• 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

Sanity please: Roundabout is not needed
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • March 10, 2025
Sanity please: Roundabout is not needed

A Roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway St. would complicate traffic and incapacitate pedestrians' ability to cross.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jon Thaxton, conservationist and former county commissioner, speaks on the need to balance development and environmental protection as part of the lecture series coordinated by The Education Center's Susan Goldfarb.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 10, 2025
Conservationist, former commissioner urges Longboat Key community action

Lecturer Jon Thaxton asked attendees at a recent Education Center seminar to be informed and engaged on environmental issues, especially with a 2026 land use referendum.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
New board members Bob Kelly, Heather Herr and Kathy Beam join the annual St. Armands Residents Association dinner.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 10, 2025
St. Armands residents utilize post-storm enlightenment

Community members consider infrastructure resilience, particularly with storm drains, at their annual dinner get-together.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jim Sauter and Randee Long celebrate the opening of their new real estate and home watch offices.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 10, 2025
New shop aims to be one-stop shop for Longboat Key real estate

Owners of new dual home watch and real estate businesses celebrate their official launch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Willis Smith Construction's Nathan Carr and Bailee Corona chat with Ted Lindenberg during the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch's luncheon March 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 10, 2025
It's never the same old story for Books for Kids

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch program continues to grow in Manatee schools.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The former Checkers location at East Ave. and Ringling Blvd. will be the site of a seven-story building with 22 apartments and a street-level restaurant.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 10, 2025
Plan submitted for Sarasota Checkers site redevelopment

The plan to build 22 apartments and a restaurant on the former Checkers site at East Avenue and Ringling Boulevard raised the question: When is a wall not considered building?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alie Jefferson, left, playing the part of King Achashverosh, and Naomi Hinckley, as the advisor perform during the Purim play Sunday at Temple Emanu-El.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • March 9, 2025
Pure delight at Sarasota's Temple Emanu-El Purim Carnival

The ancient holiday of celebration event boasts costumes, revelry and, of course, cookies and cupcakes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Police investigate suspicious packaging scattered along patio
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 9, 2025
Police investigate suspicious packaging scattered along patio

A resident called to report what appeared to be packaging tossed around her patio by an animal or a person. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
City hosts free public document shredding event
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 9, 2025
City hosts free public document shredding event

Shred Stock will be held Saturday, March 15 at the Van Wezel parking lot.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jane Johnson Hussar, the sponsor of the Little Free Library at Country Club East Park, joins Elizabeth Henderson, the president of the Little Free Library Club of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 8, 2025
Little library, big mission in Lakewood Ranch

Country Club East Park is the site of another Little Free Library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dana Heppe of Dana Heppe bags displays her items at Le Marche Marketplace Saturday at Selby Five Points Park.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • March 8, 2025
Le Marche Marketplace in downtown Sarasota draws shoppers and songs

Artists from the Sarasota Opera House give a Saturday morning performance to attendees at the twice-a-year Parisian-style market.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of Sarasota's Petticoat Painters whose works will be exhibited at Sarasota City Hall.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 7, 2025
Petticoat Painters exhibit debuts March 17

Works of the all-female group of artists will be on display at the Sarasota City Hall atrium.

  • Arts + Culture
Once again, Ranch Nite Wednesday draws a crowd to Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 6, 2025
Ranch Night Wednesday features monthly market

The popular food truck event at Waterside Place features a night market the first Wednesday of each month.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Art pieces available for purchase at the New to You art sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 6, 2025
All Angels art fundraiser surpasses $10K

The donor-supplied art sale helps support community organizations, specifically Turning Points this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Riverview senior CJ McCutcheon won the 215-pound weight class at the 3A Region 2 meet this past weekend with a dominant performance.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 6, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: CJ McCutcheon

The Riverview senior wrestler dominated his region with a perfect tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Justin Kristich, Juan Gutierrez, Kay Scholten, and Mike Hope are recruiting volunteers for the LECOM Suncoast Classic golf tournament at Lakewood National.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 6, 2025
Help wanted: It's LECOM Suncoast Classic Tournament time

The Korn Ferry event returns to Lakewood Ranch and needs another 200 volunteers.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell addresses the Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 6, 2025
Sarasota Housing Authority building affordability without the stigma

William Russell arrived 20 years ago to lead Sarasota Housing Authority from insolvency to a robust provider of diverse affordable housing opportunities for a healthy mix of incomes. His short-term assignment became a career of compassion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit PH-C condominium at 888 S. Orange Ave. was built in 2007 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,511 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 6, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 17-21 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A Hudson Crossing condominium tops the week's sales at $2.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Booker baseball team is building its baseball IQ from the ground up. The Tornadoes went through base-running fundamentals during a practice on Feb. 26.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 6, 2025
Booker baseball is turning the corner with new approach

The Tornadoes are using discipline and freshmen talent to overcome awful 2024 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A Renzo Piano Building Workshop conceptual rendering of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center as viewed from the 10th Street Canal.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 6, 2025
SPAC business plan: Many more events, $4M annual operating deficit

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation calls the projected revenue gap typical of performance halls and is confident philanthropy will cover the difference.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The view along Main Street west of Palm Avenue. The Downtown Master Plan Update committee will provide a guiding document to future development in the downtown area.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 6, 2025
Downtown Master Plan Committee kicks off with procurement debate

Led by chairman Howard Davis, some of the 13-member Sarasota Downtown Master Plan Update Committee challenge the process of selecting a consultant to help guide the update of the 2020 plan.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mira Mar: A case of tradeoffs
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 6, 2025
The Mira Mar: A case of tradeoffs

Seaward Development has a plan to save and restore the Mira Mar retail shops. It would be difficult to reject when you look at the DeMarcay next door.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Orion Sky Charters
  • March 6, 2025
Elevate Your Travel: The Tangible Benefits of Private Aviation

Bypass the stress of long security lines, crowded terminals, and lengthy check-in processes with private air travel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lorrie Muldowney listens during her March 3 appearance before the Sarastota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 5, 2025
Historic status suggested for Van Wezel

A historic preservation advocate pitches the Sarasota City Commission to pursue an application to the National Register of Historic Places for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team cheers as its announced as the 3A state champion at RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 5, 2025
Cardinal Mooney girls basketball breaks through to win first state championship

The Cougars leaned on experience and fuel four straight runner-up finishes to beat Jacksonville Bolles 64-54.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Teachers and student winners of the fifth grade essay content pose for a photo Feb. 25 at Robert Willis Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch. The contest was held by the Manatee County Retired Educators Association.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 5, 2025
Willis Elementary students recall grandparents' love in essay contest

Willis Elementary gets top two spots in Manatee County Retried Educators' Association contest.

  • East County
  • Schools
Liam St. John had never picked up a javelin until last year. Now, he's nearing the school record and he wants to pursue the sport in college.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • March 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High sophomore eyes school javelin record

Liam St. John placed first at last year's district meet one month after he first picked up a javelin.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sand sculptor Patrick Harsch, who crafted the castle currently on display at Zota Beach Resort, works on his latest St. Patrick's Day-themed outdoor piece at The Mall at University Town Center, near Ford's Garage.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 5, 2025
Behind the castle gates: Florida sand sculptor gives a glimpse of his craft

Visitors to Zota Beach Resort can see one of Patrick Harsch's latest creations, a sneak preview of what's to come with next month's sand sculpting competitions.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The courtyard area at Sarasota City Hall will be renovated, the fountain repaired and the entire area fenced in.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 5, 2025
City Hall fountain and courtyard to be fenced

Sarasota city commissioners determine an outdoor patio space at City Hall does not constitute a public park in deciding to secure the area as part of a $625,000 repair and renovation contract.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After a career in coporate, Peggy Kronus is her own boss now.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch resident plans a new path

Event planning makes Peggy Kronus' heart happy, and now she's doing it for herself with a new business, PK Events & Services.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Neighborhood watchman rams pickup truck with golf cart
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 5, 2025
Neighborhood watchman rams pickup truck with golf cart

A resident accuses a repairman of speeding through his neighborhood and, to make a point, strikes his vehicle with a golf cart. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Like in previous elections, the town clerk's office will offer treats to early voters.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • March 5, 2025
Longboat Key early voting has begun

Early voting takes place at Longboat Key Town Hall for the town election that includes a commission race, a referendum and charter amendments.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A 1,500-foot driveway divides the forest at Triple Oak Preserve, Manatee County's latest acquisition through its Environmental Lands Program.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 5, 2025
Manatee's environmental lands program continues tedious process

After purchasing three properties in four years, the ELMAC program is currently negotiating 11 purchases and two easements.

  • East County
  • News
Barbara May and Fred Sassen sold the Bird Key home at $7.25 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 5, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 17-21 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on West Royal Flamingo Drive tops the week’s sales at $7.25 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Brad Schalk is the owner of Vinyl Vault
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 5, 2025
Record collector turns passion into retail with Vinyl Vault

The vintage record store held its grand opening March 2, inviting The Garbage-Men band for a performance.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Country Club's Nancy Opresnick says she loves creating a work of art out of a lump of clay.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch potter throws herself into her work

Nancy Opresnick puts her talent on display at the annual Spring Art Show and Sale.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 »
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