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Your Observer

Cianna Russ poses with her 2015 National Reserve Championship trophy in showmanship and a Superior Intermediate High Point Championship trophy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 30, 2017
Sarasota High freshman overcomes fear of riding horses to discover talent

She has won two National Reserve Championships since 2014.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Grand Parakeet Riverboat Casino & Hotel is slated to open in 2018.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 30, 2017
APRIL FOOLS: Is Siesta Key feeling lucky?

A riverboat gambling concept is slated for a canal on the barrier island. Officials say it will be a win-win for residents and tourists.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cynthia Peterson, CEO of the Center for Architecture Sarasota, sits in McCullough Pavillion — the center' s home, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
Architectural groups build a foundation of knowledge

By helping residents learn more about design, local foundations are giving a whole new meaning to Sarasota school of architecture.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Two of the three candidates in the May 9 runoff — Jen Ahearn-Koch, Hagen Brody and Martin Hyde — will win a seat on the commission.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
New dynamics shape city election

Pro-STOP! vs. anti-STOP! Democrats vs. Republicans. With just three candidates vying for two City Commission seats, will a binary narrative define the race?

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city worked with merchants and the film crew to coordinate the shooting earlier this month.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
Filming disturbs St. Armands merchants

Despite restrictions on special events in St. Armands Circle during season, film crews are allowed to gather footage in the commercial district.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Property owner Wayne Ruben asks the Sarasota Farmers Market to consider remaining on State Street at a meeting Tuesday.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
Farmers market move sparks vigorous debate

Sarasota Farmers Market vendors and customers aren’t eager to relocate a portion of the event, but many hope to avoid the headaches that come with construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former Superintendent Lori White sits with students at Gocio Elementary School. White retired from her position in February 2017.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • March 30, 2017
A legacy of learning

The community gives back to honor former Superintendent Lori White.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Aliyah Cunningham.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 30, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 03.30.17

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 03.30.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Alex Rodman.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 30, 2017
Sarasota High Five Moments: 03.30.17

Sarasota High Five Moments: 03.30.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
In addition to the Herald-Tribune building, the former World of Beer property has been targeted as a potential medical marijuana operation.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
APRIL FOOLS: Could marijuana businesses light up downtown Sarasota?

A group of investors sees marijuana as a cash crop that could spark activity in the lethargic east end of downtown — but will residents and officials harsh their buzz?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week' s edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 30, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 3.30.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Clarification of referendum results will take place at the Town Commission meeting on Monday.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • March 30, 2017
Error in declaration of Colony referendum results will require clarification

The correction will be made at the Town Commission meeting on Monday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 29, 2017
Temple Beth Israel honors Florence Katz

Katz was the music director at the temple for 22 years. She died in December 2015.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • March 29, 2017
Teen Court tells Herstory

Teen Court of Sarasota County hosts a panel to discuss women in the field of law to celebrate Women's History Month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rex Jensen explained big events upcoming in Lakewood Ranch at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance luncheon at the Polo Grill & Bar.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 29, 2017
Big plans emerge for Lakewood Ranch

Possible new high school, additional developments, even water taxis unveiled by SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen.

  • East County
  • News
The Siesta Key Breeze trolley recorded more than 10,000 rides in its first week serving the island.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 29, 2017
Siesta Key Breeze trolley service tops 10,000 rides

The new Siesta Key transit option is outpacing last year’s daily ridership numbers of the previous bus service by more than 530%.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key has a variety of building heights along the beachfront.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • March 29, 2017
65 Feet: Is it high enough?

Town commissioners reject taller recommendations for new buildings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dave Brenner resigned from the Charter Review Committee on Tuesday.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • March 29, 2017
Brenner resigns from Longboat Key's Charter Review Committee

The former vice mayor was approved for the position by the Town Commission last week.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Leticia Leon, a deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff' s Office, checks out a car where the owner left the door unlocked and the window down. Leon patrols Lakewood Ranch area neighborhoods.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 29, 2017
Diligence can fight crime in Lakewood Ranch area

Unlocked cars attract crime spree in East County.

  • East County
  • News
Entrepreneur Jesse Biter has started work on a new residential development in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 29, 2017
Work starts on 97 downtown Sarasota apartments

BOLD Lofts is the latest residential project to break ground in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • March 29, 2017
Campaign Against Summer Hunger kicks off fourth year

All Faiths Food Bank and its community partners campaign to feed 35,000 children with summer campaign.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tiny houses like this one are very popular. Stock art.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 29, 2017
APRIL FOOLS: Tiny house neighborhood to debut in Lakewood Ranch

Tiny houses to help solve area's shortage of affordable housing.

  • East County
  • News
Aerial photographs better show prospective buyers the plaza' s location and proximity to other Lakewood Ranch amenities and residences, said Helen Frudakis, listing agent for San Marco Plaza' s anchor space. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 29, 2017
Lakewood Ranch plaza potential unfulfilled

A new broker says interest is high in San Marco's anchor unit, but there are still no offers.

  • East County
  • News
Kathi Skelton, 73, and Deb Kehoe, 69, always are looking for ways to improve their tournament and raise more funds for Homes for Our Troops.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 29, 2017
Rosedale golf tourney makes Top 10 list of fundraisers for national organization

Golf tournament on track for $60,000 for military hero.

  • East County
  • News
The diverging diamond interchange functions similarly to a regular diamond-configured interchange, except that traffic travels on the left side through the interchange to eliminate left turns. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 29, 2017
Road project turns toward completion

A public workshop for the diverging diamond interchange is slated for April 4.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 29, 2017
Flip Sides: Eddie Tobin and Judy Renaud look to future

Tobin and Renaud have been performing at Amore for the past two years. With the restaurant closing, the two look ahead to their flip sides.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has been shuttered for more than seven years.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 29, 2017
Judge affirms Colony rec lease decision

Judge Steven Merryday ruled March 16, that a recreational lease associated with a portion of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort did not transfer in a 2014 foreclosure sale.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch representatives Justin Muscara, Devin Twenty, coach Jeremy Schiller, Blauvelt Georges and Sam Hester.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 29, 2017
Injured Mustang gets moment of glory in Sarasota-Manatee All-Star Game

The moment was planned by players and coaches at halftime.

  • East County
  • Sports
Pat, Alan and Danielle Pollak of Serve to Protect
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 29, 2017
Alan Pollak gets locked up

Pollak did some jail time to support Muscular Dystrophy, ALS

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Conner Dutting-Morrell. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 29, 2017
Another racing death doesn't diminish young driver's passion

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Photo by Heather Lauren Photography
    A time to celebrate |
  • March 29, 2017
Just Married: Laura Cappiello and Martin Haas

Laura Cappiello and Martin Haas had their dream wedding ceremony on March 11 at the Ca' d'Zan.

  • Sarasota
  • Celebrations
Devin Twenty.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 29, 2017
East County High 5 moments: 03.29.17

East County High 5 moments: 03.29.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Saraiah Walkes.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • March 29, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: 03.29.17

East County Athlete of the Week: 03.29.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Proposed legislation would limit the town' s ability to regulate infrastructure of wireless communication providers.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • March 29, 2017
Town stands up to Tallahassee

Commission hires lobbyist over bills affecting regulation of planned utility project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Enjoy this week' s edition of Cops Corner!
    By
  • John McGuire
  • March 29, 2017
Cops Corner: Longboat Key 3.30.2017

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner!

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • March 28, 2017
Beachplace takes in Chicago

Connie Scardelli performed a rendition of "Chicago The Musical" for residents on March 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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