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Your Observer

The Pettingell family handed out Thanksgiving pies to clients on Nov. 22. Any leftover pies were given to local food shelters. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 29, 2017
Coldwell Banker agent continues a sweet tradition

Coldwell Banker International sales agent Roger Pettingell continued his tradition of handing out pies to clients for Thanksgiving.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Michael Melnick is the second generation to operate the Armel Jewelers on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 29, 2017
Armel Jewelers shines through 50 years

After visiting Sarasota in the late 1960s, Sid and Arlene Melnick knew a location on St. Armands was meant to be.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The classes will be taught by Mote education staff, and each class will also feature an expert in the class topic. Photo courtesy of Mote.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 29, 2017
Mote ready to bring adults into the marine science world

The course, “Endless Oceans: Marine Science 101," will educate adults on various marine science topics.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Officials say the watering schedule change will help minimize impact residents trying to use sidewalks in the evening, while also reducing issues with water pressure.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 29, 2017
Lakewood Ranch to start new irrigation schedule

Changes to Phase I Lakewood Ranch's watering schedule Jan. 1 will improve water pressure, sidewalk usage.

  • East County
  • News
Richard Baum Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 29, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries: Nov. 30, 2017

Richard Baum and Alex Lawrence died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Benderson Development has decorated its shopping plazas in the University Parkway corridor with millions of Christmas lights.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 29, 2017
Benderson Development lights up 300 acres of UTC

Developer has plans to expand and further develop its holiday light display along Cattlemen, University Parkway.

  • East County
  • News
Dave Jaco says he's proud of the heart he displayed in the boxing ring.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 29, 2017
Area Hall of Fame boxer battled the titans

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Fort Hamer Bridge will help give rowing exposure in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area, Trish Chastain said. Photo courtesy Manatee County.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 29, 2017
New bridge could attract area athletes to rowing

Shorter trip to Fort Hamer Park may make sense for Lakewood Ranch students.

  • East County
  • Sports
Evan Spiller (21). File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 29, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 11.30.17

East County High 5 Moments: 11.30.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Joshua Young.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 29, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: Joshua Young

Lakewood Ranch's boys basketball junior talks dunking and superheroes.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 28, 2017
East and West network at business expo

More than 100 vendors attended the 2017 East Meets West Regional Business Expo on Nov. 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade file photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 28, 2017
Downtown Sarasota roads to close for parade

The annual holiday parade takes place Dec. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 28, 2017
Manatee County moves closer to Premier Sports Campus purchase

Commissioners support buying the facility and will vote on the deal in December.

  • East County
  • News
A ravaged mangrove forest on Greer Island, killed by ocean water washing over the eroded shoreline.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • November 28, 2017
Longboat commissioners seek north end protection

The Town Commission approved the town's pursuit of permitting for five rock groins on the north end of the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
James Mains, Alex Lowe-Mains and Mark and Tammy Kerr at last year's lawn party.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 28, 2017
Kiwanis Club ready to serve up Lawn Party

The seventh annual event takes place from 12 to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Toys for Tots donation box in the lobby of the Longboat Key Police Department has been a busy place of late.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 28, 2017
Gifts roll in at Longboat Key Toys for Tots donation site

Unwrapped toys are welcome in lobby of police station.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Emanuel Lefresne sits on the curb along Ocean Boulevard before the Siesta Key holiday parade.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • November 27, 2017
Siesta Key flips the switch on holiday spirit

Siesta Key Village hosted its annual holiday parade on Nov. 25.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A 21-year-old Lakewood Ranch man dies in a motorcycle accident at State Road 70 and Lena Road in Bradenton.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 26, 2017
Lakewood Ranch man dies in motorcycle accident

Crash occurs at State Road 70 and Lena Road in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 25, 2017
Cops Corner: Robber takes $300 from charity fundraiser for veterans

A roundup of this week's most interesting police reports from Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • November 25, 2017
Carol and Mort Siegler celebrate 70 years of marriage

The local philanthropists renewed their vows on Nov. 25 on the south lawn of Plymouth Harbor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 24, 2017
Riverview football's season ended by Dr. Phillips

The Rams scored a season-low 19 points in the loss, though they had opportunities for more.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • November 24, 2017
Chamber sends off, welcomes town officials

Retiring Town Manager Dave Bullock and Director of Public Works Juan Florensa bid farewell to chamber members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 24, 2017
Manatee emergency services asks public to identify AED locations

Officials say a directory of automated external defibrillators will help improve response times in emergencies.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is reminding citizens to shop smart and stay safe this holiday season.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • November 23, 2017
Sheriff's Office cautions safe holiday shopping

The busy shopping season kicks off with Black Friday, and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has a few tips for shopping smart this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • November 23, 2017
Hundreds gather for Thanksgiving luncheon

Hundreds gathered at St. Martha Catholic Church for the 17th annual Sarasota Ministerial Association's 17th annual Thanksgiving celebration on Nov. 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Premier Sports Campus, in Lakewood Ranch, already hosts local and national sports training and tournaments. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 23, 2017
Premier Sports Campus purchase on agenda

County staff recommend Manatee County funds the $5.2 million deal with tourist tax dollars and impact fees.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 23, 2017
Cops Corner 11.23

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The home at 3550 Bayou Louise Lane recently sold of Sarasota, for $4.65 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 23, 2017
Siesta Key home sells for $4.65 million

Residential real estate transactions for Nov. 6-10.

  • Siesta Key
  • Real Estate
A Lucky's Gourmet Market opened its doors in October, and helped usher in a new wave of customers to the Westfield Siesta Key.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • November 22, 2017
Siesta Key mall lures new traffic with new focus

A flurry of restaurant openings in the second half of 2017 appeal to customers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A condominium at the Orchid Beach Club Residences tops all transactions this week. It sold for $2,062,500.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 22, 2017
Orchid Beach Club Residences condo sells for $2,062,500

Residential real estate transactions for Nov. 6 -10.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 22, 2017
New listing is Longboat's third-priciest property

Villa del Sogno sits on 1.35 acres of beachfront property.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
2017 was a good year for tourism in Sarasota.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • November 22, 2017
September’s tourism soars on Irma, rowing

Hurricane, the World Rowing Championships and digital advertising are all part of the year’s tourism gains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A zookeeper navigates debris in the park just after Hurricane Irma. Photo courtesy Jungle Gardens.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • November 22, 2017
Hurricane damage cancels annual holiday event at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

The Holiday Lights display is taking off a year, but by early 2018 the park is expected to be fully operational — with a few improvements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although Brian Ryals resigned as head football coach, he will continue to work at Sarasota High School.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • November 22, 2017
Sarasota High football coach resigns

The school is beginning a national search for a replacement.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • November 22, 2017
Sarasota couple plugs into holiday spirit

For Madison Hipps, the holidays start with the flick of a switch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shantia Grace, Riverview High's all-time leading scorer, is now Booker High's girls basketball coach. Here, she pumps up her team during a stoppage against Palmetto High.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 22, 2017
Riverview legend off to fast start with Booker girls basketball

The Rams' all-time leading scorer came to the Tornadoes to "give back to Sarasota County."

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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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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