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Your Observer

The elevator shaft in this home home at 585 Halyard Lane in Country Club Shores sparked months of public backlash leading to the 30 foot height restriction.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • October 13, 2017
Planning board approves height regulations

The town advances plans to codify a 30 foot height restriction on single-family residential properties.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As president of the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club, Greenbrook’s Lori Walker can be found sharing her ideas on-site with fellow club members.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • October 13, 2017
Lakewood Ranch's best clubs

Block Party and Club Day returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
While some people still go just to read and check out books, Sarasota's libraries offer a wide variety of services. (Cassidy Alexander)
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 13, 2017
The next chapter: How libraries are adapting to users' changing needs

As in-person library use falls, Sarasota system sees a swing toward virtual services and new emphasis as community hubs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation just finished its reconfiguration of the Interstate 75 interchange at University Parkway and now will begin work at State Road 70. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 13, 2017
FDOT readies for S.R. 70 interchange construction

A public information meeting will be held Oct. 19.

  • East County
  • News
The Budweiser Clydesdales begin their march down Lakewood Main Street on Thursday in celebration of Gold Coast Eagle Distributing earning the Ambassadors of Excellence Award from Anheuser-Busch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 12, 2017
Hundreds pack Lakewood Main Street to see Budweiser Clydesdales in Lakewood Ranch

Gold Coast Eagle honored with Ambassadors of Excellence Award.

  • East County
  • News
Ed Smith Stadum. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 12, 2017
Orioles announce Spring Training schedule

Pitchers and catchers will report to Sarasota on Feb. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Water backed up Saturday on U.S. 41 near Fruitville Road, a phenomenon the city attributed to higher-than-normal tides. Flooding also took place at Hart’s Landing and on Siesta and Lido keys.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 12, 2017
King tide brings flooding to downtown

The high tide was 2 to 3 feet higher than normal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bavaro's owner Dan Bavaro plans to renovate an old office building to include an outdoor patio and two second-level private dining rooms.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 12, 2017
Tampa Bay pizzeria plans downtown location

Italian eatery Bavaro’s intends to open a two-story restaurant and bar next year at 27 Fletcher Ave., just east of U.S. 301.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2017
Sarasota weather page photo: Oct. 12

Kathy Schwartz photographed birds flying over Siesta Key Beach after sunset.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2017
East County weather page photo: Oct. 12

Marianne Kutat spotted this heron while walking through Herons Nest in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2017
Longboat Key weather page photo: Oct. 12

John Stevens captured this photo of the sunrise beaming over Big Pass, photographed from Lido Park during Mote Turtle Patrol.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Transportation used toy cars to demonstrate the traffic pattern on two-lane U.S. 41 roundabouts.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 12, 2017
FDOT to hold Fruitville Road roundabout meeting

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing Oct. 26 to discuss a proposed roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioners are taking steps to finding a solution to Siesta Key's parking problem.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 12, 2017
Commission taking small steps toward solving Siesta Key's parking problem

Commissioners agreed that a public lot at 6647 Midnight Pass Road would be the easiest option to pursue now.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 12, 2017
Selby bookstore turns new page

The bookstore at Selby Public Library celebrates new beginning after renovations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 12, 2017
Michael Klauber honored at SCOPE awards

For Klauber, the bayfront is all about dreaming big.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch his was the only Manatee County high school named a "school of excellence" by the state this year.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2017
Lakewood Ranch schools deemed ‘schools of excellence’

Six of seven Manatee County public schools earning the distinction are in East County.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Kristine Nickel
  • October 12, 2017
Do smartphones cause brain drain?

Separate yourself from your devices and do things the old-fashioned way.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Sophia Hebda waits to make her move at practice.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 12, 2017
After dreary start, Cardinal Mooney volleyball learned how to win

The team has gone 16-4 since an 0-3 start.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Robbie Hubbell aims his compound bow.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 12, 2017
Sarasota Archers provide discipline, focus and fun.

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Brett Riley.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 12, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 10.12.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 10.12.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lauren Medenis.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • October 12, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Lauren Medenis

The Cardinal Mooney senior talks volleyball memories and her movie obsession.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 12, 2017
Cops Corner 10.12

Police reports from around Longboat Key

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
A unit in the Grande Riviera in Sarasota sold recently for $2,325,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 12, 2017
Grande Riviera condominium sells for $2,325,000

Residential real estate transactions for Sept. 25-29.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
City Commissioner Hagen Brody is hopeful the county or philanthropic organizations will support a Rosemary District affordable housing project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 12, 2017
City backs Rosemary District affordable housing plans

The Sarasota Housing Authority hopes to bring an affordable apartment complex to Ninth Street and Lemon Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • October 12, 2017
Old Florida

Nostalgia and authenticity still can be found.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 10.12.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 11, 2017
Republican Club of Longboat Key reunites

The club held its first meeting of the season on Oct. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Oak & Stone Assistant General Manager Patrick Goeser visits with The Miracle League's Andrew Leibin and his mom, Jaycie.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 11, 2017
Sarasota's Oak & Stone raises money for Miracle League

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
Sasaki will work with the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization to develop a master plan for 42 acres of city-owned land surrounding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 11, 2017
Bayfront group selects professional planner

The Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization picked Sasaki, a Massachusetts-based firm, to guide the redevelopment of 42-acres of city-owned land.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • October 11, 2017
Walking to school and wrapping up a long volunteer career

School kids take part in a national event; hospital volunteer racks up 16,000 hours.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Longboat Key Historical Society needs to raise $450,000 to purchase the property at 521 Broadway St.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • October 11, 2017
Longboat Historical Society one step closer to permanent headquarters

Historical Society President Michael Drake met with town officials to discuss plans for permanent headquarters.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A home on Bird Key recently sold for $2.6 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 11, 2017
Bird Key home sells for $2.6 million

Residential real estate transactions for Sept. 25-29.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The Budweiser Clydesdales will parade down Lakewood Main Street on Thursday beginning at 6 p.m.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 11, 2017
Budweiser Clydesdales to appear in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota

Famous team will appear to honor Gold Coast Eagle for winning the Ambassadors of Excellence distinction.

  • East County
  • News
Beach Access 10 could soon be access to a proposed home on Siesta Key, if county staff and the Commission approve a builder's application in the coming months.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • October 11, 2017
Residents worry a proposed home may limit Siesta Key public beach access

A property owner with land adjacent to Beach Access 10 plans to build a home there for his family, and the driveway will open onto the public access.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Longboat Key Fire and Rescue Department won second place in Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off. Photo by Anna Brugmann.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 11, 2017
Longboat Key Fire Association heats up chili cook off

The association placed second in Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Gault is chairing this year's gourmet lawn party with Asima Palmer and Glenn Peterson
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • October 11, 2017
A Conversation with Bob Gault

Along with Asima Palmer and Glenn Peterson, Gault is chairing this year's Kiwanis Club Gourmet Lawn Party

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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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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