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Your Observer

The county acquired 2.7 miles of former railroad right of way for the next phase of the extension.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 20, 2017
Land acquired for first portion of Legacy Trail extension

The purchase of 2.7 miles of former railroad right-of-way marks the completion of Phase I of the Legacy Trail extension.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tyrone Collins, Deshaun Fenwick and Taylor Upshaw signed with their schools Dec. 20.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 20, 2017
Three Braden River football players sign with Power 5 programs

All three will enroll in their schools next semester.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tony Dertouzos and his wife, Amity Hoffman, say the baggage tag inside this ornament originally looked like a cigarette because it was rolled so tightly to fit inside. Over time, it has expanded. Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Christmas memories hang around the holidays

Holiday ornaments stir emotion, memories in greater Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim, Drew, Brooklyn and Alissa Putnam were blessed by a Charleston, S.C., Target employee's kindness in 2011.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County residents share their holiday mishaps and memories

The Christmas holidays are filled with memories — good and quirky. Here are a few of both.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The sculpture sits on the pier at Beach Access 2, along with a Christmas tree and a new 22-foot flagpole.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • December 20, 2017
Flagpole and sand sculpture on Siesta honor veterans

Reopen Beach Road President Mike Cosentino said the sculpture is a thank you to veterans who help protect free speech.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Homes in the community will have a West Indies style. (Courtesy rendering).
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Toll Brothers to build in Lakewood Ranch

The luxury builder plans to construct 450 West Indies-inspired homes.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The home at 47 S. Washington Drive recently sold for $3.6 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 20, 2017
South Washington Drive home sells for $3.6 million

Residential real estate transactions for Dec. 4-8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 20, 2017
At the time of Christ’s birth

It's a story that crosses religions and faiths.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
East County homes let their lights shine

Don't blink when it comes to looking for these holiday light displays.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Santa said he has a magic key that allows him to get through front doors if the home has no chimney.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Ho(w) much, Ho(w) many, Ho(w) long?

Students filled Santa's bag with questions. As always, St. Nick delivered.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Access the the Starbucks on State Road 70, just west of I-75, was blocked by tape and a patrol car.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
Two Starbucks locations burglarized in Manatee County

Both stores suffered similar types of damages, officials said.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Lou Johnson took this photo of her daughter and her family, Andrew, Carlin, Randi, and baby Ellie Mackintosh
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboaters recall the memories and mishaps of Holidays past

Whether it's sibling pranks or misbehaving toddlers, holidays bring the happy moments and the not so happy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The new East County middle school will have "indoor circulation," meaning students will not have to go outside when switching classes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 20, 2017
New Manatee County school will offer temporary relief

East County parents thankful overcrowding will ease in the short run for families living in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries: Dec. 21, 2017

Warren Harding and Sue Suttie died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Longboat Key lights up for holidays

From reindeer and polar bears to teddy bears and Santa Claus, plenty of holiday visitors have made a temporary home in the lawns of Longboat residences.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clarice Schetter and Alma Cockerham
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 20, 2017
Brunching through the holidays

On Dec. 3, Longboat Island Chapel congregants gathered for the annual holiday brunch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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
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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.
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Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
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Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
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Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
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Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
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The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
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Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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