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Your Observer

The green line marks the preliminary route of the Circus Trail Extension through Bobby Jones Golf Club and into the county-owned 17th Street Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 25, 2025
City to provide update on Circus Trail Extension

At the open house, the public can view an update and provide input on the Circus Trail route through Bobby Jones Golf Club to 17th Street Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Annette Marines, Nicole Swanson, Scott Flynn, Katrena Corbett and Evelyn Collado represent Daughtrey Elementary at the most recent "Gather and Give."
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 24, 2025
Elementary school teachers share trials and triumphs at fundraiser

Longboat Island Chapel filled several tables with school supplies to donate to Daughtrey Elementary School.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Artist John Denis displays his sculptures at the Longboat Key Festival of the Arts in Sarasota County.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 24, 2025
Longboat art festival patrons enjoy relaxed atmosphere

The art festival specific to the Key marked its fourth year this weekend with a two-day extravaganza.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 24, 2025
Longboat PD attributes increase in traffic warnings, tickets to more policing

From 2023 to 2024, the department increased in personnel and, as a result, could heighten patrols of Longboat's streets.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The family who runs Sips, from left to right: Micah Carter, Justina Carter, Chris Carter and Lorenza Condensa.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • February 24, 2025
Sips celebrates two years of keeping Longboat residents caffeinated

Over the past two years, the family-owned coffee and breakfast business has been able to expand its offerings, and its family.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Vote Yes on replacing the subaqueous pipeline
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 24, 2025
Vote Yes on replacing the subaqueous pipeline

The current pipeline running from Longboat Key to Bradenton is more than 50 years old.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Audrey Abraham has been named executive director of One Stop Cares, a nonprofit affiliate of One Stop Housing.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 24, 2025
One Stop Cares names new executive director

Aubrey Abraham will lead the nonprofit affiliate of affordable housing developer One Stop Housing after 20 years with the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Ringling transfer to New College would be detrimental
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • February 24, 2025
Ringling transfer to New College would be detrimental

Taxpayers, the community and tourism would suffer by making the change in stewardship, one reader says.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
This motel property at North Tamiami Trail and 18th Street will be razed to make way for a 300-unit multifamily complex.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 23, 2025
New multifamily development planned for Tamiami Trail

A developer has had a pre-application conference with city staff for a planned 300-unit complex between 17th and 18th streets along North Tamiami Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lennox Abell, 5, her parents Logan and Lakesha Abell, and their dog Netalya, make their way along the walk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 23, 2025
Support gets moving at Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K Run and Walk

The event, held by Satchel's Last Resort, brought together fun offerings, from a race to a costume contest, while also supporting the rescue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney sophomore Olivia Lockhart gets comfortable at the plate during a game at Sarasota High on Feb. 20.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 23, 2025
Sarasota prep softball players to watch in 2025

Senior leaders and young talent alike set their standards high.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kay Kwenski shows off a green jumpsuit to a crowd of about 140.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 23, 2025
'Effortless Elegance' on display at Palm Aire Country Club

The Palm Aire Women's Club hosted its annual fashion show Feb. 21.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering by SB Architects of the west (right) and east towers proposed to replace the Hyatt Regency hotel adjacent to The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 23, 2025
Hyatt redevelopment nears city staff sign-off, appeal hearing pending

With partial city staff sign-off in hand, Kolter Group still faces an appeal to the City Commission over claims of adverse impact on Quay Block 1 and other irregularities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Myakka's trail marking was made possible thanks to Friends of Myakka River volunteers and a generous grant from Athletic Brewing.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 23, 2025
Myakka marks backcountry with numbered posts

New trail markers will enhance wayfinding and help rangers locate park visitors in need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dan Minor accepts the key from Erin Minor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2025
Harvest House bids goodbye to longtime executive at annual luncheon

Dan Minor prepared to take the reins from his sister Erin Minor, longtime CEO and executive director of the nonprofit, during the 2025 Home Again Luncheon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Tom and Kristine Scott attended All That Jazz: Cabaret for a Cause Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota to support Sisterhood for Good.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 22, 2025
Sisterhood for Good's All That Jazz proves a smashing success for charity

The Sarasota event, that featured the Suncoast Swing Band and Lady Z and Jonathan Cortez, raises funds for nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Citizens attend a workshop to discuss the comprehensive plan Sept. 1 at the Lakewood Ranch Library. Commissioners discussed the comp plan Feb. 19, but additional citizen sessions will be held this summer.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 22, 2025
Manatee County chips away at comprehensive plan rewrite

Residents will get another chance to weigh in on the process this summer.

  • East County
  • News
Cafe Divan is at 6568 Superior Ave. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 22, 2025
Turkish restaurant owners open cafe in Sarasota's Gulf Gate

The owners of Divan in Sarasota have started a coffee shop and cafe nearby.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Zach Kalles fires up the light brandy as he makes saganaki, a dish consisting of melted goat cheese and brandy, served on grilled pita, at the St. Barbara Greek Festival.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • February 21, 2025
Opa! St. Barbara Greek Festival is a feast

The 41st annual event continues through Sunday at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe founder Nate Jacobs is shown with his mentor, the late Howard Millman, and former WBTT Executive Director Christine Jennings.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 21, 2025
Howard Millman put Sarasota on the national theater map

Howard Millman, who died Feb. 14 at age 93, rescued one theater and inspired two others.

  • Arts + Culture
On Swann features contemporary American cuisine like hot chicken tenders with paprika honey butter.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 21, 2025
2 restaurants coming to Sarasota's UTC in 2026

Olivia and On Swann have Tampa locations and are expanding to the Sarasota market.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Demolition of Sarasota Square Mall is underway in preparation for a mixed-use redevelopment.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 21, 2025
Sarasota Square Mall demolition begins

Developer Torburn Partners begins tearing down Sarasota Sauare Mall for a redevelopment to include up to 1,200 apartments and 690,000 square feet of commercial space on the South Tamiami Trail site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lee Whitehurst was named chief of the East Manatee Fire Rescue District in 2017.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 21, 2025
Fire chief prepares to pass the torch of public safety

Lee Whitehurst's passion to become a firefighter was kindled as a teenager. Five decades later, with retirement looming, he remains devoted to the craft.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mike and Katie Emmons founded the Taylor Emmons Scholarship fund in 2010.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 21, 2025
Taylor Emmons' legacy lives on through Out-of-Door Academy scholarship

Grieving parents turned their son’s tragic death into a sustainable charitable endeavor that has paid for more than a dozen teenagers to attend a private high school.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bagpipe players lead the dogs in the Lucky Dog Parade at the 2024 Irish Celtic Festival.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 21, 2025
The best things to do in Lakewood Ranch this spring

From live music to classic cars, the Lakewood Ranch area has events for everyone.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The $31.5 million Crystal Waters estate on Siesta Key is at 8501 Midnight Pass Road.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 20, 2025
Siesta Key estate hits the market at $31.5 million

"Crystal Waters" is a custom-built West Indies-style mansion on 2.7 acres and 217 feet on Little Sarasota Bay.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 20, 2025
Ringling Bridge lighting schemes restricted by FDOT

New policy specifies all state-owned facilities, including the Ringling Bridge, will be illuminated only for government holidays. Red, white and blue will be default colors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A classroom at Dreamers Academy, a dual language charter school in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 20, 2025
Sarasota School Board approves charter school contracts, textbooks

The school board approved contracts for three existing charter schools and approved science textbooks for all grades.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota's Cesar Garmendia delivers a pitch against Riverview in a county rivalry game on Feb. 14 at Sarasota High School.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • February 20, 2025
Sarasota prep baseball players to watch in 2025

Don't miss these game-changing players on the diamond this spring.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota City Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 20, 2025
Sarasota begins drafting the next two-year strategic plan

Meticulous wordsmithing of the mission and vision statements sets the tone for the list of project goals for city's 2026 blueprint.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home at 2004 S. Osprey Ave. was built in 2014 and has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,598 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 20, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for Feb. 3-7 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A McClellan Park home on South Osprey Avenue tops the week’s sales at $2.95 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Jaydyn Boucher has been fishing since she could hold a fishing rod.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 20, 2025
To find the best fishing holes, you have to ask the locals

With its many lakes, Lakewood Ranch offers prime fishing spots that invite anglers to cast a line amid serene surroundings, whether they're seeking a quiet escape or the thrill of reeling in the catch of the day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The National Basketball Association named Rick Barry one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 20, 2025
Has age softened NBA star Rick Barry? Ask his pickleball opponents.

This part-time Lakewood Ranch resident was one of the most prolific scorers and accurate free throw shooters in basketball’s history.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Stacey Lipton's captivating watercolor paintings capture the beauty and essence of nature.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 20, 2025
The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch shows off its multitude of talent

Members of the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch unite to inspire each other and create community awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A Renzo Piano Building Workshop conceptual rendering of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center as viewed from the 10th Street Canal.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 20, 2025
SPAC pact still faces City Commission uncertainty

A rising price tag on pared-down project, the county's fiscal disinterest and bay view easements make commissioners uneasy over committing to next design phase of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In the living room, shades of crème and blue create a soothing, seaside-inspired mood. The painting above the fireplace was created by the homeowner, Mary Ann Steinbock.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 20, 2025
A home in the Country Club proves that a classic look never goes out of style

This showplace in the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club proves a house doesn't have to be new to be desirable. It just has to be unique.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
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
2
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
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
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.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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