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Your Observer

Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance

The Rotary Club of Sarasota, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary, learned about the roots of the centenarian restaurant business.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carissa Smentowski, who played a big part in creating the Peaceful Path, receives a hug from the Peaceful Path Director Jamie Reagan during the World Labryrinth Day program.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Peaceful Path in Lakewood Ranch offers a stroll on World Labyrinth Day

Peace Presbyterian has joined the worldwide effort to "create a rolling wave of peace."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening

The new garden in the Limelight District is intended to provide a space for residents to learn and connect.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ed Catalane of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club does his part to teach children, including Lakewood Ranch's Hayes Cochran, further their fishing skills at the Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar May 2.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Expert cast teaches fishing lessons in Lakewood Ranch

One hundred and forty kids attended the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club to learn the basics of fishing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s

The Back to the '80s block party, part of Fresh Fridays, brought back some of the decade's hits and fashion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboaters met some of the current residents at the Humane Society of Longboat Key headquarters for the latest Off the Clock social on April 29, including Light. Light is a member of the "Hidden Gem Club" and promises to light up a room for his future adoptive family.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 1, 2026
Chamber members see behind the scenes at Humane Society social

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce brought its latest Off the Clock social to the Humane Society of Sarasota County headquarters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rangeland High School, previously referred to as AAA High School, is being built near Premiere Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and is set to open to freshmen and sophomores in August 2027.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
New school in Lakewood Ranch is officially named Rangeland High School

The School District of Manatee County School Board voted unanimously on the school's name, which has been referred to as AAA High School.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio, 38, has been arrested and terminated by the Sarasota Police Department after investigation of simple battery against a 16-year-old girl.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle is a great place to build community and support a great cause.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle wine event raises funds with taste

Uncorked and On the Rocks fuels the group's charity given, which totaled more than $100,000 in 2025.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is preparing its 5-year Transportation Improvement Program to submit to FDOT.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
MPO accepting public input for transportation improvement program

The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is accepting public input as it prepares its five-year project priority list for submission to FDOT this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
Philanthropist seeds matching fund with $250,000 promise

Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has initiated a campaign to raise a half-million dollars with a $250,000 matching grant to assist those facing financial hardship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explains how robust community education contributes to the island's success in responding to cardiac distress calls. He touched on response times, disaster response and more at the April 30 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 30, 2026
Fire chief explains Longboat's high cardiac rescue success rates

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi spoke about how vital it is for community members to learn CPR and be ready to act.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime Florida Studio Theatre leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins have assumed higher leadership roles.

  • Arts + Culture
Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington stands next to one of the new voting machines.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 30, 2026
Elections forge ahead with revamped Supervisor of Elections office

Manatee County’s Scott Farrington will get his first major tests after winning a high-profile election in 2024.

  • East County
  • News
Damage to the shoreline of Ken Thompson Park at City Island following the 2024 hurricane season.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Waterfront park to receive $3 million in hurricane repairs and resilience

The money will help make 2024 storm-related repairs and shore up the shoreline at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Analysts at SPD's Real Time Operations Center monitor multiple cameras, sensors and other devices spread throughout the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Annual crime rates in Sarasota continue to decline

In presenting the annual Sarasota Police Department crime report, Chief Rex Troche said the department is "just right" to be effective.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota baseball players watch from their dugout during the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 quarterfinal April 24 against Plant City. Despite holding the No. 2 seed, the Sailors went one-and-done in the regional tournament.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 30, 2026
Winning season comes to an early end for Sarasota High baseball

Bats go quiet as the Sailors exit in the first round of regional tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The home at 878 Freeling Drive was built in 1953 and has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,866 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 30, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 13-17 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

An Aqua condominium on Golden Gate Point tops the week’s sales at $7.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Jean Craig Flynn prepares to swim laps.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2026
Soon-to-be centenarian just keeps swimming

Gulf & Bay Club resident Jean Craig Flynn has earned the nickname "Jingle Jean the Swimming Queen."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • April 30, 2026
Think 3% Inflation Isn’t a Big Deal? Think Again.

Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is – is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Anti-Aging & Ketamine Center
  • April 30, 2026
Rewriting the Mental Health Journey—One Patient at a Time

A personalized, science-backed approach offering real relief for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Hurricane Milton at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9, 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 29, 2026
Climate Adaptation Center predicts fewer storms this hurricane season

The annual forecast by the local nonprofit predicted a total of two major hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Volunteer Linda Gass helped organize a Beachplace fundraiser for All Faiths Food Bank, which included a golf tournament and tabletop games.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 29, 2026
Beachplace hosts food bank fundraiser

Golfers and friends made a $7,056 contribution to All Faiths Food Bank to support its campaign combating summer hunger.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Coach Jared Clark shows off his 2023 (left) and 2025 (right) state championship rings. He's guided Cardinal Mooney to a 52-22 record since taking over ahead of the 2020 season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 29, 2026
New bling signals new beginning for Cardinal Mooney football

The Cougars received their state championship rings ahead of spring ball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley makes his case to the Sarasota County Commission for funding Phase 3 work at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 29, 2026
Sarasota County takes cautious approach to The Bay park funding

Rather than commit to a funding its portion of the The Bay Phase 3 project, the Sarasota County Commission approved half its share of the fiscal year 2027 debt service payment from TIF funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue received a grant for an extra set of protective equipment that will allow firefighters to wash equipment after every fire.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 29, 2026
Fire department receives new protective equipment thanks to grant

The 35 sets of gloves and neck protectors will allow Longboat Key Fire Rescue to wash equipment without down time.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Skyler Betts is the CEO of All 4 the Members, a nonprofit that serves residents, 65 and older, living in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 29, 2026
Nonprofit supports seniors and caregivers in Sarasota, Manatee counties

All 4 the Members offers resources and financial support to residents who are 65 and older.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Elisa Massaro, a senior and battalion commander of the Lakewood Ranch High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, is glad to have had the support of her teachers Richard Roller and William Cassidy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 29, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High JROTC program loses longtime leaders

Lt. Col. Richard Roller and Master Sgt. William Cassidy, who are retiring, say they prepare students for any career they choose.

  • East County
  • Schools
Road rage spills over into convenience store parking lot
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 29, 2026
Road rage spills over into convenience store parking lot

More than insults fly during a road rage incident where a woman throws a water bottle at another woman's car. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Tom Izzo has helmed the Spartans since 1995. His tutelage has taken the team to the 2000 national championship, eight Final Fours, six Big Ten tournament titles and 11 Big Ten regular-season titles.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 29, 2026
Legendary Michigan State coach tops lineup at Dick Vitale Gala

Tom Izzo will receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award at the annual pediatric cancer fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Sports
River Strand's Bonnie and Manoj Mathew stand between two of the crew members. John Pallasch is on the left and Joe Leach is on the right.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 29, 2026
River Strand couple hosts fundraiser for nonprofit Foar the Brave

Two veterans and two civilians are preparing to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in June.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Aerial view of Gulfside Road in September 2023.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 29, 2026
Erosion on Gulfside Road prevalent even before seawalls

Seawalls, the solution to constant erosion on a portion of Longboat Key, exacerbate the problem the town hopes to solve with a groin field, but are not the sole cause.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 171 Whittier Drive sold for $15.8 million. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,367 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 29, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 13-17 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on Whittier Drive tops the week’s sales at $15.8 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Outgoing board members for the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild passed the torch to new leaders at the April 14 installation service. The outgoing board includes President Kay Kochenderfer, Vice President Lyn Kennelly, Treasurer Marilyn Davol, Recording Secretary Susan Gilmore Clarke and Corresponding Secretary Mary del Pup. The new board is President Barb Sikora, Vice President Mary McGinn, Treasurer Susan Hartrick, Recording Secretary Carol Basi and Corresponding Secretary Paula Sharp.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 29, 2026
Longboat Women's Guild welcomes new board

The St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild saw a complete turnover of board members, who recently had their official installation Mass.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tax collector's money grab
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 29, 2026
Tax collector's money grab

Mike Moran needs cash to "modernize" his operations. His target: taking money from the schools, in spite of what voters approved.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Jodene Moneuse shares a smile with Longboat Key Police Sergeant Lee Smith while Hagan Lyssy looks on at the first "Cops, Cars & Coffee" social event on April 25 at Whitney Plaza.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 28, 2026
Officers, community connect over coffee at new social event

As part of its latest outreach efforts, the Longboat Key Police Department invited residents to bring and chat about their interesting rides for a "Cops, Cars and Coffee" themed meetup.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
No good deed goes unpunished
  • May 28, 2026
No good deed goes unpunished
2
Cash grab in Manatee, too
  • May 28, 2026
Cash grab in Manatee, too
3
Benderson Development is wrapping up its latest phase of construction at the business and industrial park off Toledo Blade Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
County economic development agency contract approved for 2027
4
A Kobi Karp Architecture rendering of the 18-story Adagio luxury condo tower as viewed at the northwest corner of South Palm Avenue and Ringling Boulevard.
  • May 28, 2026
Adagio receives partial staff sign-off; adjustments still required
5
James Bacigalupi and Trevor Garofalo give Harry Noordzy a lift, just as they did five years ago at Station 12.
  • May 28, 2026
Myakka's Station 12 remains a part of Harry's world

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