• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

State Sen. Greg Steube has filed legislation revoking municipalities' right to regulate short-term rental on private property.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat residents oppose Florida Senate short-term rental bill

A bill filed in the state legislature by Sarasota County Senator Greg Steube ignites fears over unwanted short-term visitors in residential Longboat neighborhoods.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The home at 35 S. Washington Drive recently sold for $2.72 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 17, 2018
South Washington Drive home sells for $2.72 million

Residential real estate for between Jan. 1-5.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The home at 4519 Blue Marlin Drive sold recently for $775,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 17, 2018
Riverdale Revised home sells for $775,000

Residential real estate for Jan. 1-5

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 17, 2018
Make Longboat special

They’re back, and doing it again. Longboat Key’s ardent anti-development, anti-traffic forces are stoking their constituents to kill Unicorp National Development’s latest redevelopment proposal for the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Rosedale's Chad Cox flies one of his five drones over O'Brien Family Farms to do a crop analysis.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2018
Drone company has sky-high business goals in Lakewood Ranch

Pilots hope drone business takes them to new heights.

  • East County
  • News
University Place's Shirley and Kristen Griggs say Special Olympics has been an important part of their lives for 35 years.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2018
Special Olympics gives a winning effort

The competitions create a better life for a University Place athlete.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Evelyn Townsend said she spends hundreds of hours working on her quilts.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 17, 2018
Lakewood Ranch quilter recognized at Florida Quilt Competition

Central Park resident's artistry honored at prestigious show.

  • East County
  • News
A sign-in sheet at Bayfront Park's pickleball court has caused confusion among residents who believe the well-used court can be reserved.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Pickleball problems: Longboat residents unsure about usage rules

What residents have said they interpret as conflicting signage has caused confusion about who can play when at the well-used Bayfront Park pickleball court.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Zenobia Restaurant co-owners Majdi Ismaile and Yasser Moussa are eager to share cuisine from their native countries with the East County area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2018
Lakewood Ranch dining scene gets a fresh look

Zenobia offers flavors of the Mediterranean in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Business
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson laughs while talking with fans at the United States Flag and Touch Football League National Championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2018
Celebrity flag waves at Premier Sports Campus

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sophomore defender Anthony Sablan bodies a Braden River forward and prevents him from advancing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2018
'Phenomenal' Mustangs defense stymies opponents

Lakewood Ranch soccer's back end might be the key for offensive-minded Mustangs to win a state title.

  • East County
  • Sports
The trio is hoping Viento Kitchn & Bar can become a go-to spot for locals.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Zota's food and beverage team cooks up own flavor

The trio aims to make Viento Kitchen & Bar a culinary retreat.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Warren Roberts, a retired professor, walks the beach every day.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Warren Roberts walks through challenges

In 2013, Roberts was hit by a bus while riding his bike. Then, two years ago he had a stroke. Despite these setbacks, he continues to stay active.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Veshosky, Nancy Rozance, Carol Erker, Sydney Turner, Mike Purdum and Jack Rozance Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Cleanup Crew

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key picked up 50 pounds of trash from Gulf of Mexico Drive over the weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
East County student Casey Rose, 18, programs a robot during class at Manatee Technical College.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2018
MTC receives historic grant

Governor presents first Florida Job Growth Grant Fund award to East County technical college.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat Key Obituaries: Jan. 18, 2018

Dorothy Hale Johnson, Lawrence Paul Libertore, Sharon Lothes, Ida M. Mason, Gabrielle Miller and Shirley Peterson died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lt. Alan Jenkins received the Officer of the Year Award and Tina Adams received the Chief's Award. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
Heroic rewards granted to Longboat firefighters

Lt. Alan Jenkins received the Officer of the Year Award; Dawn Dunkum was presented with the Firefighter of the Year award; and Tina Adams received the Chief’s Award.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lynn and Steve Blackledge and Carol and Richard Elliott started the Oasis program in June 2016.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 17, 2018
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church members provide oasis

Since June 2016, the church doors have been open every Saturday for runners and walkers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stuart Ullman thinks adding more to the Cooper Creek area is "irresponsible" and will only add to traffic, pollution and other problems.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2018
Cooper Creek plan raises concerns

Nearby residents question whether growth will compromise quality of life.

  • East County
  • News
Town Manager Tom Harmer is said he's hoping his presentation circuit will give him an opportunity to introduce himself to residents.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat plans outreach for referendum questions

Town Manager Tom Harmer is hoping his meetings around town will help residents get to know what they'll vote for or against this March.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The proposed St. Regis Hotel includes 166 rooms, 102 condominiums and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom.
    By
  • Bret Hauff
  • January 17, 2018
Longboat commission workshop moved for talk of Colony density plans

Commissioners suggest a larger venue for their January workshop in anticipation of a larger-than-usual turnout.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chase Maasdorp.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2018
East County Athlete of the Week: Chase Maasdorp

The ODA senior talks Chris Paul and the importance of leadership.

  • East County
  • Sports
Damien Gordon.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 17, 2018
East County High 5 Moments: 01.18.18

East County High 5 Moments: 01.18.18

  • East County
  • Sports
    A time to celebrate |
  • January 17, 2018
Just Married: Shawn Sanders and Rachel Palladino

The couple had their perfect day on Nov. 10 at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • Celebrations
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2018
Nick Adams addresses the Republican Club of Longboat Key

Longboat Key Town Manger Tom Harmer also introduced himself to the club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The original Shake Shack restaurant at Madison Square Park Garden. Photo courtesy of Beyond My Ken (own work) via Wikimedia Commons.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Shake Shack signs lease near UTC Mall

The location near the mall will be the first in the region.

  • East County
  • News
Dead fish washed along barrier island beaches during a red tide bloom that began in September 2016 and ended the following April.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Sarasota beaches likely to avoid recent red tide bloom

The latest bloom is not expected north of Venice.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Players Centre for Performing Arts has accepted an offer on its Sarasota theater.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 16, 2018
Players Centre strikes deal to sell Sarasota theater

Players managing director says contract offer is more than the listing price of $9.5 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 16, 2018
Key Niners brunch with new members

The club currently has 112 members, which is the most it has ever had.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A student peers into a microscope during a Mote program. (Courtesy image from Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory.)
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Community Foundation gives Mote $50,000 partnership grant

Part of the funds will support youth education and outreach programs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 16, 2018
Man charged with setting fire behind Mandeville Beer Garden

The fire damaged a phone junction box and its connecting wires, but Mandeville is still open for business.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jonathan Lewis began serving as Interim County Administrator in December.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 16, 2018
County approves contract with new county administrator

Jonathan Lewis is starting his official role as county administrator with a base salary of $195,000.

  • Sarasota
  • News
1372 Harbor Drive, one of Pettingell's top sales, closed in April for $6 million.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 16, 2018
Pettingell tops 2017 real estate sales volume

The Longboat Key Realtor was the first in Sarasota County to top $100 million in a year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Fifth grader Tasman Henry started a club to get more kids, and their families, exploring nature. Photo courtesy Julie Henry.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 15, 2018
Fifth grader creates nature club to get families outside

Tasman Henry is a force of nature, and she's using her new club to get families to stop and notice what's around them.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The City Commission has prohibited medical marijuana dispensaries to date, but that could change Tuesday.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 15, 2018
City Commission to consider medical marijuana regulations

A proposed ordinance would permit the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries in areas where pharmacies are also allowed.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Monaca Onstad joined Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch as lifestyle director in 2016. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 15, 2018
Lakewood Ranch lifestyle director earns top honors

Home builders' council names Monaca Onstad lifestyle director of the year.

  • East County
  • News
« 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free