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Your Observer

Bob Bartz
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 28, 2017
Area mourns the passing of Manatee County Chamber President Bob Bartz

Sudden passing brings out reaction in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Some residents want to see more signs warning of alligators, such as this one on Lake Uihlein.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 27, 2017
Alligator information meeting in Lakewood Ranch turns into debate

About half the crowd feels alligators are being killed and removed needlessly.

  • East County
  • News
Steve John, the citrus production manager for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, shows the competitors how roping a steer is done.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2017
SMR Cup riders know the ropes in Lakewood Ranch

Annual competition matches cowboys against polo players in several events.

  • East County
  • News
Dana Aschinger, a Polo Club member, presents the colors before the Observer Cup.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 26, 2017
Lots of observers at the Cup

Sarasota Polo Club fans treated to perfect weather and a spirited match.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • February 26, 2017
Siesta Key Village hosts annual craft festival

White tents lined Ocean Boulevard Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 for the 23rd annual Siesta Key Craft Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • February 25, 2017
St. Michael celebrates St. Patrick's Day

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church threw a party with a pinch of St. Patrick's Day cheer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Club pro David Perritt and Course Superintendent Jamie McCrosky say Lakewood National has both challenging and forgiving qualities.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2017
New golf course fits Lakewood Ranch to a tee

Lakewood National Golf Club on a roll after opening.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • February 25, 2017
Le Marche Bohemien drops by Five Points Park

The eclectic art show Le Marche Bohemien took over Five Points Park on Feb. 25.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • February 25, 2017
Gillespie Park blooms with improvements

Neighbors gathered Feb. 25 for a neighborhood workday in the park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 25, 2017
Expo highlights health options in Lakewood Ranch

Annual health and wellness expo features farmer's market.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Second suspect in Lakewood Ranch murder arrested.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 25, 2017
Second suspect arrested in Lakewood Ranch murder

Police dog helps subdue Alan Baily, who was resisting arrest.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 24, 2017
Savory Palate cooks up monthly chef series

Attendees enjoyed a fresh pasta bar and various wine on Feb. 24.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 24, 2017
Longboat Library celebrates 60 years

Friends and volunteers of the library gathered for an anniversary celebration on Feb. 24.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 24, 2017
Unbridled joy: Mustangs basketball headed to Final Four

Lakewood Ranch beat St. Petersburg 73-68 on Friday night.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • February 24, 2017
Junior League kicks off tour of homes

The home tour began with a brunch at Pineapple Yoga Studio.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In a revamped proposal, Chuck Whittall' s proposal for Colony redevelopment would no longer rely on 12-story towers, as seen in this artist rendering.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • February 24, 2017
Colony developer cuts height of proposed buildings

Chuck Whittall said the decision is based on the concerns of Longboat Key residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota sports roundup: 02.24.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 24, 2017
Sarasota sports roundup: 02.24.17

Sarasota sports roundup: 02.24.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
East County sports roundup: 02.24.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 24, 2017
East County sports roundup: 02.24.17

East County sports roundup: 02.24.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Three area players and a coach were given awards by the coaches' association.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 24, 2017
Booker, SMA, Sarasota pick up FACA girls basketball honors

Three area players and a coach were given awards by the coaches' association.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
LaDazhia Williams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 24, 2017
Mustangs forward honored by Florida Athletic Coaches Association

Lakewood Ranch's coach was also the recipient of an award.

  • East County
  • Sports
Whitney Beach Plaza will remain commercial following a decision by owner Ryan Snyder.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 24, 2017
Whitney Beach Plaza owner aims to sell

After a referendum to add a residential component to the struggling Longboat Key shopping plaza failed, owner Ryan Snyder is selling off the spaces.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota plans for Fruitville Road include three traffic circles where traffic lights now control the flow of cars, trucks and pedestrians.
    By
  • John McGuire
  • February 23, 2017
Longboat Key Mayor voices opposition to proposed changes to Fruitville Road

Mayor Terry Gans addressed Sarasota city planners at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Coach David Quintero, Aubrey Robbins, Sophie Lemus, Brinley Beorlegui, Kai Tsakiris, Brooke Harris, Emily, Conelius, Brianne Bonzheim, Paige McElyea, Abbey Burwood and Hannah Johns. Photo courtesy Candice McElyea.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 23, 2017
Lakewood Ranch Chargers soccer takes silver at Disney festival

The U11 girls team beat three opponents before losing in the finals.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2017
Falling in 'baby love'

Food Bank hosts baby-centric fundraiser

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2017
East County weather page photo: Feb. 23

Morag Reid captured this image as people photographed bald eagles in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2017
Longboat Key weather page photo: Feb. 23

Stan Singer photographed this sunny day at Durante Park on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Sleepy Lagoon Park home sold for $685,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 23, 2017
Sleepy Lagoon Park home sale tops real estate transactions

Real estate transactions for Feb. 6-10.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Built in 1944, this Casey Key home sold for $3.3 million. It has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,603 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 23, 2017
Casey Key home sells for $3.3 million

Real estate transactions for Feb. 6-10.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota sports roundup: 02.23.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 23, 2017
Sarasota sports roundup: 02.23.17

Sarasota sports roundup: 02.23.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Observer Media Group owners Matt and Lisa Walsh announced the purchase of the Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2017
Observer Media Group acquires Winter Park / Maitland Observer

Local newspaper group continues growth

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city of Sarasota is planning a $10 million streetscape project along a portion of Fruitville Road in downtown.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 23, 2017
A narrower Fruitville? Ugh

One of the city’s critical thoroughfares is already pretty calm. What it needs is more capacity to seamlessly move east-west traffic, not less.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Attendees of Siesta Key' s Crystal Classic were greeted by a large sand sculpture announcing the events sponsors.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 23, 2017
Siesta Key Beach ranked No. 1 — again

In its 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards, TripAdvisor ranked the Sarasota County beach at the top of its U.S. list.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sustainability Manager Stevie Freeman-Montes wants the city to explore environmentally friendly projects.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
City sponsors Gillespie Park compost project

The city is using Gillespie Park to test a community composting program, encouraging residents to work together and learn about the potential benefits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
MJ McMahon, Caleb Ward and Patrick Warren.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 23, 2017
Cardinal Mooney lacrosse not slowed by smaller talent pool

The Cougars make up for the disadvantage by playing as a team.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Several new projects are under construction right now in Sarasota, and even more are on the way.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
Is it too late for Sarasota to stay small?

Residents worried about growth want the city to focus on maintaining the small-town character of Sarasota. Even if they get their way, have we crossed the point of no return?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paradise Boat Tours captain Sherman Baldwin has permission to operate a ferry to Bradenton Beach — as soon as he finds a docking space.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 23, 2017
City moves forward with water transit plans

The city approved a ferry and water taxi service between Sarasota and the region’s barrier islands, part of an effort to encourage alternative modes of transportation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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