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Your Observer

    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Garden Club's home tour to show of gems of Longboat Key

This year's tour, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3, will feature five homes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • February 21, 2018
How do we keep our kids safe?

Treating our schools like minimum security prisons is not the answer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
University Park resident Joe Moran says the proposed purchase price for the University Park Country Club is to high and is leading opposition to it.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 21, 2018
Opposition rises to University Park Country Club purchase

They say the $16.75 million pricetag is far too expensive.

  • East County
  • News
The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is legally bound to be demolished within 60 days of any permit issuance.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat P&Z board approves St. Regis hotel with smaller ballroom

The Planning and Zoning Board supported Unicorp National Development's proposal for a 5 star hotel with a 7,650-square-foot ballroom.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
City Commissioner Hagen Brody said he does not believe City Manager Tom Barwin is doing enough to attract and retain local institutions, a charge Barwin disputed.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 21, 2018
Mote departure sparks tensions at City Commission

City Commissioner Hagen Brody admonished City Manager Tom Barwin about plans for a new aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park, but other commissioners defended city management.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • February 21, 2018
Braden River Elementary students connect with pen pals in China

East County fifth-graders corresponded with students a world away.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 21, 2018
Bike-sharing program may not work on Siesta Key

Although it's small size makes it ideal for bike travel, its size may also make bike sharing a bad idea on the Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 21, 2018
A look inside Longboat's new ambulance

Paramedics designed the custom truck with usability in mind.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tom Harmer delivered a presentation on the Longboat Key ballot initiatives on Thursday.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 21, 2018
Harmer hits the road to explain and listen

Town manager makes appearances to help voters understand whats on the ballot.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The free route started in March 2017, and covers Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road from Siesta Village to Turtle Beach Park.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 21, 2018
Breeze Trolley aims for continued success

With its first year almost reaching 250,000 riders, SCAT plans to firm up a three-year contract for trolley operations.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
MTC paramedic students Nick Treffinger and Lydia Wilkinson work on the Anatomage table with Jay Bush, the Emergency Medical Services program director at MTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 21, 2018
Cadavers come to life in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee Technical College's Lakewood Ranch campus is first technical school in the state to utilize the Anatomage table.

  • East County
  • News
Kevin Swan and Shaina (Frisch) Swan were married last month.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • February 21, 2018
Your Town: Plan with a hitch

Stories from your neighbors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dan DiNatale was studying at Savannah College of Art and Design. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Danny's Dream: How one Longboat couple is remembering their son

The first ever Danny's Dream event will be held on Saturday, March 24 in celebration and remembrance of Dan DiNatale and to raise money for Ewing Sarcoma research.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour: Schneiderman Home

One of the original Whitney Beach cottages will be part of the Garden Club home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour: Gerich Home

The north end home will be on display for the annual home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Casa Del Mar has one of the new posters at its beach access. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Turtle Watch signs make moves

Ringling College of Art and Design and the Town of Longboat Key teamed up to make a new poster design. Now, those posters are popping up around the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour: Country Club Shores Home

The new home will be on display during the Garden Club's Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Taylor Rahn poses with his award and Steven and Simeon Brubacher, two of the five people he rescued.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key police give out award to hero

Taylor Rahn, who rescued five people from the water after their canoe capsized, was given a citizen citation Feb. 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour: Hennigan Home

The home will be featured in the Garden Club's annual home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour: Anderson Home

The Queens harbor home will be on display during the annual home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 21, 2018
Sheriff's Office gears up for Spring Break crowds

The first big vacation season after MTV’s ‘Siesta Key’ reality show aired is upon us.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sam Shapiro receives an award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in 2015. File photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Sam Shapiro leaves philanthropic legacy

From The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Sam Shapiro dedicated much of his time to giving back. He died Feb. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue Lt. Justin Sperko and firefighter Bobby Pietsch ready the fire engine for use after responding to a house fire in Silver Lakes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 21, 2018
Manatee County roadway on schedule for change

Roadway improvements to 45th Street East will improve emergency response times.

  • East County
  • News
Senior Hannah Witham (2) takes the court for the final time at Braden River.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 21, 2018
Pirates treasure record season

Braden River girls basketball finishes with school-record 20 wins.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Stonewater is Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch Waterside's newest model home. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 20, 2018
Pulte to hold grand opening at Waterside

Builder will showcase new Stonewater model in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Kevin Cooper, Ernest F. DuBose II, Terrill Salem, John Annis, Steve Seidensticker and Commissioner Willie Shaw participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of Miss Susie's Newtown Kitchen.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 20, 2018
Groundbreaking for Miss Susie’s Newtown Kitchen marks a new day for neighborhood

The restaurant is a community-based project that will provide hospitality training and jobs to the Newtown neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tom Knight has proposed a plan to place more armed personnel at Sarasota County schools. (File photo).
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 20, 2018
Sheriff's Office looks to place armed veterans, retired police officers at county schools

Sheriff Tom Knight said the plan would improve student safety.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The BID is considering replacing the existing speaker system on St. Armands Circle, installed in the early 2000s.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 20, 2018
St. Armands explores music options

Amplified music may be on its way back to St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rose Chapman has retired from her year-and-a-half stint as CEO emerita for the JFCS after 23 years as CEO.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 20, 2018
Rose Chapman reflects back on her 25-year career with JFCS of the Suncoast

As Chapman transitions to retirement from her tenure as CEO emerita, she leaves behind a legacy of commitment and service to the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key voters cast their ballots in two precincts, one of which is in Town Hall.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • February 20, 2018
Observer to host candidate forum for Town Commission candidates

The forum will feature the six contested candidates on the ballot in the March 20 election.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The commission is following up on earlier conversations regarding incorporating resident input into the special event permitting process.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 19, 2018
City Commission to discuss event regulations

The Downtown Sarasota Condo Association proposed new event rules designed to minimize the effects of street closures on residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 19, 2018
LBK firefighter rescues man clinging to small sailboat

93-year-old man taken to hospital for hypothermia treatment.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
More than 50 people filled every seat was filled in the Town Hall chamber.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • February 19, 2018
Longboat P&Z Board OK's Colony redevelopment plan

Unicorp National Developments is scheduled to testify before the Planning and Zoning Board at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Town Hall.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the tip was not about a specific threat, but was related to the past behavior of an unnamed Riverview High School student.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 18, 2018
Officials investigate Riverview shooting threat

Riverview High School Principal Kathy Wilks sent a message to school parents Sunday about an anonymous tip regarding a possible shooting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Myakka City's Amanda Hayward and Clayton Brown of Sleepy Creek Ranch find themselves in an awkward position during the team doctoring event.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 18, 2018
Rodeo event features the right brand in Manatee County

Cowboys, present and future, gather for 10th annual Ranch Rodeo.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Runners surround Grayson Tullio, seated, the inspiration behind the charity Another Day for Gray.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 18, 2018
Dogs pound the pavement in Lakewood Ranch

More than 200 people participate in the annual Doggies for Duchenne fundraiser.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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.
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