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Your Observer

Doodle Bug makes its debut appearance at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Photo by Berkley Mason.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • October 25, 2017
Doodle Bug comes to Lakewood Ranch

The child care business will have a booth at Boo Fest.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Students in the internship program spend time after school learning about computer systems and working with the district’s IT staff. Photo courtesy Anthony Dolciotto
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 25, 2017
Internship program teaches students how to use computer hacking for good

Students work with IT staff to learn more about computer systems than they could in the classroom.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gail Loefgren has served as the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce president for 19 years. She served as president from 1993 to 2008 and again starting in 2013.Â
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 25, 2017
A conversation with Gail Loefgren

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce presidents talks season, new developments and the future of tourism.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Garden Club President Susan Phillips checks on the butterfly garden in Bicentennial Park.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 25, 2017
Longboaters reshape gardens after Irma

Hurricane Irma didn't leave a lot of damage on Longboat Key, but the island's landscaping took a hit. Now, Longboaters are chiming in on how they're restoring their gardens.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mary Elizabeth Roca Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 25, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries: Oct. 26, 2017

Mary Elizabeth Roca, Jane Drake and Verna Lee Ferris died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephanie Pollack (Maid of Honor), Jake Pollack, Sophie Pollack, Ariane Pollack (Bride) and Jeff Spross (Groom). Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 25, 2017
Family Affair

Jacob and Sophie Pollack celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary by watching their granddaughter get married.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
John Rhoder, Roger Brown, Carol Rhoder, Bonnie Cacchiarally and Linda McAuliff Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 25, 2017
Happy Birthday, Bonnie!

Bonnie Cocchiareley of Westchester turns 95 on Oct. 29.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
ODA cross country runners Aubrey Robbins and Abbey Burwood, 11, are beating girls six years older than them.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 25, 2017
ODA cross country sixth-graders showcase 'sick' speed

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Florida Department of Transportation Project Manager Jeffrey Mednick answers questions from Andy Kufta, of Tara.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 25, 2017
Manatee County Interchange project ramps up

FDOT holds public meeting to discuss I-75/S.R. 70 interchange plans and concerns.

  • East County
  • News
SUGAR founders Victoria Cobb, Stefanie Guido and Ali Pereira show off new backpacks donated after they posted a request on Facebook.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 25, 2017
Moms sweeten opportunities for service in Lakewood Ranch area

Three moms start SUGAR, an organization to help children learn about volunteerism.

  • East County
  • News
Regina Morris. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • October 25, 2017
East County marathoner goes the extra mile - literally

Regina Morris topped her age group in what turned out to be an elongated marathon.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bryan Gagg.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 25, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 10.26.17

East County High 5 Moments: 10.26.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Deputy Director of Public Works Sia Mollanazar, Valerin President Valerie Ciudad-Real, Manatee County Director of Public Works Ron Schulhofer, Manatee County Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace, Commission Chairw
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 25, 2017
Fort Hamer Bridge is finally open

Fort Hamer Bridge opens after more than 100 years of debate.

  • East County
  • News
The last major change to the zoning codes came in 2003.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 24, 2017
County embarks on project to merge regulations

As county staff work to condense zoning and land use rules, they're asking for public input.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A parking garage may not be the fix-all some Siesta Key residents are looking for to solve the issue.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 24, 2017
Complexity, cost stand in way of one Siesta parking solution

Although the commission isn’t actually considering it, some residents think a parking garage on Siesta Key would solve a lot of problems.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 24, 2017
Geese find home in Sarasota neighborhood

The Sherwood Estates neighborhood has it all — location, quiet and a 30-year-old misfit goose.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Consul General of France in Miami Clement Leclerc pins a medal on 106-year-old Gus Andreone.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2017
France honors 106-year-old Palm Aire man

Gus Andreone is known for his golf game, but today he was recognized for his service in WWII.

  • East County
  • News
A vehicle crashed into the Hob Nob restaurant Tuesday morning.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • October 24, 2017
Vehicle crashes into Hob Nob restaurant

No injuries were reported in the Tuesday morning incident.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Emergency units are on the scene of a gas leak on Boulevard of the Arts.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 24, 2017
Boulevard of the Arts reopens after gas leak

The Sarasota County Fire Department responded to a gas leak near the bayfront this morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manatee County's Fort Hamer Park is among the current park offerings. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2017
Manatee County nears completion on master parks plan

Public meetings on the plan will be held in November.

  • East County
  • News
Katelynn Coons.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 23, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: Katelynn Coons

The Lakewood Ranch sophomore swimmer talks FLAGS and BMX bikes.

  • East County
  • Sports
The giveaway is designed to bolster the tree canopy in Sarasota neighborhoods.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 23, 2017
City offers free trees to residents

Starting today, the city is giving away 100 trees as part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Canopy project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 23, 2017
Amore set to open Friday

On Oct. 27, Amore Restaurant will open its doors at its new Burns Court location.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 22, 2017
Cops Corner: Unclaimed cows face jail

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

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • October 21, 2017
No squashing their fun at Hunsader Farms

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival continues its fall run and hosts Buddy Walk.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • October 21, 2017
Longboat officials putt to fund emergency services

Resort at Longboat Key Club gave Longboat's emergency services $15,000 at Saturday's putting challenge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Braden River fullback/linebacker Zac Smith verbally committed to the University of Miami on Saturday.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 21, 2017
Braden River junior verbally commits to the University of Miami

The fullback is the Pirates' fourth Power 5 conference school commit.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 21, 2017
Pups get dressed up for Bark-O-Ween

A county-hosted costume contest showed that dogs can love Halloween just as much as their owners.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joe Pfeiffer, the clown at left, poses with Halloween props he keeps at his Lakewood Ranch home. Pfeiffer will be a storyteller at Boo Fest.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • October 21, 2017
Not the same old story at Boo Fest

Master storyteller will tell spooky stories on the parking lot trolley.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 21, 2017
Sarasota celebrates Pride Fest

The annual event took place Oct. 21 in J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The children's artwork was on display throughout the pavilion.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 21, 2017
Butterfly garden takes root in Gillespie Park

The Gillespie Park neighborhood begins latest park project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota football roundup: 10.20.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 20, 2017
Sarasota football roundup: 10.20.17

Sarasota football roundup: 10.20.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 20, 2017
Braden River football sinks Lakewood Ranch 55-7

The Pirates took control early and never gave it back.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 20, 2017
Mote dives into Halloween with Night of Fish, Fun and Fright

What's Halloween without an underwater pumpkin carving?

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Police Department does not know the cause of death after discovering a man's body this afternoon.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 20, 2017
Sarasota police investigate death

A male body was found in the 1800 block of 17th Street this afternoon. Police do not suspect foul play.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 20, 2017
Lakewood Ranch celebrates life with Block Party, Club Day

Hundreds of visitors came to Main Street for music, socializing and information.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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