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Your Observer

Cars leaving the barrier islands and turning left onto U.S. 41 frequently block the intersection when the lights change, making congestion worse on an already crowded roadway.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 19, 2017
Residents push for short-term traffic solutions

On Longboat and in Sarasota, there's an eagerness to see immediate improvements to traffic woes — but is that possible?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • January 19, 2017
Yourtowns 01.19.17

SMS presents deputy with sweet surprise and Orioles spring training tickets go on sale.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kathy Whyte takes a bit out of her seafood paella at the inaugural Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival in 2016.
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • January 19, 2017
Sarasota Calendar 01.19.17

See what's happening in Sarasota this week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Capt. Ryan Simonson readies to launch a pass.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
SMA Prep club provides Ultimate mix of exercise and learning

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Hayley Walding takes a jumper against IMG Academy.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
SMA girls basketball player takes flight as leader

The Eagles' point guard has added to her scoring arsenal over the years.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Riverview' s Brion Whitley.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 01.19.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 01.19.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
M.J. McMahon.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
Sarasota athlete of the week: 01.19.17

Sarasota athlete of the week: 01.19.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Enjoy this week' s edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 19, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 1.19.17

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Sarasota sports roundup: 01.19.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
Sarasota sports roundup: 01.19.17

Sarasota sports roundup: 01.19.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
East County scores roundup: 01.19.17
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 19, 2017
East County sports roundup: 01.19.17

East County sports roundup: 01.19.17

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Seaplace hosts cabaret night

Marcy Downey performed "Hits and Bits of the Sullivan Show."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 2017 World Rowing Championships mascot now has a name, Scully.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 18, 2017
Scully selected as name for World Rowing Championships' mascot

Pelican mascot name picked by public from five finalists.

  • East County
  • News
It is recommended that fans purchase tickets online. Photo courtesy the Baltimore Orioles.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 18, 2017
Orioles spring training tickets on sale Jan. 21

It is recommended that fans purchase tickets online.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Photo courtesy of Mote
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Mote to host Youth Making Ripples Film Festival

On Friday, Jan. 20 the top 12 films discussing various topics on ocean conservation will be played.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Aria is one of the only two new condominium buildings built on Longboat Key in nearly a decade.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
Aria penthouse breaks Longboat sales record

The Longboat Key condominium sold for $5.25 million, becoming the largest condo sale on the island in four years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jessica Jones, the Haile Middle School FFA adviser, tends to Hydro.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • January 18, 2017
Blue ribbon teacher takes over Haile FFA program

Program earns recognition at Manatee County Fair.

  • East County
  • News
Nik Wallenda, shown in 2013 walking a wire over U.S. 41 in Sarasota, told ODA students the more they give, the more they will benefit.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • January 18, 2017
ODA students wired to serve

Out-of-Door Academy and Circus Sarasota enter their third year of a volunteer partnership.

  • East County
  • News
Author D.D. Scott, Sarasota, and Cheri Christiansen, owner of Four Pillars, hold a number of Scott' s published books during her first writing workshop.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • January 18, 2017
Paging potential authors in Lakewood Ranch

Best-selling author begins a 12-part workshop to inspire others to write.

  • East County
  • News
The future look of Longboat Key is being debated as town staff rewrite the zoning code.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
Building heights stall push for Longboat code changes

As town staff aim to bring dozens of properties into conformity, concerns about building heights bubble to the surface.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Enjoy the latest police reports from Longboat Key.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
Cops Corner: Longboat Key 1.18.2017

Enjoy this week’s edition of Cops Corner!

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
“I view this role for me not as being the captain of the air craft, but being the air traffic controller,” saidEast Manatee Fire Rescue' s new Chief Lee Whitehurst.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 18, 2017
New fire chief Not alarmed by growth

Lakewood National's development could spark new fire station.

  • East County
  • News
Our Lady of the Angels plans to more than double its existing footprint.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 18, 2017
Our Lady expansion soars around eagle's nest

Two East County churches are adding new sanctuaries to accommodate growth.

  • East County
  • News
Emma and Sarah Fazio received the co-MVP award of the Mustangs’ 75-55 win over Bishop Loughlin (N.Y.) at the She Got Game Classic in Upper Marlboro, Md., on Dec. 11. Photo courtesy Carlton Hadley Jr.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 18, 2017
Lakewood Ranch girls basketball twins use determination to find success

They were named co-MVPs at the She Got Game Classic in December.

  • East County
  • Sports
Barb Alexander rides the American flag out before the match.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 18, 2017
Polo tailgaters know how to throw a party

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat Key Tennis Center Director Kay Thayer hopes the Town Commission considers upgrades for the facility.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
Tennis Center study calls for upgrades

The Longboat Key Town Commission will consider options for the public tennis facility this spring.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
Will Longboat Key face mayoral shakeup?

Despite strong support for Longboat Key Mayor Terry Gans, two potential challengers have emerged.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Wild rings the bell outside of Publix. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Kiwanis Club lends a helping hand

The club helped the Salvation Army with its kettle campaign during the holiday season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Edmund Adams wins lifetime achievement award

The award was the third one he received in 2016.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 18, 2017
your town

your town

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Participants in Aging in Paradise’s hundreds of programs pride themselves on their activity level.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Aging in Paradise masters health and friendship

The resource center offered about 300 classes and programs in 2016.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kian Ahmadi, 10, holds a starfish he found while snorkeling during Mote' s “Sea Sleuths: Generation H2O" summer camp.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Mote extends education and exploration with spring break camp

Mammals and reptiles and invertebrates, oh my! The camp is open for registration now.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Aging in Paradise Executive Director Donna Dunio and Suzy Brenner at last year' s gala.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Your Calendar: Aging in Paradise Gala

Check out upcoming events on Longboat Key and surrounding areas.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Marcia Mott Photo courtesy of Jane Miller
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries

Ruth Hample, Marcia Mott, Patricia Tisbo, Harley Whitfield and Donald Wright died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Coordinators of LBK North have planned a forum slated for Jan 18
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2017
North Longboat group refines 2017 vision

After rebranding in 2016, LBK North pushes for major infrastructure improvements on the north end of the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Rev. Bill Friederich has spent 30 years in ministry.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 18, 2017
The Rev. Bill Friederich seeks to continue Longboat Island Chapel's success

Friederich was voted into his position on Jan. 8, after six months serving as interim minister.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
LaDazhia Williams.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 18, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 01.18.17

East County High 5 Moments: 01.18.17

  • East County
  • Sports
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
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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
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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
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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.
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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