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Your Observer

The city's economic development spending could include creation of a fund to improve local storefronts and business signage.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 5, 2018
City discusses economic incentive spending

Last year, the city committed $1.39 million to a new economic development fund. Now, the city is brainstorming ways to use that money.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siesta Key Village restaurant Bonjour French Café shared a photo of a man in a Spider-Man costume on its Facebook on March 8.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 5, 2018
Man dressed as Spider-Man draws concern from farmers market

Reports of problematic behavior surround an individual weaving his way around Sarasota County in a Spider-Man costume.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city is eager to proceed with construction of a roundabout on U.S. 41 at Fruitville Road, part of a series of planned roundabouts along the state highway.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 5, 2018
City moves forward with U.S. 41 land swap

The city has reaffirmed its commitment to a roundabout project at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road, striking a preliminary agreement with a landowner to facilitate the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City staff said the playground at Laurel Park is worn down past its usable lifespan.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 5, 2018
Laurel Park prepares for new playground

The city intends to spend $100,000 to replace the playground in the neighborhood park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 5, 2018
Cops Corner: Sarasota 4.5.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Kevin Conway, Sarasota's Dean Anderson, tournament honoree Christopher Gordon, service dog Blaze and Heritage Harbor's Nick Gyeszat go off the first tee at the fifth annual Rosedale Golf Classic April 4.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2018
Rosedale Golf Classic helps change a life in Bradenton

East County community support raises more than $100,000 for Homes for Our Troops.

  • East County
  • News
The hope is that a change in setbacks would pave the way for new types of businesses to eventually find a home in the “blighted” area near Siesta’s south bridge.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 4, 2018
Siesta setback debate narrows on south bridge area

Business owners say not much would change if the amendment passes, but they hope it will open new doors.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Nonprofits can help feed and house the thousands of people who need sheltering or aid when disaster strikes.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 4, 2018
Sarasota nonprofits eager to help in disaster recovery

Irma ‘poked the bear.’ Now, nonprofits are organizing to play a bigger role in recovery.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The proposed development needs a density that is seven units per acre higher than what is already permitted for the property.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 4, 2018
Siesta Promenade plans submitted again

For the fourth time, Benderson submitted plans for the project that the county must approve before the formal review starts.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The home at 3930 Red Rock Way has nearly 180 feet of bay frontage.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 4, 2018
Sarasota home tops weekly sales at $4.5 million

The home at 3930 Red Rock Way sold after 25 days on the market.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
At least half of the apartments in the 80-unit housing project on Fruitville Road will be reserved for homeless individuals with disabling conditions.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 4, 2018
City Commission denies homeless housing appeal

Despite neighborhood concern, the City Commission will not hear an appeal challenging approval of a planned Fruitville Road apartment complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A display of a variety of Madagascar periwinkle are planted in the shape of daisy flowers overlook Sarasota Bay as part of the garden's exhibit on Andy Warhol.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 4, 2018
Selby makes list of top 10 botanical gardens in U.S.

USA Today’s list showcases 10 “smaller and lesser-known” botanical gardens around the country.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Director Keith Pandeloglou and USF professor Donald Wood are excited to host the new event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 4, 2018
Tasteful experience coming to Lakewood Ranch

New event highlights culinary delights in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Monk parakeets fly back home to their nest on Midnight Pass Road.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • April 4, 2018
Little green visitors make cheep homes on Siesta Key

Parakeets have been around for years, but their presence still charms residents and confounds utility companies.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Tramonto Estates home at 6899 Gulf of Mexico Drive recent sold for $6.8 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 4, 2018
6899 Gulf of Mexico Drive sells for $6.8 million

Residential real estate transactions for March 19-23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Does Donald Trump really know more about the effects of tariffs than leading economists?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 4, 2018
Tariffs not fit for print

Donald Trump’s tariff wars started with punishing Canadian paper mills. Thank you, Donald. Our prices are rising 10% to 12%. A Trump adviser told us, ‘It’s just dumb.’

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota's River and Alex Ross play with hockey sticks at the Watch Party last year.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 4, 2018
Watch Party warm-up at Main Street in Lakewood Ranch

Youth ball hockey tournament debuts before Lighting Watch Party.

  • East County
  • News
Jaymie and Tommy Klauber, shown at the 10-year anniversary of their restaurant on Nov. 1, closed their Polo Grill & Bar on Tuesday.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2018
Polo Grill & Bar in Lakewood Ranch closes

The catering side of the business will remain open through May.

  • East County
  • News
According to Sarasota Fire Chief Michael Regnier, the ban will remain in effect until weather conditions change.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 4, 2018
Sarasota County bans recreational burning

Dry weather drives up brushfire risk, fire chief says.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 4, 2018
Elks deliver perfect therapy

Lakewood Ranch Rotary presents $117,600 in grants

  • East County
  • News
Beth Stub, Betsy Hinkley, Jane Benace, Joanne Bouda, Jean Driver, Lynne Sheal, Mary Jane Diaz and Donna Guess share a laugh as they hold up the blankets they made for the Florida Cancer Specialist hospital.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • April 4, 2018
Wrapped up in a cause in Bradenton

Tara quilters give back after one member's battle with cancer.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering of ELM's design at LakeHouse Cove.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2018
Cove sculpting an artform at Waterside at Lakewood Ranch

ELM architects take on serious body of work on the water at Homes by Towne's LakeHouse Cove.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Cops Corner
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2018
Tipsy woman objects to being denied a seat in Lakewood Ranch

Cops Corner

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
East County resident Rose Craycraft covers second base as Tyler Schultes advances during a Chicago-style softball game at Fruitville Park.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 4, 2018
More recreational sports on deck in Manatee County?

County says more recreational sports facilities coming to Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 4, 2018
Sarasota elections chief building team of pollworkers

Orientation sessions begin April 23 for paid positions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River senior Kyle Krage has earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2018
Braden River High senior headed to West Point

Kyle Krage will get the discipline he craves at the U.S. Military Academy.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River senior Sydney Jaco prepares to serve.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • April 4, 2018
Braden River beach volleyball makes history

The Pirates are headed to the state tournament in the program's inaugural season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Co-owners Colleen Collandra andJeff Daly stand with employees on April 1, 2018.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 4, 2018
Cheers to four years

Longbeach Cafe opened on April 2, 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch resident and Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh is excited to apply her business and government experience at the state level.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 4, 2018
Local politician has 'more to do'

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh announces intention to run for the Florida House.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 4, 2018
Rare bird flies high over Lakewood Ranch area

River Club resident loves swallowtail kites, no strings attached.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Greg Hebert of Wildlife Inc, and David Novak with Clark Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 4, 2018
Match made in Harbourside heaven

Clark and Greta, Longboat Key's newest mating pair, are settling into their new home on the Harbourside Golf Course after testing David Novak and other volunteers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alahna Smith (left) and Isabelle Cooke (right) have fun finding the hidden eggs. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • April 4, 2018
Easter Eggstravaganza

Longboat Island Chapel held an Easter sunrise service and egg hunt on April 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • April 4, 2018
Longboat Police warn residents about boat-theft ring

Longboat Police Department has reason to believe that locals could be at risk of having their boats stolen from their lifts.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The town's contractors dug a hole under the Longboat Pass Bridge in 2014 that caused $750,000 in damages.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • April 4, 2018
Court finds Longboat immune from Longboat Pass lawsuit

The town had been sued for $750,000 when its contractors damaged the Longboat Pass bridge in 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Michael Gelety, left, and Wayne Natt
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • April 4, 2018
Motion to dismiss Longboat forfeiture case denied

The 12th Judicial Circuit Court denied Wayne Natt's motion to dismiss a case in which Longboat Key Police Department seeks to take his Cedars Court condo.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • April 4, 2018
Longboat leaders support more pickleball courts

The town commission agreed last week with the town staff's recommendation to add more public pickleball courts to the island

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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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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