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Your Observer

    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • June 26, 2018
Setting up to Go Fourth is no easy task

Preparation for Independence Day activities can take weeks and months.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • June 26, 2018
What does it mean to be an American?

We asked third- and fourth-graders at Sarasota's Ashton Elementary School

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 26, 2018
Fourth of July Calendar 2018

Spirit of America calendar with complete Fourth of July events in Sarasota, Manatee counties, including local fireworks shows.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Van Wezel believes it needs a new, larger performance arts center to grow its mission.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2018
Van Wezel reveals $270 million venue vision

A new performing arts hall would expand the mission and capacity of the Van Wezel — but it needs significant public and private funding to become a reality.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota Orchestra believes it is constrained by its reliance on outside performance venues such as the Van Wezel.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2018
Orchestra announces plans for new concert hall

The Sarasota Orchestra intends to leave the bayfront, but its search for a new dedicated home will be confined to the city limits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • June 25, 2018
A ray of sunshine

Booker theatre students rallied together to throw a benefit show on June 14 for their classmate Isabella Smith after she suffered a traumatic brain injury.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This rendering depicts The Bay's finalized master plan concept for revitalizing the area around the Van Wezel.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 25, 2018
Bayfront group unveils master plan proposal

The Bay Sarasota has produced a finalized plan for redeveloping the land around the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 25, 2018
Siesta Key lightning victim identified as Seffner man

Visiting first responders administered aid as fire-rescue personnel were on the way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 25, 2018
Sarasota airport adds American flight direct to Chicago

Nonstop flight will operate daily in-season, beginning Dec. 19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • June 25, 2018
Unicorp to demolish the Colony at no cost to Longboat

Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments has offered to demolish the buildings at the former site of the Colony at no cost to the town in preparation of constructing a St. Regis Hotel and Residences at the site.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • June 24, 2018
Weekend warriors take over Friday Fest

Reggae band Jah Movement kicks off the Van Wezel's Friday Fest series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • June 24, 2018
Siesta Key Chamber members find their rhythm at business card exchange

Sand, sounds and socializing made up the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce's monthly networking event on June 21.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • June 23, 2018
Bird Key members take the stage

Members enjoyed a karaoke night on June 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • June 23, 2018
Christ Church gathers for summer service

Church members gathered June 23 for dinner and a sunset service on the beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Bay Sarasota is developing a plan for more than 50-acres of city-owned land around the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 22, 2018
Bayfront group sets public presentations

The Bay Sarasota will unveil the latest version of its proposed master plan for city-owned bayfront land next week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 22, 2018
Estate in Longboat Key's Lighthouse Point marketed at nearly $10 million

View from 15 Lighthouse Point Drive includes New Pass and Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 22, 2018
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 21

Jane Novacek photographed this great blue heron by a pier on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 22, 2018
East County weather page photo: June 21

Joseph McAuliffe captured this sunset from Gosport Cove in Lakewood Ranch’s Del Webb neighborhood.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 22, 2018
Sarasota weather page photo: June 21

Tom McGee photographed these juvenile night herons in south Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 21, 2018
Campers are feelin' peachy in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch acting camp serves James his giant peach.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • June 21, 2018
Campers paddle through Sarasota Bay

The Marine Explorers and Waterman’s Camp take kids on adventures around various barrier-island marine environments.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The high school Pivotal Directions group, spearheaded by Isabella McDevitt, pose on their 2018 trip. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 21, 2018
Cardinal Mooney soccer grad spearheads Jamaica service trip

Cardinal Mooney High graduate and soccer player Isabella McDevitt gathered 24 high school students from the area to go to Kingston, Jamaica, on a service trip through Pivotal Directions.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Raul Ramirez and Cathy Leetzow are two of the Sarasota Ringling Redskins board members attempting to help the league return to prominence.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 21, 2018
A once-dominant youth football organization is attempting a comeback

The Sarasota Ringling Redskins youth football organization s attempting a "re-establishment" by overhauling its fields, board members and vision.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Hudson Gough.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • June 21, 2018
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Hudson Gough

Booker High boys basketball guard Hudson Gough scored 48 points, including 13 3-pointers, in Booker's win against Avon Park High at the University of South Florida Team Camp on June 16.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 4087 Shell Road and two vacant lots on Higel Avenue recently sold in combination for $2.45 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 21, 2018
Siesta Key home, lots, sell for $2.45 million

Siesta Key house, two lots, sell for $2.45 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Despite years of research, the city has made no decision on the future of the municipal golf course.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 21, 2018
Forums find support for Bobby Jones upgrades

After gathering public input, the city is preparing to once again discuss options for renovating its 45-hole golf complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The County Commission holds annual workshops before finalizing a budget and millage rate in September. This year, the board scrutinized future spending commitments in addition to next year’s budget.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 21, 2018
County examines future budgets

As it reviews the preliminary 2018-19 budget, county officials are also preparing to address long-term financial questions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Despite a decision from the state, Siesta Key residents remain convinced dredging Big Pass will result in negative environmental side effects.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 21, 2018
Despite permit, Big Pass dredge remains contentious

The state has approved plans to renourish Lido Key with sand from Big Pass, but Siesta Key residents are still considering options for objecting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Siesta Key Palms Resort will be renovated under the new zoning regulations.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 21, 2018
County creates zoning rules for boutique hotel

The owner of a Stickney Point hotel gained approval to redevelop his resort under new regulations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 21, 2018
Cops Corner: Sarasota 6.21.18

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • June 20, 2018
Cops Corner: No license to drive

Police reports from around Longboat Key,

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The owners of Main Plaza are taking their time selecting a plan for redeveloping the property.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 20, 2018
Main Plaza owners ponder changes

More than two years after buying the Hollywood 11 complex, the owners have no set plans for redeveloping the property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jane Ross-Herrin has experience working in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota County.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • June 20, 2018
Longboat Key Fire Rescue appoints new fire marshal

Jane Ross-Herrin previously worked as the Sarasota County Fire Marshal for 11 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Unit K-505 recently sold for $2.23 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 20, 2018
L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club condominium sells for $2.23 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 4-8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 20, 2018
Lake Club home tops local sales at $1.9 million

Residential real estate transactions for June 4-8.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 20, 2018
Money for Mote

A growing list of organizations wants millions of dollars from Sarasota County’s tourist tax. Mote Marine has a vision that makes it far worthier than funding a baseball stadium.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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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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