• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Josh Smithers watches over his Riverview High team at spring practice.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 3, 2018
Spring football practice is helpful for both old and new regimes

Spring games for area teams start next week.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Burt Herman and Guy Eby during a book signing of Herman's book at Ormond Beach.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • May 3, 2018
Sarasota resident Burt Herman publishes book about pilot who saved his life

A near death encounter and a meeting with his hero inspired Burt Herman to write a book about the incident that saved hundreds of lives.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mac Mitchell.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 3, 2018
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Mac Mitchell

The Sarasota High sophomore talks being coachable and the best advice he's received.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sandy Tessler, Karen Andrews, Heather Kabobel, Teresa Larson, Kathy Nichol, Marianne Eriksson and Meg Krakowiak gathered to celebrate Dora in April.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 3, 2018
Neighbors, merchants bid farewell to Palm Avenue dog

An April party celebrated the life of Dora, whose cheery disposition has endeared her to many.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bay Sarasota and Sasaki are using the above concept plan — “Bridge the Divide” — as a starting point in developing a master plan for the city-owned land, but the proposal will be adjusted to reflect public input.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 3, 2018
Bayfront group refines concept plans

A singular vision for redeveloping the bayfront near downtown is coming into focus.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • May 3, 2018
Why  Florida’s  Medical  Marijuana  Program  Is  Failing

Here’s a solution to fix implementation woes.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A Harbor Acres home at 1344 Harbor Drive recently sold for $3,275,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 3, 2018
Harbor Acres home sells for $3,275,000

Residential real estate transactions for April 16-20.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
This home in John Ringling Estates at 23 S. Polk Drive recently sold for $2.3 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 3, 2018
John Ringling Estates home sells for $2.3 million

Residential real estate transactions for April 16-20.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The city will discuss short-term solutions for barrier islands traffic at a Monday meeting.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 3, 2018
City to discuss barrier island traffic solutions

As officials examine short-term solutions for improving congestion, the city is exploring the possibility of reconfiguring the John Ringling Causeway.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ron Soto wants the Downtown Improvement District to move swiftly on a new marketing campaign.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 3, 2018
Downtown leaders debate advertising strategy

The Downtown Improvement District is divided on whether to commit funds to a merchant-led promotional campaign.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 3, 2018
Cops Corner: Sarasota 5.3.18

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
River Strand's Norine Viviani, Linda Carifo, Eloise Eckler and Chris Broomfield put the event together.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 2, 2018
River Strand shows its style with fashion show

Foxy ladies of River Strand walk the runway as models.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • May 2, 2018
2018 Giving Challenge raises $11.7 million

More gifts were given this year than any before.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The waste-transfer facility near the Celery Fields will be a place to drop off discarded wood, yard, construction and demolition debris to be taken to other locations for disposal.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • May 2, 2018
Waste-transfer facility in works near Celery Fields

Developer moves ahead with approved plan while neighbors work on two adjacent sites.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 16311 Clearlake Ave. recently sold for $1.64 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 2, 2018
Lake Club home tops local sales at $1.64 million

Residential real estate transactions for April 16-20.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2018
Accountability thing

Mayor Spoll should ask his colleagues to set priorities. Taxpayers want to know.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2018
School boards, sheriffs are doing a disservice to local taxpayers

Why can't the in leadership the counties and school boards work together to do the right thing?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Board chair Bridget Ziegler has expressed reservations at the timeline to hire the initial 30 members of the school district's planned police force.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • May 2, 2018
Teacher's arrest adds to board's concerns over hiring timeline for police

After hiring a teacher with a missed red flag on his file, some Sarasota County School Board members are hesitant to hire half a police force before August.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 2, 2018
Rising seas, sea walls and perspective

It's better to address 50-year-old sea walls now rather than later.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jamison Urch, Chief Paul Dezzi and Chase Bullock
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 2, 2018
Longboat Key firefighters earn their badges

On May 2, two firefighters were pinned with their badges following a year of extensive training.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Amanda Gillick, a junior, drew the rough sketch for the Surfers for Autism and wants to continue with art after high school.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 2, 2018
Braden River High students have their designs down to a T

Braden River High artists raise money for charity with their designs.

  • East County
  • News
Bess snacks on a biscuit laying down, which showcases the quills on his body that could shoot up at any sudden noise that spooks her.
  • By Amelia Hanks
  • May 2, 2018
Life in the sticks at the Big Cat Habitat

Porcupines sit on pins and needles as they await their new home.

  • East County
  • News
Peg McKinley accepts the County Commissioner's award from Vanessa Baugh during the meeting on April 24, 2018, now known as Palm Aire Women's Club day.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 2, 2018
Palm Aire's day to celebrate

Manatee County proclaimed April 24, 2018 to be the Palm Aire Women's Club Day.

  • East County
  • News
TJ Goelz and the Lakewood Ranch Mustangs have seen plenty of players recruited to NCAA Division 1 schools.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 2, 2018
New rules prevent softball players from being recruited until their junior year

Area coaches have mixed feelings on the changes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch Chargers U17 player Noah LaBelle, here putting a juke on a defender, performed well during the Sarasota Cup, in front of 46 college coaches.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 2, 2018
Premier Sports Campus nets a victory with Sarasota Cup

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lake Club home at 15903 Clearlake Ave. is listed at $1.299 million. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 2, 2018
A million reasons to buy in Lakewood Ranch

Million-dollar home market in East County gains momentum.

  • East County
  • News
Herb Field and Chamber secretary and founding member Helen Holt pose in front of a Chamber sign. File photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 2, 2018
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce celebrates 60 years

The charter for the Chamber was signed on May 19, 1958.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch will open in the summer of 2019.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 2, 2018
Upscale assisted living facility comes to Lakewood Ranch

Grand Living plans to open in summer of 2019.

  • East County
  • News
Ned Jewitt has repaired his seawall for years.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 2, 2018
Longboat residents push for higher seawalls

A proposed allowance of 1 1/2 feet in height is not enough to protect properties from intensified storm surges and predicted sea level rise.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The ODA boys tennis team won the first team title in school history. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 2, 2018
ODA boys tennis team makes history at state championships

The Thunder won the first team state title in school history.

  • East County
  • Sports
Terri Driver checks a nest laid in 2016. The Longboat Key Turtle Watch patrols Manatee County beaches of Longboat Key every day during turtle season.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 2, 2018
Longboat Key sea turtle nesting season begins

Turtles are on the way, ready to arrive as new rules come online to keep them safe.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
File/courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 2, 2018
Calling all 2018 graduates

The Longboat Observer is looking to spotlight 2018 high school and college graduates.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photos courtesy of Carol Erker
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • May 2, 2018
Planting Awareness

Together with the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key planted two trees in honor of Arbor Day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jade Moy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • May 2, 2018
East County Athlete of the Week: Jade Moy

The Braden River sophomore talks playing shortstop and competing with herself.

  • East County
  • Sports
It's not hard to find vacation rentals online. More than 300 rental properties appear on Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway websites when searching for Longboat Key.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • May 2, 2018
Longboat Key gears up to enforce short-term rental ban

Longboat Key has long banned short-term rentals, but new websites make it difficult for the town to enforce

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Callahan Harchuck, a fourth-grader from Sarasota, balances her weight carefully as she walks across the wire.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • May 1, 2018
Giving Challenge in full swing in Sarasota

Mall at UTC hosts the Circus Arts Conservatory.

  • East County
  • News
« 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 »
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

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
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.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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 © 2025 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