spending, board members stand divided regarding reserve fund calculations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Linger Lodge Project Manager Philipp Hartl said the goal is to replace aging infrastructure and modernize the RV park.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Plans would increase RV spaces in Manatee County

Linger Lodge's RV Park set to undergo renovation if approved by Manatee County commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Leadership Manatee Alumni Association Treasurer Neil Unruh awards Doug Wagner with the 24th Annual Kent C. Schulz Distinguished Alumni Award.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
School District of Manatee County administrator honored

“Every single person has value and can add value . . . Every single person counts and matters.”

  • East County
  • Schools
Bennett said he's enjoyed his time as a principal at Bashaw and will miss the community he helped create.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
Class act joins new community at Braden River Elementary

When Joshua Bennett transitions from being the principal at William H. Bashaw Elementary to Braden River Elementary, he’ll leave behind a legacy of creating friendships and building community among the students, staff and parents with whom he worked.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River High School seniors Ahmad Ibsais and Alana Kelly spoke in front of the school board in opposition of arming teachers on Tuesday, April 9.
    By
  • Andrew Atkins
  • April 17, 2019
School Board of Manatee County hears opposition to arming teachers

Every time Ahmad Ibsais finds himself at a movie, a community event, a mall — or any public place— he finds himself looking for the exits in case somebody pulls a gun and starts shooting. But that doesn’t mean the Braden River High School senior wants tea

  • East County
  • Schools
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Tennis triumph

The Longboat Key Tennis Center's Men's 50s and 60s team won their Suncoast Tennis League division for the first time this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch junior pitcher Claire Davidson, an Auburn commit, has yet to allow an earned run this season.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 17, 2019
Mustangs make their pitch for a deep playoff run

The Lakewood Ranch High Mustangs softball team makes its pitch for a deep playoff run, thanks to Claire Davidson, Brooklyn Lucero, Payton Kinney and Kayla Howald, all NCAA Division 1 commits.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch senior James Rivera won the 300-meter hurdles (37.14) at last year's state championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 17, 2019
Mustangs' track star approaches final hurdles

He is eyeing another chance to shine at the state championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Anne Ross and Braden River Utilities official Bob Simons say conservation of irrigation water in Lakewood Ranch through soil moisture sensor technology can save up to 30% on water costs.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Moisture sensors make monetary sense in Lakewood Ranch

Conservation program waters down irrigation costs in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Demolition of the former Amore restaurant site is nearly complete. From there, the town is planning to build an open-air site for gatherings and events to precede construction of the Art, Culture and Education Center.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 17, 2019
What do Longboaters want?

For partnerships to succeed, all the partners must be in alignment

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Kung Fu Tea and ChiChop franchise owner Michael Dong says he focuses on customer service and quality to ensure guests have a good experience. Bubble teas will become more popular as people try them.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
New business bubbles up in Sarasota

Asian franchises pair for one-stop concept.

  • East County
  • News
Bubba and Susie have are the mating pair on Islandside. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key swans expecting cygnets

Should any of the eggs survive the 35-day incubation period, it will be the first time in two years Longboat has new cygnets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Judy Achre, John Brill, Susan McGuire and Sidney Turner Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Rotary recognition

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key recognized some of its most dedicated members with awards.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A group patrols the beach in 2000, which is what the volunteers continue doing today.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key Turtle Watch hatches into 50th year

In 1969, volunteers monitored Longboat Key's beaches for the first time and counted nine nests. Now, the group works under Mote's permit and focuses on educating the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Operation Kindness Florida Founder Joanne Forch and Marcia and David Gutridge
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 17, 2019
Operation Kindness salutes veterans

On April 16, the charity hosted its 12th annual Operation Kindness Florida Tennis Round Robin and Golf Tournaments at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brittany McManus says staying positive is not always easy, but everyone should try. "In one split second, everything can change," she says. "Nothing is given."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 17, 2019
Boating accident can't rob Lakewood Ranch woman's passion for life

Brittany McManus tries to focus on her blessings.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 17, 2019
Longboat Key Cops Corner: First come, first served

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 16, 2019
Town shifts Village's drive for resident passes into park

Commissioners agree to look at possible changes in no-parking zones, valet rules and speed limits.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Transportation issues and beach issues were among the top things mentioned in this week's Goals and Objectives workshop.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 16, 2019
The line for Longboat's budget forms here

At town's annual Goals and Objectives workshop, ideas queue up for their (possible) place in the next budget.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rev. Chris Wood carries the cross. File photo.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 16, 2019
Good Friday walk set to take over Main Street

Sarasota Ministerial Association hopes for 1,000 participants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • April 16, 2019
City to give away 250 trees to Sarasota residents

The program, which is run in partneship with the Arbor Day Foundation and Florida Forest Service, will help reduce energy bills

  • Sarasota
  • News
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