• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Brooks DeLoach, 10, holds an albino Okeeteee corn snake.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 14, 2025
ReptiDay provides destination for reptile enthusiasts

The event also featured other unusual pets and exotic animals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Already well under construction, New Trail Plaza required a Planning Board front yard setback adjustment over a property line snafu.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 14, 2025
County mistake forces urgent request for New Trail Plaza development

After learning Sarasota County sold it land it did not own, the under-construction New Trail Plaza became non-compliant with city code.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Some Breeze OnDemand vans recalled
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 14, 2025
Some Breeze OnDemand vans recalled

Contractor replaces 21 of 29 affected vehicles in a fleet of about 70.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The School District of Manatee County owns and utilizes 4 electric buses: 2 that can go 130 miles on a charge and 2 that can go up to 200. Jamie Warrington, director of transportation for the district, says there are pros and cons in terms of the environment and efficiency.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2025
Manatee needs more testing on electric school buses

Cost and the ability to serve open areas are just some of the areas that need more exploration before the School District of Manatee County purchases additional electric buses.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gorjana stylist Sydney Scovill and Taylor Lingreen, the store manager, want the customers to feel comfortable and beautiful when shopping at their store.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2025
California-based jewelry company opens location at UTC mall

Gorjana makes Sarasota its 106th location.

  • East County
  • Business
Construction takes place on Wellen Park High School on May 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 14, 2025
Construction projects are on the move in Sarasota's schools

As the school year approaches, the Sarasota school district progresses on several high-profile construction projects.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
East County native Conner Morrell is in his rookie year on the World of Outlaws sprint car tour this year.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • July 14, 2025
Braden River High grad has turned racing hobby into a lifestyle

Conner Morrell was signed to the World of Outlaws sprint car tour this year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Owner Andrea Meythaler and employee Kiki Von Blumen are all good vibes at the Bambooty Bodygear bus.
  • By Carlin Gillen
  • July 14, 2025
Rain or shine, count on the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market to be there

No matter the weather, the Sarasota Farmers Market is home to an array of unique finds and foods.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lake Manatee K-8 is the biggest and most well known construction project. The elementary part of the school will open in August, with the middle school set to open the following school year.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 13, 2025
3 major construction projects are almost finished for Manatee schools

Along with the new Lake Manatee K-8, the other two projects will increase capacity for students and help with overcrowding.

  • East County
  • Schools
With the recent release of a live-action version of "Lilo & Stitch," Disney-themed backpacks fill store shelves. But so do bags with characters like Kuromi and My Melody from the company behind Hello Kitty.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 13, 2025
Accessories dominate 2025 back-to-school fashion

From the smash phenomenon of troll-like dolls strapped onto belts and bags to character-themed backpacks, accessories are how students are sharing their personal fashion sense this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Dan Sidler is the Greater Sarasota Chamber’s vice president of CareerEdge and economic development.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 13, 2025
Gulf Coast Community Foundation grants CareerEdge $150,000

Gulf Coast Community Foundation grants CareerEdge $150,000 to suppport the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce initiative's career training and advancement program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Meadows Country Club includes multiple golf courses as well as a Racquet Club, pool, fitness center and restaurant.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • July 13, 2025
The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota files for bankruptcy

A Sarasota country club has filed Chapter 7 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch resident Stephanie Chen brought her daughters Aurora Chen, 3, and Stella Chen, 6 along with family friend Lola Nguyen, 7, to Waterside Park for a "girls night out."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 12, 2025
Waterside Place feels the energy during Movie in the Park

The monthly event in Lakewood Ranch is sponsored by Grace Community Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lottie, the four-year-old miniature poodle, rides to victory in a toy car with Magnolia and Goldie Lowry in the "Most Creative" category of the virtual Hot Diggity Dog contest organized by the Rotary Club of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 12, 2025
Rotarians award virtual winners of Longboat's Hot Diggity Dog contest

Winners from this year's canine costume contest collected their prizes at Bayfront Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 12, 2025
Sarasota continues experiment with electric school buses

As the district tests electric buses under a grant-funded initiative, leaders track factors like costs per mile and long-term maintenance needs.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Tim and Lauren Macri, co-owners of Beef 'O' Brady's Braden River, want the community's support to achieve their goal of providing gifts to Tara Elementary School teachers to help ease the burden of digging into their own pockets to provide for their students.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 12, 2025
Beef 'O' Brady's hosts second supply drive for Tara Elementary teachers

Community members can participate until July 31 to help ease the burden of teachers spending their own money for supplies.

  • East County
  • Schools
The TMINI hand-held robotic system is now in use at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for knee replacement procedures.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 12, 2025
SMH deploys mini robots for knee replacement surgeries

Sarasota Memorial Hospital orthopedic surgeons are using the TMINI Miniature Robotic System accurate bone preparation and implant placement for knee replacements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 11, 2025
Selby Gardens names new board leadership

Katherine Martucci and Jeannie Russell have been elected chair and vice chair by the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Trustees.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The town of Longboat Key distributed sand to residents July 3 to help guard against flooding during hurricane season.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 11, 2025
Sandbags distributed on Longboat Key for hurricane season

Future dates for distribution are set for Aug. 7 and Sept. 4 at Broadway Beach Access.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Stefanie and William Booth thank crew members from the West Bradenton EMS station Jan. 23 for saving his life the month before.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 11, 2025
Manatee County’s Emergency Medical Services recognized for excellence

EMS received a gold achievement award from the American Heart Association.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota city and county governments want to ban beaching and mooring of motorized watercraft within 300 feet of South Lido Beach.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 11, 2025
Sarasota explores watercraft restrictions for South Lido Beach

With growth in non-licensed commercial activity crowding public beaches, Sarasota city and county look to ban beaching and mooring boats near Ted Sperling Park and other city parks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2025
Water quality warning issued for North Lido Beach

Conditons at North Lido Beach in Sarasota are unsafe for swimming, according to the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Roller skating sensation Anita Zeman manages to keep smiling, even as her husband Karoly Zeman launches her into the air under the Waterside Place Pavilion July 4 during Star-Spangled Spectacular.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2025
Star-Spangled Spectacular tests the limits of Waterside

Lakewood Ranch's first major July 4 draws more than 8,000 people.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Meeks is 2 months old and up for adoption.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 10, 2025
A merry Barks and Brews at University Town Center draws people and pups

The monthly fundraiser celebrated Christmas in July at The Green in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County Commission Chairman Joe Neunder presides over the commission's July 1 budget workshop.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 10, 2025
Preliminary Sarasota County budget shows 4% spending increase

Sarasota County's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes requests for 152 new full-time positions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Interim Sarasota City Manager Dave Bullock looks on during his first City Commission meeting on July 7.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 10, 2025
City manager search firm list narrowed to three

The Sarasota City Commission instructs staff to pursue further communications with three executive recruiting firms in its search for a new city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 1014 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. was built in 2019 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,035 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 10, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for June 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A home on Siesta Key on Shell Road tops the week’s sales at $4.4 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Sarasota American 8-9-10 year-old Little League All-Stars will play in the state tournament beginning July 11 in Freeport.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • July 10, 2025
Sarasota American 10U All-Stars head to state tournament

Experience, trust and fun have fueled clutch wins for Sarasota Little Leaguers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The beginning of Sarasota's renourishment of Lido Beach is timed to begin after nesting seasons for shorebirds and sea turtles come to a close in late October.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 10, 2025
Lido Beach set for new round of renourishment, dune work

New Pass sand will propel project, expected to begin late in 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering by architect Igor Reyes depicting the two residential towers behind the Mira Mar building on South Palm Avenue.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 9, 2025
Mira Mar restoration project wins rezoning approval

The historic Mira Mar property along South Palm Avenue will be restored with the addition of twin condominium towers in a multi-use redevelopment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The two performances of "Alice in Boogie Wonderland" will take place on July 12 and 13.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 9, 2025
WBTT to conclude summer camp with 'Alice in Boogie Wonderland'

The performance combines "Alice in Wonderland" with music including pop, disco and R&B.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Deena King says the Lakewood Ranch market is full of buyers who don't care if their art matches the sofa and the drapes.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 9, 2025
Fine arts gallery tests the waters in Lakewood Ranch area

Expressionist painter Deena King brings her brand of art to the border of Waterside.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Northern portions of Longboat Key are typically more prone to flooding. However, the town has other portions of the island that are also low lying like the Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood Harbour neighborhoods.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 9, 2025
Road-raising timeline extends on Longboat

Because of low financing, what was a two-year plan could take five years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County Tax Collector's Office east branch at 10705 Technology Terrace, Bradenton.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 9, 2025
Tax collector charges Manatee County schools $1.5M

The Manatee County tax collector decides to take a $1.5 million commission from the school district's referendum funds.

  • East County
  • Schools
Three days after moving to Lakewood Ranch, Waterside resident Erin Mason found the LWR Girls Who Walk club, which was started by Paige Venuto of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 9, 2025
LWR Girls Who Walk creates a sense of community through fitness

The Lakewood Ranch club began in March and has 140 members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Melody Reedy is one of several Manatee County residents to hold up signs during the land use meeting Oct. 5, 2023 in an attempt to stop commissioners from cutting wetland protections out of the Comprehensive Plan.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 9, 2025
Senate Bill 180 handcuffs Manatee County commissioners

Florida legislators' actions might have stripped commissioners' attempts to make voter-supported changes.

  • East County
  • News
« 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 »
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

Sponsored Content
1
  • April 3, 2026
Lighting the Path Health Care Luncheon
2
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
  • April 3, 2026
Deputies shoot and wound armed man
3
Sheila Weiss, Michael Goldman, Dr. Helene Lotman, Ellen Goldner, Marion Levine and Sasha Rosin make up the Hope in Bloom committee.
  • April 3, 2026
JFCS celebrates 40 years of service at Hope in Bloom
4
Screenshot of a body-worn camera video shows the moment SPD Officer Michal Banasiak reaches for a bottle before grabbing the man in distress and pulling him to safety.and
  • April 3, 2026
Sarasota Police officers rescue man threatening suicide
5
Hunter Eichhorn watches his approach shot fly on the ninth hole. He already has four top-10 finishes this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and leads the LECOM Suncoast Classic after round one at nine under par.
  • April 3, 2026
First round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic ended early by weather

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 © 2026 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