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Your Observer

Out-of-Door Academy senior Collin Dillingham is the lone returner from the 4x400 relay team that set a school record at the 1A state championships last year.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 18, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Collin Dillingham

Out-of-Door Academy senior is ranked in the top 30 in 1A for three track events.

  • East County
  • Sports
Three new commissioners are sworn in on Nov. 19. The new Manatee County Commission from left to right: Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 18, 2025
6 Manatee County commissioners face lawsuit

The lawsuit claims Bradenton Times Publisher Joe McClash used his outlet to influence election in his favor.

  • East County
  • News
Couple reports mysterious keys in their condo unit
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Couple reports mysterious keys in their condo unit

When they returned home days prior, they found a keychain and fob in their unit that remains unidentified. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Inside the current overcrowded storage facility for the Sarasota County Clerk of Court and County Comptroller office.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 18, 2025
Sarasota County eyes new legal records storage building

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis is tasked to enter into negotiations for a new facility to store and destroy courts record and legal documents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Lt. Daniel Heath breaks open a window to practice creating an entry point for crews. This tactic could be used in fire response or storm rescue scenarios.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Longboat Key Fire Rescue repurposes flooded homes for training

The department practiced forcible entry tactics at homes on the island that were slated for demolition due to flooding sustained during hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bob Kolesa celebrates his retirement as the maintenance manager at Beachplace Association of 32 years with his wife, Keena, and friends from the complex.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 18, 2025
After 30-plus years of managing Beachplace, head staffer bids farewell

Family and friends commended Maintenance Manager Bob Kolesa for his three decades of hard work keeping things running smoothly at the condominium complex.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photograph of the pipe lying on its side at the Town of Longboat Key's Public Works Department. The breach was in the bottom invert of the pipe.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 18, 2025
Design continues for underwater pipe replacement after referendum

Longboat Key staff will press forward with the design process and start the application process for a State Revolving Fund loan for the necessary wastewater project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bird Key Yacht Club Commodore Michael Landis welcomes attendees to a celebration of the club house's final month before demolition and reconstruction.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2025
Bird Key Yacht Club starts countdown to demo day

Members of the Bird Key Yacht Club united for one more evening of fun as they prepared for the rebuild of their 65-year-old clubhouse.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Finding Community in Sarasota’s Farmers Market
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 17, 2025
Finding Community in Sarasota’s Farmers Market

New Sarasota resident impressed with the products and stories from local vendors.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Kelly Garrett, community partnership specialist with Empath Health Tidewell Hospice, talks through some of the challenges and benefits of caring for a loved one.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2025
Being a caregiver includes caring for oneself

Community partnership specialist Kelly Garrett offered advice on how caregivers can make sure they are taking adequate care of themselves while helping their loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota-Manatee Originals' Set the Bar cocktail competition returns to the Ed Smith Stadium April 13.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 17, 2025
Set the Bar cocktail contest returns to Ed Smith Stadium on April 13

This year's event features the addition of a Bar Bite Competition for attendees to vote on.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nathan Clary parks a one-of-a-kind 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino at the YachtRodders spring car show.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 17, 2025
Gems of car world showcased at Sarasota Yacht Club show

Porsche, BMW and Ferrari top popular showpieces at the Sarasota Yacht Club YachtRodders' spring car show.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Big Waters Land Trust leads a kayaking program in the area.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • March 17, 2025
Nonprofit land conservation group spreads word of name change

Big Waters Land Trust underwent a rebranding to better align its mission with its identity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch flag football coach Eli Weaver (middle) created the East Manatee Monarchs club team to give his players the chance to develop beyond the spring season.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch flag football off to record start

A senior-laden Mustangs team has been hard to beat in 2025.

  • East County
  • Sports
There are factors that come into play when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. But its important to get a usual seven to nine hours every night.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • March 16, 2025
March is an important month to eat, sleep and be healthy

All three subjects are a part of National awareness celebrations and aid in disease prevention.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Ireland's Paul O'Shea gives Spy a congratulatory pat after a clean run in the Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova Saturday. O'Shea won the championship of the $100,000 event.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 16, 2025
Irish rider captures Split Rock Jumping Tour Finale at TerraNova

Paul O'Shea guided Spy around the Myakka City course to win the $100,000 event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The late Mary Jo Reston (right) with Mercedita O’Connor in 2017.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 16, 2025
FST receives big legacy gift

Long-time patron Mary Jo Reston is honored by Florida Studio Theatre for $1.25 million bequeath.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County commissioners and other county officials toss the ceremonial dirt to mark the start of construction at Kensington Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 16, 2025
County breaks ground on new Kensington Park

The site of a former wastewater plant that served the Kensington Park Community will become a new Sarasota County park by summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Christ Church of Longboat Key plans to repurpose the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive to increase parking and part of a beautification project.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 16, 2025
Christ Church moves forward with long-term expansion plan

The church hopes to increase parking and add outdoor space for the organization by repurposing the lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sara, Erik and Isabella Stream attend the Irish Celtic Festival with "Most Creative Costume" winner Daisy.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 15, 2025
Great to be Irish, or a dog, at the Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival

The annual Irish Celtic Festival was held March 15 at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Rayner, Wendy O'Neill, Frank and Mary Jo Spinola attend the Longboat Key Club's history lecture on American and French Revolutions.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 15, 2025
History series offers enlightenment to Longboat Key Club members

The trio of history lectures were completely sold out this season, covering topics including the French Revolution.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barbara Romig admires her sister Carol Kluding's acrylic painting, titled "Olympiad."
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 15, 2025
University Park goes 'all-in' on annual art show

Art in the Park brings out the best in the community's artist talents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The new Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport observation facility provides an up-close view of aircraft taking off and landing.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 15, 2025
SRQ airport opens new observation area facility

Now paved, striped and secured from passing traffic, the new plane spotting area at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport includes a playground, shade structure and air traffic control audio.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Club members and individuals from the Children's Guardian Fund gather with the check. Left to right: Svetlana Ivashchenko, Andrew Chiang, Chris Sachs, Marlis Carter, Jim Larson, Lynn Larson, Bob Gault, Cynthia Craig and Michael Garey
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 14, 2025
Longboat Kiwanis presents check to Children's Guardian Fund

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has long supported the Children's Guardian Fund, a Sarasota nonprofit supporting children in the juvenile dependency care system.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Developer Paxton Kinol discusses plans for developing the Audobon Townhomes at Sarasota Station with the Sarasota Planning Board.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 14, 2025
Sarasota Station townhome project moves one step closer

Planning Board approvals pave the way for 69 townhomes that will help make possible the development of 202 affordable and workforce apartments.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Attendees dig in their shovels at an evening celebrating philanthropist Larry Greenspon and the groundbreaking of the new Greenspon Sports Facilities in Sarasota.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 14, 2025
Icon Larry Greenspon lauded with international support

Hundreds came together Sunday to celebrate the legacy of the man who has encouraged compassion and unity through his philanthropy and love of tennis.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High teen arrested for making shooting threats

A 14-year-old student made social media posts about carrying out a shooting Friday.

  • East County
  • News
Gloria Long (1945-2025)
    In Memoriam |
  • March 13, 2025
Gloria Ann Long

Gloria Ann Long, age 80, of Longboat Key, FL passed away on March 1, 2025, peacefully in her sleep.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Krieg and Sarah Burt are excited about his new book, "Ocean Speed."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Lakewood Ranch author tells his sailing adventures in 'Ocean Speed'

Bob Krieg describes his 3.5-year sail around the world, but the book also gives tips and advice on long-distance sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's Dagmar Beavers was proud of her life as a musician and circus performer.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 13, 2025
Dag Fest aims to preserve the memory of entertainer Dagmar Beavers

The March 22 concert will be held at the Myakka City home of the late circus performer and singer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The seating area of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has no center aisle, requiring patrons seating toward the center to step over dozens of others to enter or exit their rows.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 13, 2025
Van Wezel engineering report: Good as is for now, not for later

Karins Engineering update to the Purple Ribbon Committee indicates long-term current use, without significant modifications, is less than ideal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 1750 Southpointe Drive was built in 1967 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,743 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 13, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 24-28 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Nokomis home on Bayshore Road tops the week’s sales at $4.25 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 13, 2025
Town to host blood drive March 19

The town of Longboat Key will host a blood drive on Wednesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Nels Matson runs in solitude on a country road during his run across America to honor Navy Seal Chris Campbell and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 13, 2025
Endurance athlete runs for those who run toward danger

Sarasota accountant Nels Matson recently completed a run across America to honor a fallen Navy SEAL's last wish — and to try to set a new world record.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ava Proffitt is a sophomore who has Cardinal Mooney coaches buzzing with excitement for the future.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 13, 2025
Cardinal Mooney softball ready to return to championship ways

The Cougars have built back from a six-year absence with help from two former players.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota County School Superintendent, Terry Connor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 13, 2025
School board approves new positions and vehicle leasing agreement

The school board approved new positions, which can be incorporated into future budgeting to support a variety of growing needs, as well as a leasing agreement for its white fleet vehicles.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
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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

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