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Your Observer

Brett McDowall says his favorite horse's name is Patches.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • July 11, 2018
Summer jobs that work for East County

High school students explore passions with unique summer jobs.

  • East County
  • News
Rachel Consiglio plays with students in Jamaica as part of her service work on the trip. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • July 11, 2018
Mission complete for Lakewood Ranch high schoolers

Lakewood Ranch teens chose humanitarian work over the beach in Jamaica.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch junior Angelo LaFrese gives the bicep curls his all during a voluntary workout.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 11, 2018
High school weight rooms reflect changes in philosophy, scale

Lakewood Ranch, Braden River high school football reflect changes that have taken place in the weight room over the last 20 years. Mustangs coach Chris Culton, strength coach Graham Anderson and BRHS strength coach Richard Lansky dish on the changes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chris Kempton is ODA's new head football coach. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 11, 2018
ODA football expects "seamless" transition between head coaches

The Out-of-Door Academy football program expects "seamless" transition between old head coach Ken Sommers and new head coach Chris Kempton, who previously was the head coach of Bates College and Maine's Winthrop High.

  • East County
  • Sports
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • July 11, 2018
Gussins get thrilling award

Pat and Bob Gussins, authors and owners of Oceanview Publishing, will receive the Thriller Legends Award on July 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sgt. Mike Kenyan uses radar to track speed of vehicles traveling along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. The radar equipment can monitor speeds both in front and behind his patrol car and even while he is moving.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 11, 2018
Urgent call for deputies in Manatee County

Budget might allow for more deputies to patrol East County.

  • East County
  • News
Natalie Mount was able to visit with her pen pal, Lia Silber, in Tel Mond, Israel.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 11, 2018
Sarasota's Temple Emanu-El teen keeps pen pal relationship thriving with friend in Israel

Sarasota's Temple Emanu-El teen keeps pen pal relationship thriving with friend in Israel

  • East County
  • News
Cops Corner
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 11, 2018
Thief struck at right time to steal Rolex in Sarasota

interesting police reports from Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and eastern Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Italy's gold-medal winning Men's Pair of Giuseppe Vicino and Matteo Lodo test how the medals taste at the 2017 World Rowing Championships. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 11, 2018
SANCA races for revenues

Sarasota County applies pressure for operator to lessen park's dependance on tourism dollars.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County bus drivers will get a raise after the 1 mill 4 Manatee referendum.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • July 11, 2018
Are drivers thrown under bus in Manatee County?

One school board member says bus drivers don't earn enough in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Beachplace is a nonconforming property with 158 units more than allowed density.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • July 11, 2018
Longboat presses ahead on redevelopment changes

Longboat Key has been working for at least three years to rewrite its zoning code now that many of the properties on the island are aging to obsolescence.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Town commissioners allowed this sign to exist as nonconforming until the St. Regis project is complete.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • July 11, 2018
Longboat passes sign code

After three years of not enforcing its codes on temporary signs, Longboat Key has passed sign rules that meet constitutional standards.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • July 11, 2018
Longboat keeps tax rate flat

Longboat Key town commissioners have decided to keep the millage rate level as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Stefano Lonardo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 11, 2018
East County Athlete of the Week: Stefano Lonardo

Stefano Lonardo, a a senior next semester at Lakewood Ranch High, is a starting offensive guard for the Mustangs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Julie Hess holds her diploma along with a picture of her father, Mark Hollar, who inspired her to advance her education.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 11, 2018
His wish, her calling for Heritage Harbour woman

Bradenton woman follows her late dad's message to the letter — and earns her diploma 18 years later.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers dig into a turtle nest on July 10.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • July 10, 2018
Longboat Key Turtle Watch hosts first public nest excavation

Following the excavation, three hatchlings crawled to the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • July 10, 2018
Republican Club hosts summer reception

Longboat Key town officials mingled with Republican Club of Longboat Key members and guests July 10.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The city will finalize the budget and millage rate in September.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 10, 2018
City endorses proposed budget, tax increase

A divided City Commission voted 3-2 in support of staff’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019, which includes a slight increase in property tax rates.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A new buyer has stepped forward to purchase The Players Centre theater in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2018
Players Centre theater sale collapses

Deal to purchase Players Centre theater in Sarasota collapses.

  • East County
  • News
Randy, Deryck, Tom and Dee Harmer
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • July 10, 2018
Happy birthday, Tom!

Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer turned 60 on July 10.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
New home construction remains brisk in Lakewood Ranch, which moved up to the No. 2 fastest-selling, master-planned community in the U.S.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2018
Lakewood Ranch climbs to No. 2 nationally in home sales

With 826 new home sales halfway through 2018, Lakewood Ranch is now the second fastest-selling, master-planned community in the country.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Club Road is being redirected.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • July 10, 2018
Coming soon on Longboat: A lot

While there's not much space for new construction on Longboat Key, developers have been constructing homes to meet a new demand of buyers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • July 9, 2018
Young musicians at Allegro summer camp a note above the rest

Campers perform what they learned at Allegro Music Academy's summer music camp.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 9, 2018
Sarasota Memorial wins Emergency Department award from nursing group

Hospital among 16 in the nation to be awarded a Lantern.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 9, 2018
Sarasota begins mailing ballots this week

First batch goes to military members and local residents overseas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • July 8, 2018
Lionfish Derby takes a stab at invasive species population

The Fifth Annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby organized by Mote Marine Laboratory raises awareness about the invasive species.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • July 6, 2018
Temple Beth Israel gathers for summer barbecue

On July 6, temple members gathered for a buffet dinner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • July 6, 2018
Robert James “Bob” Carr

Robert Carr of Sarasota, Florida passed away July 2, 2018 and his obituary tribute is publishing in the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer of the Observer Media Group.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The In2Care trap must be put in shaded areas for maximum effectiveness.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • July 6, 2018
Mosquito control test on Longboat seems to work, residents say

A mosquito control experiment on the north end of Longboat Key seems to be keeping the number of mosquitos at a manageable level.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • July 6, 2018
John S. (Jack) Weber

John S "Jack" Weber passed away June 25, 2018, he lived in Holmes Beach, Florida and his obituary tribute is publishing in the Longboat Observer of the Observer Media Group.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
James Crutchield launched a community paramedics program in 2016. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 5, 2018
Manatee County paramedicine chief wins state award

The Florida Department of Health has recognized Manatee County Community Paramedicine Chief James Crutchfield with the state's EMS Injury Prevention Award.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • July 5, 2018
A star-spangled spectacle at Siesta Key

The 28th annual community Fourth of July fireworks on Siesta Key Beach goes off with a bang despite rainy weather.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Developer Jim Bridges, second from left, formally announced The Strand at an event in January 2017. Now, he said the city’s intent to review proposed changes could be a setback for the project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 5, 2018
Questions surround changes to North Trail project

The city said it cannot administratively approve revised plans for The Strand development near the Whitaker Bayou.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nikki Yanez, 14, is looking to reclaim her No. 1 ranking after spending a year focusing on practice, not tournaments. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2018
A strong return for Sarasota tennis star

After a year spent training, former top-ranked tennis player and Sarasota resident Nikki Yanez, 14, is looking to reclaim her throne.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Munchies 420 bartender Skippy Forbes shows off the Fire in Your Hole wings. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 5, 2018
The jaws of victory: Sarasotans can take on a number of food challenges

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 5, 2018
Sarasota Police investigate July 4th drowning

Victim in his mid-50s has not yet been publicly identified.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
2
Artist JC Wayne hangs the ninth and final piece in her series "Atomic Universe," the latest installation at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. The display will be up throughout the holiday season.
  • December 19, 2025
Artist delves into ideas of existence at Longboat exhibition
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
5
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables

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