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Your Observer

A suite in the St. Regis Bal Harbour.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 28, 2018
What makes a 5-star hotel five star?

Longboat is proposed to get a five star hotel with development of a St. Regis at the site of the former Colony — so what does that mean will go there?

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Town staff should not have issued the permit that led to many code violations and phone calls from affected residents.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 28, 2018
Longboat issues stop-work order to troublesome development

A development project at 500 Buttonwood Drive has caused power outages and road blockages since it received an erroneous permit Feb. 2 from the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ellen Levine lobbied her condo board, management, the Town's Public Works and Wast Management to allow boxes to be recycled at Sea Gate
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 28, 2018
Longboat Sea Gate resident boxed in over recycling

Sea Gate does not allow its residents to recycle cardboard shipping boxes boxes, but Ellen Levine won't is determined to make it change.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2018
Questions and answers with Longboat Key Town Commission candidates

Six men face off in three races.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Randy Clair
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2018
Questions and answers with Randy Clair

Incumbent Town Commissioner faces no challenger in March 20 election.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2018
Longboat Key voting essentials

Before you vote, know what's up

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Summerfield resident Alan Roth checks to see the signal strength of his cell service in his home. He has trouble making and receiving calls from home.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 28, 2018
Lakewood Ranch residents frustrated by cell coverage

Some in the development still struggle with unreliable reception.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 28, 2018
Lakewood Ranch photographer embarks on picture-perfect endeavor

Kathryn DeYoung reinvents herself in retirement.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 27, 2018
Longboat Key tennis pros battle it out

Pros from the Longboat Key Public Tennis and the Longboat Key Club competed against each other Feb. 27.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Impact fees are paid by developers on new construction. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 27, 2018
Manatee County may cap impact fees

Commissioners will discuss impact fees at their March 1 meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Flu shots are free for children and adults at the Sarasota County Health Department facility at 2200 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 27, 2018
Flu season not over yet, health officials warn

Despite recent declines in influenza activity, the virus could rebound locally in March.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 27, 2018
School district announces new Riverview High principal

Erin del Castillo will start July 1, pending school board approval.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Art Vetter from J.H. Williams Oil Company, Nolan asst. principal Lori Jones, owners Jose Rodriguez and Mike Hass, McNeal asst. principal Carol Ricks, County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and owner Nick Salen presenting the checks.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • February 27, 2018
Fundraiser pumps funds into schools

Local convenience store efforts will benefit Manatee County schools.

  • East County
  • Schools
Greg Steube is running for Congress.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 27, 2018
State senator announces congressional bid

Florida Sen. Greg Steube announced his campaign Monday, after U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney announced his retirement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Town Mayor Terry Gans (right) and Manatee County Commission chairwoman Priscilla Trace
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 27, 2018
Manatee, Longboat discuss common goals, projects

Both sides agree to further discuss beach issues, storm protection and the one-county initiative.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Developer Manfred Welfonder
    By
  • Columnist .
  • February 27, 2018
Developer offers his own take on Colony plan

Welfonder expresses reservations on Unicorp’s proposal.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2018
Cops Corner: Search for a good Samaritan

A roundup of this week's most interesting police reports from Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Krista Lohr, Izetta Fields, Shirley Shaw and Sharon Folta of Sarasota Women of Action
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 26, 2018
Sarasota Democrats welcome Congressman Joaquin Castro

A wave of blue took over the ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota during the Kennedy King Dinner.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Shane Donglasan
  • February 26, 2018
Gillespie Park’s butterfly garden continues to flourish

The coming of spring begins the next phase of the Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association’s butterfly garden project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The building where Lori Martin's body was found in a sauna.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 26, 2018
Longboat police, medical examiner wait for test results in sauna death

Longboat Police Chief Pete Cumming said the department has more answers than questions but isn't willing to release anything until the medical examiner gets its tests back.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 26, 2018
Cardinal Mooney High closed as police investigate 'concerning' Snapchat post

The Sarasota Police Department said there's no reason to believe there is a threat to the school, which plans to re-open Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • February 26, 2018
Hope Tappe Weatherby

ADRIAN – Hope Tappe Weatherby, age 94 of Adrian, Michigan, a long time resident of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away in the early morning hours of February 16, 2018.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    In Memoriam |
  • February 26, 2018
Patricia A. Farrell

Patricia A. Farrell, 82, of Tenafly, NJ and Longboat Key, FL, passed away on February 21, 2018 at her home in Tenafly, NJ after a long battle with lung cancer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Holly Chamberlain tries for a shot on goal for Whiskey Pond during the Observer Cup at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2018
Great view at the Observer Cup

Fans enjoy the match, other events at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Leslie Williams, incoming Commodore Bob Williams, Sue Wilson and outgoing Commodore Charlie Wilson
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 25, 2018
Bird Key Yacht Club changes watch

The club welcomed a new board of officers and thanked the outgoing one Feb. 24.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 24, 2018
Longboat Harbour twists at sock hop

About 80 residents gathered for a 50s-themed evening of dancing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 24, 2018
Le Marche Bohemien brings the bohemian spirit to Five Points Park

The open-air market returned for its fourth year to Downtown Sarasota

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
On opening day, 5-year-old Brantley Strong is more interested in playing in the dirt during opening ceremonies than stealing a base.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 24, 2018
Time to play ball in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Little League, Miss Manatee Softball open their seasons.

  • East County
  • News
Class attending a talk given by Ogden Clark about bettering communications in neighborhoods.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • February 23, 2018
Summit stresses neighborhood communication

East county residents attend Manatee County Neighborhood Services workshop.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 23, 2018
Sarasota School Board supports more officers in schools

The school district supports a plan announced by Gov. Rick Scott on Feb. 23.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 23, 2018
“Change a Life Over Lunch” with Take Stock in Children Sarasota

Mentors, scholars and supporters of education share the profound impact of Take Stock in Children’s scholarship program.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The referendum voters will consider renewing helps fund art and music education in Sarasota County Schools.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 23, 2018
Millions in school funding on the ballot

Voters will decide by March 20 whether to renew the school tax referendum, which provides $56 million in extra funding to Sarasota County Schools.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 23, 2018
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Israel with fashion and flair

The Temple Beth Sholom’s annual fundraising event featured a fashion show, silent auction and luncheon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ed Smith Stadium has been named the most-liked spring training venue, based on a study conducted by ReviewTrackers and USA Today.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 23, 2018
Ed Smith Stadium named 'most-liked' spring training venue

The study was conducted by ReviewTrackers and USA Today.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sophie Yturralde and Caitlin Abrams examine contained currents to see what electricity looks like using a plasma globe designed by Nikola Tesla.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 23, 2018
The Out-of-Door Academy unveils Dart STEM Lab

The new lab puts an emphasis on innovation in elementary education.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Unicorp National Developments answered 43 Planning and Zoning Board questions in writing before the hearing this week
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 23, 2018
Unicorp responsds to written questions from Longboat P&Z

Planning and Zoning Chairwoman BJ Bishop sent 42 questions to Unicorp before its meeting with the town this week. Here's the developers response.

  • 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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