• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

North Trail Redevelopment Partnership Chairman Jay Patel is still optimistic an overlay district will lead to more redevelopment in the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 22, 2018
North Trail hopes overlay sparks redevelopment

Only two developments have used the North Trail Overlay District in the past five years, but stakeholders still see the special regulations as a valuable tool.

  • Sarasota
  • News
When Thunder by the Bay relocated from the west end of Main Street, it considered a new configuration on east Main Street that would have blocked a point of entry to a nearby condo.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 22, 2018
City rejects resident appeal for new event rules

Downtown residents tried — and failed — to get the city to change its events regulations to allow more resident input on proposed street closures. Now what?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents and businesses near a vacant parcel used as a construction staging area on 14th Street have complained about the effects of the U.S. 41 roundabout project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 22, 2018
U.S. 41 roundabout construction disturbs neighbors

State officials are trying to keep residents informed about ongoing construction, but those affected by the project want improved communication.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 22, 2018
Cops Corner: Movie theater provides wrong kind of smash hit

A roundup of the most interesting police reports from Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 22, 2018
Cops Corner: IRS? Probably not

Police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 21, 2018
Lakewood Ranch Rotary, Business Alliance unite

Networking event highlights eduction, business and service.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Christ Church cooks up monthly dinner

About 200 congregants gathered for a presentation on the Pinecraft community Feb. 21.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The six-unit property at 551 Broadway St. sold along with two adjacent properties for $1.5 million.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 21, 2018
Six-unit Longboat property under contract for $1.5 million

The property, built in the historic village in 1946, received an offer within the first few days on the market.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Siesta Beach is now the second-best beach in America, according to a TripAdvisor report.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 21, 2018
Siesta Beach falls to No. 2 ranking

In the 2018 Travelers' Choice Awards, Siesta Beach lost out on the No. 1 spot to Clearwater Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The proposed 10,616-square-foot-home would span vacant lots at 4137 and 4153 Higel Ave.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 21, 2018
Unbuilt Siesta Key home lists for $16.6 million

The estate is one of six options available to prospective buyers for two vacant, adjacent parcels on the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • Real Estate
Cleeland Browns center Austein Reiter, a Lakewood Ranch High alumnus, is in town for offseason workouts.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 21, 2018
NFL career is just getting started for former Lakewood Ranch star

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
This Lido Beach home at 161 S. Polk Drive sold for $3.25 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 21, 2018
Lido Beach home sells for $3.25 million

Residential real estate transactions for Feb. 5-9.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The home at 11011 Big Bass Place in Waterlefe recently sold for $849,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 21, 2018
Waterlefe home tops local sales at $849,000

Residential real estate transactions for Feb. 5.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The new watering schedule impacts neighborhoods in every Lakewood Ranch Phase 1 community development district.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 21, 2018
Complaints flow about Lakewood Ranch irrigation schedule

Lakewood Ranch Phase I residents upset about stinky watering during prime hours.

  • East County
  • News
Randy Langley
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 21, 2018
The Langley dilemma

Town Commission candidate Randy Langley knew his criminal past would be resurrected. But it’s 30 years old. How relevant is it?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    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
« 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 »
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
Helga Williams
  • April 9, 2026
Helga Williams
2
Thomas H Wentz
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz
3
Longboat Key Turtle Watch members presented a nearly $12,000 donation to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to support rehabilitating sea turtles like Ellie, one of the current residents.
  • April 9, 2026
Restaurant collab supports Longboat Key Turtle Watch
4
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park
5
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short

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 © 2026 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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free