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Your Observer

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 16, 2018
Do not take this lightly

Longboat Key residents need to decide the fate of streetlights.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
There are five on-demand crosswalks along Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 16, 2018
Pedestrian safety on Longboat Key has no push-button solution

Crosswalks are often a balancing act between vehicular and foot traffic, experts say.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The work of Bonita Springs artist Kimberly Marshall was featured at the first Paragon Fine Arts Festival in April at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2018
Stage set for the arts in Lakewood Ranch

With The Players Centre for Performing Arts headed for Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch continues to enhance its fine arts presence.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2018
It's a hat trick

Cops corner

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Warren Roberts, 85, was a distinguished professor at the University of Albany, an author and avid beach walker.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 16, 2018
Warren Roberts remembered for his enthusiastic teachings

Warren Roberts, who died May 8, was a distinguished professor at the University at Albany, SUNY before becoming a beach fixture.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The V Foundation for Cancer Research CEO Susan Braun, Florida State men's basketball coach Leonard Hamilton, ESPN broadcaster Mike Greenberg, Dick Vitale and Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Photo by Kayleigh Omang.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2018
Dick Vitale fights cancer with 'an enthusiasm unknown to mankind'

The Dick Vitale Gala, held May 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, raised more than $3.7 million dollars for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

  • East County
  • Sports
New Lakewood Ranch coach Christopher Culton spearheaded the effort to upgrade the Mustangs' helmets.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2018
Mustangs coach tackles concussions

New helmet technology provided by Riddell's InSite Training Tool (ITT) will allow the Lakewood Ranch High football program to monitor each player for head injuries.

  • East County
  • Sports
Booker High's Johnnie Williams IV leaps in the air after reaching the state semifinals by beating Mariner High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2018
Proposed FHSAA playoff adjustments give coaches mixed feelings

The potential changes will be put to a vote in the fall

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
eau Sanson wades through the water during Mote’s Mommy and Me camp last year.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 16, 2018
Beat the heat with local summer camps

From sailing to science, local summer camps have offerings for everyone.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gus waits for a birthday treat with his friends Lilly, Louie, Taffy, and Lido. Photo courtesy of Denise Creedon.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 16, 2018
Happy birthday, Gus!

The Country Club Shores dog celebrated with his furry friends and plenty of treats.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mackenzie Grace has taken multiple AP classes over the years to keep her GPA up high enough to be valedictorian. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 16, 2018
Does 4.0 make the grade for students in Lakewood Ranch?

High school seniors fought to rise above a number once considered perfection.

  • East County
  • News
Morgan Cummins.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2018
East County Athlete of the Week: Morgan Cummins

The Lakewood Ranch High senior softball catcher, who is committed to LSU, talks reaching the final four and her love of reading.

  • East County
  • Sports
Morgan Cummins.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 16, 2018
East County Athlete of the Week: Morgan Cummins

East County Athlete of the Week: Morgan Cummins

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 16, 2018
Cops Corner: Officer lends a helping hand

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Ethan Parker, Skyler Cruz and Weston Smith, kindergarteners, ask the big questions, like if the shark tooth provided by Mote Marine Laboratory was even real.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 16, 2018
Animation excites Bashaw students

Students at Bashaw Elementary showcase STEAM activities worked on throughout the year.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 15, 2018
St. Armands Circle Association gets down to business

About 70 association members gathered for a meeting and award ceremony on May 15 in the Harbourside Ballroom of The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 15, 2018
Contractors survey Colony site for possible repairs

Developer Chuck Whittall and a representative for beachfront owners, Manfred Welfonder, disagree about the outcome of the survey, both saying that contractors gave them assurance about their positions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of constructing a pedestrian crosswalk across connecting First Street to Ritz-Carlton Boulevard in Sarasota.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 15, 2018
Residents, officials monitor bayfront traffic

Longboat Key residents are hopeful changes along U.S. 41 will reduce seasonal congestion, but a new crosswalk may complicate matters.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • May 14, 2018
Your Calendar

Your Calendar

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Debra Williams
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 14, 2018
Longboat newcomer appointed to Planning and Zoning Board

Debra Williams, a 55 year old former planning and zoning board member of a small town in New Jersey, was unanimously appointed to the board by the Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • May 14, 2018
Allen Kershman

Allen Kershman, 1931-2018, died on May 10, 2018 after retiring in Longboat Key, Florida, his obituary tribute is publishing in the Longboat Observer of the Observer Media Group.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • May 14, 2018
Beverly Minkin Addison

Beverly Minkin Addison, August 20, 1927 - March 3, 2018, of Santa Monica, California and Sarasota, Florida died at the age of 90, her obituary tribute is publishing in the Longboat Observer of the Observer Media Group.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 14, 2018
Survey: Longboat workers impacted by SCAT cancellation

A proposed cancellation of SCAT Route 18 would impact at least 13 businesses on Longboat Key, according to a survey conducted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • May 14, 2018
Pine View named No. 1 high school in Florida

U.S. News and World Report's ranking of high schools came out for 2018, and Pine View School in Osprey topped the list.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nine-year-old Brooke Schaal, left, performs with Ashlyn Rutherford, 17.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 14, 2018
You Observed: Rosemary Youth Ballet performs

More than 70 dancers take to the stage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
"David," a painting depicting the famous sculpture included in the city logo, is one of two murals planned for the BOLD Lofts residential project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 14, 2018
Murals slated for downtown building

Two colorful paintings inspired by classic pieces of art — including Michelangelo's David — are planned for display on the side of the forthcoming BOLD Lofts building on Second Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 14, 2018
Lido Shores home sells for $7 million

Lido, real estate, top sale, Lido Shores, built by architect Clifford Scholz, sold $7 million, 1219 Westway Drive, sold by Deborah Beacham, Michael Saunders & Co. Real Estate, Sarasota

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
A 65-year-old East County man died Saturday evening after his scooter crashed on Town Center Parkway.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 13, 2018
East County man dies after scooter crashes

FHP is investigating the accident on Town Center Parkway.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • May 13, 2018
Selby Gardens hosts annual Mother's Day Brunch

Families gathered at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on May 13 to celebrate Mother's Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • May 13, 2018
Ashton Elementary fifth-graders re-enact 1992 and 1978 World Series

The fifth-graders took to the baseball fields at Twin Lakes Park on May 11 to recreate the 1992 and 1978 World Series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Six hundred homes are under consideration to be built off this section of Honore Avenue near the Evers Reservoir.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 13, 2018
Taylor Morrison development approved in Bradenton

Manatee County Commission votes in favor of a 600-home community near Evers Reservoir.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Stefanie Guido and Ali Pereira asked for 50 bags for donations and are happy to say they ended up with 150.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 11, 2018
SUGAR provides sweet effort for moms in Lakewood Ranch

SUGAR volunteers donate 150 purses to crisis centers for moms.

  • East County
  • News
Bavaro's is renovating a building at 27 Fletcher Ave. that dates to 1925.
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 11, 2018
Renovations begin on downtown pizzeria

Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria plans to open a two-story restaurant near U.S. 301 and Main Street by July.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 11, 2018
Kiwanis Club hosts expert on opioid crisis as luncheon speaker

Public is invited to attend May 17 event at Portofino.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
GreyHawk's Dinah Mahan, 3, and her mom, Angela Mahan. "Seeing the little pieces of yourself in them," Angela said of her favorite thing of being a mom.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 11, 2018
What Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch moms like best

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch mothers talk about what they love best about being a mom.

  • East County
  • News
Amy Anthofer and Nurse of the Year Charlene Chirillo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 11, 2018
The Resort at Longboat Key Club thanks nurses

To finish off National Nurses Week, the Resort honored area nurses with lunch on May 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
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Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
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Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
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