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Your Observer

Manny Machado. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 13, 2018
Orioles announce spring training promotions

Magnets, caps and a Manny Machado figure highlight the calendar.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie and Arts and Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 12, 2018
Sarasota County Schools and the Arts and Culture Alliance mingle

The groups held a reception on Feb. 12 at the Sarasota Opera House.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 12, 2018
Pulitzer Prize winner inspires audience to help national leaders get it right

Historian Jon Meacham was the second speaker in the Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture Series on the 2018 calendar.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Fire Department is responding to a four-inch gas line break near South Tamiami Trail. Photo courtesy Sarasota County.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 12, 2018
UPDATE: South Tamiami Trail reopens after gas leak

Authorities are responding to a gas line break at Jo An Drive and South Tamiami Trail, which has closed a portion of the state highway north of Stickney Point Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 12, 2018
Fundraising, voter turnout highlight enthusiasm behind special election

House District 72 candidates have outpaced fundraising totals from previous elections.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The third-annual Baltimore Orioles Springfest takes place Feb. 17 at Ed Smith Stadium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 12, 2018
Third-annual Orioles Springfest set for Feb. 17

The event at Ed Smith Stadium features a Q&A session with Trey Mancini and the chance to play catch on the field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lacey Anderson listening to her coach, Bill Culver, read the clue for the trivia question.
    By
  • Amelia Hanks
  • February 12, 2018
Local graduates compete in Brain Bowl

East County college students head for Brain Bowl.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 12, 2018
All Angels brunches for annual meeting

The Rev. David Danner announced his retirement during the brunch Feb. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 12, 2018
Jazz Sunday takes a bow

The final Longboat Island Chapel Jazz Sunday worship service took place Feb. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Players' Cassandra Santiso sets the atmosphere with songs such as "Unforgettable."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2018
Lakewood Ranch smitten with The Players

The Players Centre for Performing Arts sells out its first gala in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 10, 2018
Art lovers enjoy Sarasota's downtown festival

Warm, sunny day brings out crowds.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Allison Imre, the owner of Grapevine Communications, enjoys her role as a celebrity bartender as she serves Venice's Lynn Massaroni during "Bartending for a Cause" at the Polo Grill & Bar in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2018
Important tips lead to a good cause in Lakewood Ranch

Guest bartenders at Polo Grill & Bar advise community to support The Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 10, 2018
Kids tackle fishing

Seminar draws great cast of volunteers to Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 9, 2018
'Lion King' roars to Lakewood Ranch stage

Lakewood Ranch High School theater students perform 'Lion King Jr.'

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 9, 2018
St. Martha dads and daughters dance it out

About 375 St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy fathers and daughters walked the red carpet at the annual Father Daughter Dance on Feb. 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Cougars will be manned on the sidelines by Paul Maechtle next season
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 9, 2018
Cardinal Mooney High names new football coach

The move comes a week after the departure of Drew Lascari.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Christopher Culton is the new football coach at Lakewood Ranch High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 9, 2018
Lakewood Ranch football names new head coach

He brings 14 years of experience from the Naval Academy.

  • East County
  • Sports
The City Commission expressed interest in using any damages from the lawsuit to help fund social programs.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 9, 2018
City Commission approves opioid lawsuit

The city of Sarasota has selected a team of attorneys to take action against pharmaceutical firms doing business in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Craig Fugate, former head of FEMA, is leading the county's after-action review about how it handled a major hurricane.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 9, 2018
Former head of FEMA presents fixes for county's emergency management weaknesses

The key points: Open more shelters earlier and simplify communications to the public.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In addition to the Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovation and Pediatric Research, Micael and Laura Gilkey focus on the future and their 13-year-old son, Banyan.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 9, 2018
After loss, Arlington Park family moves forward

A year after losing their son to leukemia, the Gilkey family finds solace in memories - and a fund for future research.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 9, 2018
Garden Club travels to Cuba in style

The club hosted "Shivoo Havana" on Feb. 9 at the Hyatt Regency.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 9, 2018
Willis Elementary dance is flurry of fun

The Snowflake Ball celebrated the love between fathers and their daughters.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby announces plans for the $130 million aquarium.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 9, 2018
A Conversation with Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby

Following his announcement of plans for a $130 million aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park, Crosby shares Mote's next steps.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 8, 2018
People and pooches mingle at unique happy hour

The Humane Society of Sarasota County's Smoochy Poochy Yappy Hour is back for the second year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alex Stoks with HR&A Advisors speaks to attendees at a Tuesday open house for The Bay Sarasota, held at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 8, 2018
Residents share visions for bayfront

The Bay Sarasota is working with the community to compile ideas for redeveloping the land around the Van Wezel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 8, 2018
Chamber meets, greets and eats with residents

The annual invite, which took place on Feb. 8, brought the chamber to the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The clubhouse sports a resort-like pool area.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 8, 2018
Del Webb opens its clubhouse in Lakewood Ranch

New Lakewood Ranch community will host an open house for its "crown jewel" Feb. 10.

  • East County
  • News
An preliminary rendering shows the proposed Mote aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park.
  • By David Conway and Katie Johns
  • February 8, 2018
Mote plans $130 million aquarium at Benderson Park

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium intends to relocate its aquarium facility from City Island to land near University Parkway and I-75.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Dick Vitale have announced that the 13th-annual Dick Vitale Gala, to be held on May 11 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, will honor Jim Harbaugh, Leonard Hamilton and Mike Greenberg.Â
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 8, 2018
Dick Vitale Gala announces honorees for 2018 event

The 13th-annual Gala will celebrate Jim Harbaugh, Leonard Hamilton and Mike Greenberg.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 8, 2018
Women's Guild of St. Mary welcomes new members

New members and old met for a luncheon on Feb. 8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 8, 2018
A closer look at county budget reductions

Here are the big cuts from each department, approved on Jan. 31 by the County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 8, 2018
Siesta Key nonprofit donates equipment to fire station

The donations will help firefighters better assist people on the beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • February 8, 2018
Inez Stopher

Inez Black Stopher, 88, passed away on January 8, 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Nicholas Bravo
    In Memoriam |
  • February 8, 2018
Nicholas James Bravo

Nicholas James Bravo, 34 years old of Sarasota, passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 8, 2018
1-800-Ask-Gary founder Kompothecras charged with DUI

Siesta Key resident stopped on Interstate 75 in Manatee County.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Lisa Hagerman
    In Memoriam |
  • February 8, 2018
Lisa Hagerman

Lisa Jo Hagerman, (June 23, 1956 - Jan. 27, 2018), 61, of Sarasota, Fla., passed away on Jan. 27, 2018.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
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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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