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Your Observer

Todd Mathes, Benderson Development's director of development, said Benderson hopes to construct a stand-alone building for an unnamed retailer in The Shoppes at UTC. It would go between Nordstrom Rack and the Hampton Inn & Suites.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
UTC continues expansion with more large-scale projects

Benderson Development asks Manatee County to approve changes to Cooper Creek DRI.

  • East County
  • News
Lynn and Gary Coffin Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Country Club Shores resident showcases artwork

The exhibit features 23 portraits of strangers, celebrities, Lynn Coffin's children and a neighbor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboaters top Santa's nice list

Longboat Key organizations and churches donated a lot to local charities this holiday season. Here, we mention some of those efforts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
More than 85 people appeared at the Planning and Zoning Board hearing at the Harbourside Ballroom Tuesday, Dec. 19.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • December 20, 2017
Colony gets its first nod from Longboat P&Z Board

Planning and Zoning board approves Unicorp's text amendment for Colony plan, but a lot still must happen before proposal is settled.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
O'Mariah Gordon absorbs contact after driving to the hoop for a shot attempt. The 5-foot-4 Gordon has no qualms about playing physical.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Braden River freshman point guard getting rave reviews

The 5-foot-4 point guard is ranked highly by multiple scouting services.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch High orienteers Ethan Camparo and Kora Turner have what it takes to make it through the woods.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Orienteering can spin your emotional compass

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Faith Schyck.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: Faith Schyck

The Lakewood Ranch girls soccer senior talks golden goals and inspirational quotes.

  • East County
  • Sports
India Searls. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 12.20.17

East County High 5 Moments: 12.20.17

  • East County
  • Sports
The sidewalk on the north side of Ringling Boulevard has been closed since September.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • December 19, 2017
FDOT begins debris removal from Ringling Boulevard sidewalk

Officials hope the project will be completed by Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota High School cheerleaders assist senior care facility residents find their seats at a special showing of the Singing Tree.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 19, 2017
Sarasota volunteers top Santa's nice list

When it comes to spreading goodwill, Sarasota’s nonprofits top the nice list.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
School Choice sessions start Jan. 8.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 19, 2017
Manatee schools announce open enrollment requirements

The first wave of open choice enrollment starts Jan. 8.

  • East County
  • Schools
Roger Pettingell had another record sales year. (File photo).
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • December 19, 2017
Realtor sets sales volume record for Sarasota County

Roger Pettingell becomes the first area agent to sell $100 million in a year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rothenbach Park, on Bee Ridge Road, was one of three parks used as a debris holding site. It's still closed as the debris is moved to the landfill.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 19, 2017
County completes Irma debris removal

Although storm debris from Hurricane Irma is out of residents' yards and streets, one park remains closed as the debris makes the last leg of its journey to the landfill.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High School is one of 100 schools selected to participate in the new initiative.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 18, 2017
Riverview High selected for inclusion and diversity program

The program is meant to promote the inclusion and success of under-represented students in the International Baccalaureate program.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Application for developing the site of the former Colony Beach and Tennis Resort one of the three scheduled applications to be heard.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • December 18, 2017
Public comment welcome at Longboat P&Z hearing

Planning and Zoning Board members are scheduled to hear from three applicants who hope to reshape the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 18, 2017
The Buccaneer to open at former Pattigeorge's property

Columbia Restaurant Group is paying homage to The Buccaneer Inn, which closed in 2001.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The show's first ten episodes ended in October, but it's back on air starting Jan. 15 with eight more to finish the first season.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 18, 2017
'Siesta Key' reality show returns in January

The next eight episodes continue to follow seven young adults as they navigate relationships, drama and parties on and around Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Eric Garwood rang the bell at Longboat Key's Publix for the first time this season.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 16, 2017
Ringing in the holiday spirit

A stint for the Kiwanis Club at the Salvation Army kettle puts a jingle in the season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort has been closed for almost a decade.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • December 15, 2017
Longboat seeks delay in portion of Colony's Planning and Zoning discussion

Unicorp National Development Inc.'s application for redeveloping the former site of the Colony could not be heard at all.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2017
Physics Club rings in the season

Club members enjoyed a holiday party on Dec. 14 at Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2017
Christ Church celebrates reading buddies

Santa Claus made a special appearance to hand out early presents Dec. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Karen Holbrook
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 14, 2017
USFSM names Karen Holbrook regional chancellor

Holbrook will begin her new role on Jan. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Police say this is the man who stole three rings from a UTC jewelry store.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 14, 2017
UTC thief runs off with three diamond rings

Investigators say man was looking at rings inside the store when he grabbed them and dashed away.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 14, 2017
Third graders ask Santa for tech, toys and happiness

Students at ODA on Siesta Key weren't shy about asking Santa for the gifts of their dreams this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 14, 2017
Cops Corner: Poor parkers pay the price

A look at the most interesting police reports from around Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Now the overlay district will go before the County Commission in January.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 14, 2017
Planning Commission advances Pinecraft Overlay District

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the County Commission approve the new district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ina Gross was found dead in the garage of her Lakewood Ranch home in January 2012. (File photo.)
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 14, 2017
Suspect arrested for 2012 Lakewood Ranch homicide

Ina Gross' alleged killer will be extradited to the United States to face murder charges.

  • East County
  • News
Braden Woods resident Susan Darovec refills seed in one of her bird feeders. The upside-down can below it is to keep squirrels from climbing up to eat the seeds.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 14, 2017
Bird-lovers feed their hobby through laws of attraction

East County residents share tips for attracting wildlife.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kristine Nickel
  • December 14, 2017
Don't stress — declutter

Is your ‘stuff’ weighing you down? Follow these practical steps to lighten your load.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Kelly Brown blows by a Lakewood Ranch High defender.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2017
Sarasota High junior has flourished through toughness

Sarasota High junior has flourished through her toughness.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Stan Edelson won the 800 meter race at the Florida Senior Games (3:29.89).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2017
Sarasotan takes home 800 meter medal at Florida Senior Games

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Johnnie Williams IV.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Johnnie Williams IV

The Booker High junior talks dunking and dancing on video.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jamar Johnson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.14.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.14.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 730 Sarabay Road recently sold for $3.1 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 14, 2017
Sarabay Acres home sells for $3.1 million

Residential real estate transactions for Nov. 27-Dec. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The private land is tied to a planned roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 14, 2017
Downtown developer seeks land-use changes

A proposed comprehensive plan amendment could allow for a large high-rise project at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This drawing from the city shows the before-and-after concepts for redesigning Second and Fourth streets to better serve cyclists.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 14, 2017
Downtown bike plans roll forward

The city is refining a plan to create downtown streets targeted at cyclists — and still considering a vision for a narrower Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
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
2
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
3
  • April 9, 2026
Tax reform could mean 41% hit to city revenue fund
4
The home at 3621 San Remo Terrace was built in 2025 and has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,461 square feet of living area.
  • April 9, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for March 23-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
5
Saravela and the Sports Club at TPC Prestancia are pertnering for the mutual benefit of condo owners and club members.
  • April 9, 2026
Condo development partners with country club for shared benefits

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