• 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

Sarasota rapper Jermo Jones, real name Jeremy Jones, wrote a song commemorating the 2017-2018 Riverview High Rams boys basketball team. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 21, 2017
The ultimate flex: Sarasota rapper reps former team in new song

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Cardinal Mooney senior Patrick Kenefick is the captain of the Manatee Admirals hockey club.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 21, 2017
Cardinal Mooney hockey player leads fleet of Admirals

The senior doesn't let lack of national attention affect his game.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Hayley Walding.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 21, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Hayley Walding

The SMA girls basketball senior talks filling big shoes and the performing arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jordan Clark.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 21, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.21.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.21.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 21, 2017
Cops Corner: It was a dark and stormy (and alarm-activating) night

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This home at 3535 Flamingo Ave. recently sold for $2.8 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 21, 2017
Bay Island Shores home sells for $2.8 million

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 4-8.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota hosted lawn bowling's 2016 and 2017 U.S. Open, the latter of which drew complaints from participants and club members.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 21, 2017
Lawn bowlers accuse officials of neglect

Members of the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club say their bayfront facility has deteriorated because of shoddy maintenance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The group chaired by Suzanne Atwell and Larry Eger group believes moving the March and May elections to coincide with the general election cycle in August and November of even years will increase voter turnout.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 21, 2017
New campaign hopes to move city elections

The Decide the Date campaign is collecting signatures in pursuit of a referendum on moving from the spring to the fall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 21, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.21.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Seaplace hosts merry celebration

Residents attended a holiday party on Dec. 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Loren Hutchison and student Kayla Mathews. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • December 20, 2017
STEM fair in Lakewood Ranch creates hands-on learning

your town

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The county acquired 2.7 miles of former railroad right of way for the next phase of the extension.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 20, 2017
Land acquired for first portion of Legacy Trail extension

The purchase of 2.7 miles of former railroad right-of-way marks the completion of Phase I of the Legacy Trail extension.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tyrone Collins, Deshaun Fenwick and Taylor Upshaw signed with their schools Dec. 20.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Three Braden River football players sign with Power 5 programs

All three will enroll in their schools next semester.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tony Dertouzos and his wife, Amity Hoffman, say the baggage tag inside this ornament originally looked like a cigarette because it was rolled so tightly to fit inside. Over time, it has expanded. Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Christmas memories hang around the holidays

Holiday ornaments stir emotion, memories in greater Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim, Drew, Brooklyn and Alissa Putnam were blessed by a Charleston, S.C., Target employee's kindness in 2011.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County residents share their holiday mishaps and memories

The Christmas holidays are filled with memories — good and quirky. Here are a few of both.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The sculpture sits on the pier at Beach Access 2, along with a Christmas tree and a new 22-foot flagpole.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 20, 2017
Flagpole and sand sculpture on Siesta honor veterans

Reopen Beach Road President Mike Cosentino said the sculpture is a thank you to veterans who help protect free speech.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Homes in the community will have a West Indies style. (Courtesy rendering).
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Toll Brothers to build in Lakewood Ranch

The luxury builder plans to construct 450 West Indies-inspired homes.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The home at 47 S. Washington Drive recently sold for $3.6 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 20, 2017
South Washington Drive home sells for $3.6 million

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 4-8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 20, 2017
At the time of Christ’s birth

It's a story that crosses religions and faiths.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County homes let their lights shine

Don't blink when it comes to looking for these holiday light displays.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Santa said he has a magic key that allows him to get through front doors if the home has no chimney.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Ho(w) much, Ho(w) many, Ho(w) long?

Students filled Santa's bag with questions. As always, St. Nick delivered.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Access the the Starbucks on State Road 70, just west of I-75, was blocked by tape and a patrol car.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Two Starbucks locations burglarized in Manatee County

Both stores suffered similar types of damages, officials said.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Lou Johnson took this photo of her daughter and her family, Andrew, Carlin, Randi, and baby Ellie Mackintosh
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboaters recall the memories and mishaps of Holidays past

Whether it's sibling pranks or misbehaving toddlers, holidays bring the happy moments and the not so happy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The new East County middle school will have "indoor circulation," meaning students will not have to go outside when switching classes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
New Manatee County school will offer temporary relief

East County parents thankful overcrowding will ease in the short run for families living in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries: Dec. 21, 2017

Warren Harding and Sue Suttie died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key lights up for holidays

From reindeer and polar bears to teddy bears and Santa Claus, plenty of holiday visitors have made a temporary home in the lawns of Longboat residences.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clarice Schetter and Alma Cockerham
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Brunching through the holidays

On Dec. 3, Longboat Island Chapel congregants gathered for the annual holiday brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Todd Mathes, Benderson Development's director of development, said Benderson hopes to construct a stand-alone building for an unnamed retailer in The Shoppes at UTC. It would go between Nordstrom Rack and the Hampton Inn & Suites.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
UTC continues expansion with more large-scale projects

Benderson Development asks Manatee County to approve changes to Cooper Creek DRI.

  • East County
  • News
Lynn and Gary Coffin Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Country Club Shores resident showcases artwork

The exhibit features 23 portraits of strangers, celebrities, Lynn Coffin's children and a neighbor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboaters top Santa's nice list

Longboat Key organizations and churches donated a lot to local charities this holiday season. Here, we mention some of those efforts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
More than 85 people appeared at the Planning and Zoning Board hearing at the Harbourside Ballroom Tuesday, Dec. 19.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • December 20, 2017
Colony gets its first nod from Longboat P&Z Board

Planning and Zoning board approves Unicorp's text amendment for Colony plan, but a lot still must happen before proposal is settled.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
O'Mariah Gordon absorbs contact after driving to the hoop for a shot attempt. The 5-foot-4 Gordon has no qualms about playing physical.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Braden River freshman point guard getting rave reviews

The 5-foot-4 point guard is ranked highly by multiple scouting services.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch High orienteers Ethan Camparo and Kora Turner have what it takes to make it through the woods.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Orienteering can spin your emotional compass

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Faith Schyck.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: Faith Schyck

The Lakewood Ranch girls soccer senior talks golden goals and inspirational quotes.

  • East County
  • Sports
India Searls. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 12.20.17

East County High 5 Moments: 12.20.17

  • East County
  • Sports
The sidewalk on the north side of Ringling Boulevard has been closed since September.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • December 19, 2017
FDOT begins debris removal from Ringling Boulevard sidewalk

Officials hope the project will be completed by Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 »
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
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

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