• 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

Lakewood Ranch senior Justin Curtis threw passes with teammates on Sept. 17.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2017
Idle football players use teamwork to help community

They helped move trees and clear debris in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

  • East County
  • Sports
Morgan Skillman is the volunteer coordinator for the 2017 World Rowing Championships.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2017
Ready to serve

Volunteers, many of them local, will help the World Rowing Championships function.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ellen Tomek and Meghan O'Leary will represent the U.S. in the Women's Double Sculls event. Photo courtesy USRowing.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2017
World Rowing Championships calendar

World Rowing Championships calendar

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • September 20, 2017
Sarasota shines in the dark of the storm

Natural disasters bring out the best and the worst of people. In our area, we saw most of the former and little of the latter.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 20, 2017
SMR forges unique financing deal

Stewardship District will be first CDD to secure a line of credit.

  • East County
  • News
Kate Walker.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: Kate Walker

The Braden River swimmer talks her best stroke and why she wants to visit Norway.

  • East County
  • Sports
Seth McGarry.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 20, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 09.20.17

East County High 5 Moments: 09.20.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Cortez Bridge
    By
  • John McGuire
  • September 20, 2017
Opinions differ on future of Cortez Bridge

FDOT and Longboat officials favor a high-rise replacement for the 1950s era span. But a lot of others aren't sure that's the best choice for the area.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • September 19, 2017
YPG hosts second annual spelling bee

Can you spell tenaciously? How about myriad? Cantankerous? Sarasota's young professionals can.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Manatee Technical College received a grant from Wells Fargo to help teach financial literacy to students who speak another language.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 19, 2017
MTC receives literacy grant from Wells Fargo

This will provide financial literacy instruction to adult students who speak other languages.

  • East County
  • News
Betty Schoenbaum may be 100, but it doesn't stop her from going to events like Circus Arts Gala, pictured here. File photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • September 19, 2017
100 Years of Heart: Betty Schoenbaum joins the centenarian club

Renowned philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum reflects on her love of giving and shares her perspective after 100 years of life.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded the committee $25,000 to help welcome 1,7000 rowers and support staff to Nathan Benderson Park. File photo of Scully, the WRC mascot.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 19, 2017
World Rowing Championship organizing committee receives $25,000 grant

The grant was awarded by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jabez Spann has been missing for more than two weeks, and police are still asking the community for help finding him.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 19, 2017
Police still looking for missing 14-year-old, asking community for information

Spann has been missing since Labor Day, and Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DePino believes people in the community have information about his disappearance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Public works employees worked all night providing power to lift stations on the island, preventing a system failure. (Photo via Longboat Key government).
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 19, 2017
In hours and days after Irma, town workers kept sewage system alive

A group of town employees worked around the clock to stop a wastewater overflow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ed Smith Stadium. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 19, 2017
Orioles announce Fall Instructional League schedule

The season will feature four games at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray is leaving the department after four-and-a-half years to take a similar position in Loudoun County, Virginia.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 19, 2017
A conversation with Alaina Ray

Outgoing planning director talks about challenges, opportunities for Longboat's future

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Girls Inc. members made thank-you cards for first responders and local restaurants that assisted those without power in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • September 19, 2017
Girls Inc. children craft letters of gratitude to Irma responders

Girls Inc. members wrote, drew and bedazzled thank-you cards for some of Sarasota’s hurricane helpers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
ODA senior quarterback Gus Mahler throws a pass against Bradenton Christian.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • September 18, 2017
ODA football gets wild win against Bradenton Christian

The Thunder defense forced five turnovers in the 7-6 victory.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ed Hunzeker has been the Manatee County administrator since 2006. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 18, 2017
Manatee Commission extends administrator's contract

Ed Hunzeker will stay on as Manatee County's top manager for another year.

  • East County
  • News
Bradenton’s Valerie Marin brings food and water to her car.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • September 18, 2017
Hungry to help

The Food Bank of Manatee aims to aid the community during a time of need.

  • East County
  • News
Students can get free lunch and breakfast at public schools through Oct. 20, following Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 18, 2017
State giving free lunch and breakfast to all Sarasota County students through Oct. 20

Nearly 3,000 schools and 2.5 million students in 48 counties were given this opportunity.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The robbery-homicide at the Zota Beach Resort took place Aug. 4, 2017.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 18, 2017
Off-duty Longboat officers provide Zota security

As hotel seeks new security company, town police fill in on their own time.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key town manager Dave Bullock (left) speaks with Mayor Terry Gans (center) and Vice-Mayor Ed Zunz during a Sept. 15 meeting about the town's legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 18, 2017
Concerns over beaches, vacation rentals drive priorities

Longboat leaders set list for next legislative session.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ed McCrane announced the all-clear just before the weekend on social media.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 18, 2017
Sarasota County issues all-clear after Hurricane Irma

It took the county almost a week after Irma's passing to decide conditions were safe enough to merit the all-clear.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Members of Longboat Key Fire-Rescue work to begin clearing roads in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 18, 2017
Longboat Observer Letters to the Editor

Hurricane Irma is on the minds of a lot of Longboat residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • September 18, 2017
Temple Emanu-El celebrates new year of religious school

Although Hurricane Irma delayed the service by one week, congregants gathered on Sept. 17 at Temple Emanu-El to celebrate the beginning of the religious school year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Athletes head to the docks at dawn on Sunday to practice for the 2017 World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 17, 2017
World's top rowers descend upon Benderson Park in Sarasota

Preparations in full swing for 2017 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Austin and Aiden Hamer, Patrick Johnston, Jackson Dalglish and Nate Bentze enjoyed their week off from school by attending a YMCA camp.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 15, 2017
Manatee YMCA aids parents while school is out

YMCA offers camp, facilities in wake of Hurricane Irma.

  • East County
  • News
A team of volunteers, led by Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Bruce King, is collecting donations to bring to the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 15, 2017
Sarasota police collect supplies, donations for Keys recovery effort

Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Bruce King is spearheading an effort to aid the Florida Keys following Hurricane Irma.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • September 15, 2017
City lifts boil water advisory for barrier islands

The water was tested and is safe to drink.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Town Manager Dave Bullock (left) speaks during a Town Commission meeting Sept. 15 with Mayor Terry Gans (center) and Vice-Mayor Ed Zunz.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • September 15, 2017
Commission appoints Marsh to Planning and Zoning Board

Town agrees to prioritize beach nourishment, short-term rental regulations for 2018 legislative session.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Larissa Green reads the Wall Street Journal while her daughter, Ann Green West, talks on the phone Saturday at Booker High School. The pair arrived with Howard Green on Friday night.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • September 15, 2017
Thousands seek shelter during Hurricane Irma

Booker High School had never had to open its doors as a shelter before. As Hurricane Irma approached Florida, the school became a home to more than 1,300 evacuees.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • September 15, 2017
SunCoast Blood Bank encourages blood donations

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Suncoast Blood Bank and Sarasota Memorial Health Care teamed up to address the “urgent” need for blood products.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Local officials — including (from left) county Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane, County Commission Chairman Paul Caragiulo and Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, looked on as Gov. Rick Scott spoke about Hurricane Irma.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 15, 2017
County, city lead storm recovery efforts

The extent of Hurricane Irma's damage is unknown at this point, but local leaders have work to do as Sarasota recovers — and lessons to keep in mind for future storms.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siesta Key resident Peter Hull surveys the storm damage Monday. Hull said he considers himself lucky for not losing his home.
  • By David Conway & Cassidy Alexander
  • September 15, 2017
Close call: Sarasota residents feel fortunate Irma wasn't worse

Sarasota didn't escape the effects of Hurricane Irma, but with recovery underway, residents and officials are counting their blessings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
When it comes to rowing, Trish Chastain, the co-owner of Powerhouse Row & Fitness in Lakewood Ranch and a 20-year coach, knows how to speak the language.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • September 14, 2017
To enjoy rowing, first come to terms

Rowing delicacies to be served at 2017 World Rowing Championships, just don't expect crab.

  • East County
  • Sports
« 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 »
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