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Your Observer

Buffett picks the Philadelphia Eagles as his Super Bowl winner.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 1, 2018
Mote manatees split their Super Bowl picks

Buffett, who has picked correctly eight times out of 11, goes with Eagles. Hugh, who has six correct picks, likes the Patriots.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The County Commission approved $5.4 million in cuts on Jan. 31.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 1, 2018
County cuts $5.4 million after reframing budget discussion

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis hopes to put off some potential budget reductions until absolutely necessary.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A crowd, including 23 people who signed up to speak about the amendment, waits for the public hearing to start.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 1, 2018
Commission puts off Siesta Key zoning discussion

Before considering the possibility of new setback rules, commissioners ask for more guidance.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The home at 7922 S. Holiday Drive recently sold for $4.25 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 1, 2018
Holiday Drive home sells for $4.25 million

Residential real estate transactions for Jan. 15-19.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • February 1, 2018
The Promise and Pitfalls of Form-Based Codes

There are reasons less than 1% of American cities use form-based codes. They are tricky to implement and definitely not a panacea.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Lido Key residents have expressed concerns about how storms could affect the island’s shoreline.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 1, 2018
City explores Lido shoreline committee

Lido Key residents hope a new group could help monitor the status of the barrier island's beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kaitlin Bockmeyer and Graham Kukla have seen the membership of Ranked Choice Voting SRQ spike since they joined in late 2016, which they see as a sign of the group’s momentum.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 1, 2018
Voters campaign for a new ballot

Ranked Choice Voting SRQ wants to finally implement a city initiative approved more than a decade ago.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Planning consultant Shawn Dressler addresses residents from the area surrounding the Bath and Racquet Club at a Jan. 25 workshop.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 1, 2018
Bath and Racquet plans remain controversial

Residents expressed significant concern about a proposal to add buildings ranging from three to seven stories to the Bath and Racquet Club property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A large show of support for a cause at a meeting can resonate with city commissioners, but it's not the only factor in the board's decision-making process.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 1, 2018
Officials offer differing perspectives on public feedback

How much weight does your voice carry with city commissioners? It might depend on how you speak out.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2018
Cops Corner: Sarasota 2.1.18

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 1, 2018
Cops Corner: The police want to talk

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Rotarian Don Weippert chokes up while accepting thanks from veteran Carl Moore, whose Home for Our Troops homes was made partially possibly by Weippert's $10,000 donation. Weippert challenged his colleagues to support veterans.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Lakewood Ranch Elks host open house

Rotary, Rosedale women honor veterans

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Pride is king of Nolan play

Nearly 50 students participate in "Lion King Kids."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Actor Steven Labine, as Capt. Wattage, shares his energy-saving tips with Inspector Iona Badge, played by Michaela Shapiro, during a performance at Braden River Elementary School
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Capt. Wattage lights up learning

FPL performance teaches about conserving energy.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 31, 2018
Picture of health: Lori Jaress and Kenneth Rainey

In uniform or off duty, Sarasota police officers say fitness helps them physically and mentally.

  • Health
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 31, 2018
Fish vending machine removed from mall at PETA's request

No fish, no foul.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 31, 2018
Braves stadium to open later than planned

It was always a possibility: the stadium won't be open in time for the full 2019 spring training season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A condominium at The Water Club at Longboat Key recently sold for for $1.5 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 31, 2018
The Water Club at Longboat Key condo sells for $1.5 million

Real estate transactions for Jan. 15-19.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
A home in Lake Club, at 7939 Matera Court, recently sold for $1,051,200.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 31, 2018
Lake Club home tops sales at $1.05 million

Residential real estate transactions for Jan. 15-19.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort has been closed for almost a decade.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 31, 2018
The greater legacy

The Colony represents the future of Longboat Key. We urge the Silent Majority not to squander this opportunity.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Dave Bullock and Juan Florensa
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 31, 2018
They set the standard

Bullock and Florensa raised the bar of public service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Florida First Lady Ann Scott reads with students. (Courtesy photo).
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Your Town: Students read along with Florida's first lady

Stories from your neighbors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 31, 2018
Update: Sheriff's Office says 911 service restored

Technical issues cleared, officials said.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The site of the former Colony has been condemned by the town as unsafe.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 31, 2018
The Colony developer withdrew its Longboat zoning code change. Now What?

Unicorp eased the path to approval when it withdrew its application. A lot still has to happen before construction could begin.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Barrier Island Traffic Study Assistant Project Manager Nathan Kautz said cost and timeline projections should solidify by the end of this year.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 31, 2018
FDOT narrows recommendations for barrier island traffic study

Just one of the 75 proposed solutions to traffic directly impacts Longboat Key, according to the study.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 31, 2018
School board puts policies under review

Complaints policy among those under scrutiny this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Diane Brune's name will be added to the John Clarke Humanitarian of the Year plaque.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2018
Philanthropist's turn to receive in Lakewood Ranch

Diane Brune is named the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund's 2018 John Clarke Humanitarian Award winner

  • East County
  • News
Braden River freshman Brandon Tackett has gone 15-2 since cutting weight from 113 to 106 pounds.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 31, 2018
Pirates freshman wrestler get on top following weight loss

He's excelled since dropping from the 113-pound class to 106.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's David Abremski, 61, participated in his second Orioles Dream Week this year. He returned because the experience brought a nostalgia trip, and he loves the game.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 31, 2018
Lakewood Ranch man lives out lifelong Dream

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
The proposed site is just west of Premier Sports Campus. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Manatee County School Board likes SMR land swap

School officials say a school site near Premier Sports Campus would be ideal to handle future growth.

  • East County
  • News
Gail Clifton prepares Carly for a riding lesson at SMART.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Hero's a SMART choice for Lightning grant

Longtime volunteer named a 'community hero' by Tampa Bay Lightning.

  • East County
  • News
UnidosNow Executive Officer Luz Corcuera, Fior Zamora and Andres Monr Photo by Tom J. Thomas
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 31, 2018
All Angels show heart

Church members met grant recipients on Jan. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 31, 2018
Father-Son duo pens book together

Howard Myers lost his vision in the Vietnam War. Now his son, Chad, is helping him tell his story.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Summerfield resident and Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 1 Supervisor Laurie Fox is worried about speeding and other traffic conditions on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, including at its intersection with Clubhouse Drive.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Lakewood Ranch roadway in need of change?

CDD supervisors worry about safety conditions on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Nicholas Leduc tests his students on the types of triangles.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2018
Manatee County education cost could rise again

School district says addition in tax makes sense.

  • East County
  • News
David Lapovsky at the site of the former Colony, 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 31, 2018
Preserve Longboat seeks a few tweaks to Colony development plan

Preserve Longboat President David Lapovsky says Unicorp's development plan is close to what the group seeks on the site of the former Colony.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
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
5
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

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