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Your Observer

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
Manatee County Interim Public Works Director Chad Butzow said the proximity of the pseudo roundabout to University Parkway creates traffic backups in turn lanes currently.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
Market Street upgrades under consideration in Lakewood Ranch

Traffic analysis performed as part of diverging diamond agreement..

  • East County
  • News
Cynthia Saunders has served as the School District of Manatee County's superintendent since July 1, 2018 and her contract ends June 30, 2019. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2019
News briefs: Manatee superintendent vote postponed

Private school fair offers options for older children.

  • East County
  • News
Kendyl Brahler, with Lady Bombers coach Karl Mason.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 16, 2019
East County High 5 Moments: 01.17.19

East County High 5 Moments: 01.17.19

  • East County
  • Sports
Ciniya Moore.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 16, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Ciniya Moore

The ODA guard talks work ethic and her basketball origins

  • East County
  • Sports
Kris, Kristen and Laney Bowman. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2019
Bell-ringing success

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church volunteers raised $26,596 in 2018, making them a top fundraising site in Sarasota.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Roger Pettingell, the No. 1 real estate agent in Sarasota and Manatee counties by total sales volume, sold this home at 622 S. Owl drive for $5.6 million. (Photo Courtesy)
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • January 16, 2019
Pettingell tops real estate volume for 7th consecutive year

The Longboat Key Realtor broke his 2017 number, which made him the first in Sarasota County to top $100 million in a year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dockmaster Larry Bateman, Purser Margie Clark, Scribe Graham Sampson, Dockmaster John Shea Commodore Bill Coughlin
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 15, 2019
Longboat Harbour changes watch

For the first time since 2015, the condominium complex has new leadership.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rusty Chinnis is a certified fly-casting instructor.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 15, 2019
Instructor casts a deep love of fly-fishing

Longboat's Rusty Chinnis knows the mechanics, but also knows there's a lot more to teach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Speed limits of 30 mph exist throughout Bay Isles, though speeding has been an issue for years.
    By
  • Suzanne Elliott
  • January 15, 2019
Longboat community aims to turn tables on speeders

It is hoped speed tables will slow down Bay Isles motorists

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Meg Hausberg, The Circus Arts Conservatory Founder Dolly Jacobs and Joyce Wartinbee
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 15, 2019
Christ Church serves tea and Circus Arts Conservatory lesson

About 70 Christ Church women listened to Dolly Jacobs talk about The Circus Arts Conservatory Jan. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Nearly 100 guests came to hear about staying creative as you age. Ringling College's Morgan Woolverton spoke about virtual reality and its future applications.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 15, 2019
Lakewood Ranch launches lecture series

LWR Talks series attracts nearly 100 residents to first event.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Liebert, Monsignor Gerry Finnegan, Patty Madsen and Ginny Akhoury
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 15, 2019
St. Mary Women's Guild hosts baby shower for Community Pregnancy Clinics

Each attendee brought a gift, such as clothing, diapers or a toy to be donated.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rhonda Leiberick, the program director for Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota, Barbara Beck, Habitat for Humanity of Florida President and CEO and Renee Snyder, Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • January 15, 2019
Argus Foundation celebrates annual meeting

Florida Senator Bill Galvano was the speaker for the event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
75-foot ladder can reach buildings five to six stories high.
    By
  • Suzanne Elliott
  • January 15, 2019
Amore used as fire department training site

Demolition of Amore will begin in February.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • January 15, 2019
Sarasota deputies exemplify teamwork, dedication in K9 competition

Two Sarasota deputies earned first place awards in the Gulf Coast Police K9 Competition with their K9s companions earlier this month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Key Niners President Debbie Rand, Bonnie Chisling and Shelly Lazarus
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 15, 2019
Key Niners toast to new members

The women's golf group welcomed their new members at a brunch on Jan. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Randy Langley
    By
  • Suzanne Elliott
  • January 15, 2019
Langley drops out of Longboat Commission race

Commission should set policy, not run town

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Opponents of the pavilion plans wore red to today's public hearing.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2019
Lido Beach pavilion plans in jeopardy

Facing outspoken public opposition, the team behind a proposal to redevelop the Lido pool and pavilion asked the city to discuss the possibility of terminating the lease agreement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wilson Windows and its crew celebrates 50 years of business this year.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • January 14, 2019
Wilson Window Glass & Mirror reflects back on 50 years

The Siesta Key institution first opened its doors in 1969.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • January 14, 2019
John Wilton McKitrick

John Wilton McKitrick passed away peacefully at his home on Long Boat Key, Florida, Sunday, January 13, 2019.  He was 85 years old. His obituary tribute is publishing in the Longboat Observer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • January 14, 2019
Victor Eugene Larson

Victor Eugene Larson died suddenly Jan 3, 2019 at 90 years young.   Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, he joined the Army Air Corps and was a WWII veteran. After working his way to an executive position in medial equipment sales for AMSCO, he retired t

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Photo courtesy of Mote
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 14, 2019
Mote welcomes chief innovation officer

Alex Beavers will serve as the chief innovation officer and will be dedicated to transitioning Mote research into commercial applications.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
There will be an "Early Bird" online sale Jan. 15-16 before regular sales begin Jan. 19.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 14, 2019
Pirates single-game spring training tickets on sale this week

There will be an "Early Bird" online sale Jan. 15-16 for Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training tickets at LECOM Park before regular sales begin Jan. 19.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 13, 2019
Circus greats flip into ring of fame

The 2019 Circus Ring of Fame class was inducted Jan. 13 on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 13, 2019
Temple Beth Israel hosts musical evening

KlezMania on the Gulf, a southwest Florida band, performed for temple members Jan. 13.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Internationals' Paul Wadsworth tries to prevent Wrigley Media's James Miller from getting off a shot at the Sarasota Polo Club Jan. 13.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 13, 2019
Polo in paradise in Lakewood Ranch

Fans pack the sidelines for polo action at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 13, 2019
Observer Challenge Tennis Tournament bounces into competition

The tournament began Friday, Jan. 11 and finish with championship games on Sunday, Jan. 13.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
One Thing I Wish You Knew gave out goody bags for attendees.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • January 13, 2019
There's one thing the Jewish Federation of Manatee-Sarasota wishes you knew

The Jewish Federation of Manatee-Sarasota and Chabad of Sarasota present One Thing I Wish You Knew.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Seth Miller, the executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida and Rabbi Michael Werbow
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • January 13, 2019
Temple Beth Shalom learns about the Innocence Project of Florida

Seth Miller, of the Innocence Project of Florida, talks to the members of Temple Beth Shalom.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Have Gun, Will Travel performed from 1-4 p.m.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 13, 2019
Lakewood Ranch launches concert series

Have Gun, Will Travel headlines first event.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and town of Longboat Key joined forces to organize the first Let’s Talk Longboat business roundtable Wednesday, June 17 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • June 23, 2026
Business owners, town and chamber discuss 'surviving the summer'
2
A feather banner is anchored next to the sidewalk on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Longboat Key staff are preparing an amendment that could prohibit that type of sign by refining the definition of flag in town code.
  • June 23, 2026
Flag or sign? Town may tighten code as banners sprout on GMD
3
Official renderings for the multiplex will be completed after the site boundaries are finalized, but this rendering offers a glimpse of what the facility at Premier Sports Campus North could look like.
  • June 23, 2026
Public-private partnership ready to bring ice rink to Premier in Lakewood Ranch
4
During a drop-in practice, 11-year-old Cara Johnston swims at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. Head swim coach Jack Belshe said the Hurricanes have around 35 members, as of June 18, following their May 4 launch.
  • June 23, 2026
Lakewood Ranch YMCA takes another shot at hosting a swim team
5
This Lake Club home at 16420 Daysailor Trail sold for $3.69 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,992 square feet of living area.
  • June 23, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for June 8-12 in Lakewood Ranch

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