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Your Observer

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 12, 2017
We need a traffic czar

One impediment to solving the region’s traffic congestion is a lack of ownership of the problem. No one loses a job for failed roads. It’s another tragedy of the commons.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Murray and Ardene Margolis, owners of The Family Jewelry, have been shaken emotionally by the burglary of their business on Nov. 15.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 12, 2017
Lakewood Ranch jeweler recovers after devastating burglary

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County seeks input on its proposed master parks plan.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 12, 2017
Manatee seeks feedback on Parks Master Plan

The deadline for public comment has been extended.

  • East County
  • News
Ilana Armida played a final gig in Lakewood Ranch Jan. 6 and is headed to Los Angeles on Jan. 17.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 12, 2017
Time to fly for Lakewood Ranch pop singer

Mill Creek's Ilana Armida moves to L.A. to chase her dreams.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Rainey
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • January 12, 2017
Sarasota proves there is no age limit on service

Mother Nature never quits, and, luckily, neither will Mary Rainey.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • January 12, 2017
Sarasota resident takes baby steps toward fitness

At a crossroad in her life, Ashley Murphy decided to shake things up.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Max Miville hits a side kick.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 12, 2017
After-school defense class teaches young kids to combat bullying

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ja' Da Bennett launches a pass to a teammate.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 12, 2017
Sarasota senior rounds back into form after serious knee injury

She is hoping to prove to college scouts that she deserves a scholarship.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Merchants disagree on whether the absence of motorcycles from Main Street this weekend was a good thing.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 12, 2017
Businesses react to Thunder by the Bay departure

For the first time in its 19-year history, the motorcycle festival wasn't held downtown — a subject that remains divisive among downtown merchants.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Planner Andrew Georgiadis thinks removing administrative approval won' t necessarily lead to good development outcomes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 12, 2017
Resident opposition to administrative approval strengthens

There’s a growing call to allow more public input on proposed developments. Planners say that’s not necessarily a good thing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rivo at Ringling condominium is located just over 500 feet from World of Beer, and residents are concerned about future sound issues at the property.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 12, 2017
Downtown liquor license requests remain divisive

World of Beer has operated on Main Street with no issues since 2014, but a split City Commission was hesitant to approve a new liquor license for the bar.

  • Sarasota
  • News
AJ Caldwell.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 12, 2017
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 01.12.17

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 01.12.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Mariah Walker.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 12, 2017
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 01.12.17

Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 01.12.17

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Enjoy this week' s edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2017
Cops Corner: Sarasota 1.12.16

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
EVO sent four girls volleyball teams to the Clearwater tournament, and all four medaled, finishing second or third (photo courtesy Brenda Harrison).
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2017
EVO Athletics places high at gymnastics and volleyball tournaments

The tournaments took place over the weekend.

  • East County
  • Sports
Blue Oyster Cult guitarist Kasim Sulton performs in front of a huge crowd at Thunder by the Bay in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 11, 2017
New cycle begins for Thunder by the Bay

Event may have found permanent home in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
Vultures roost atop trees in Greenfield Plantation. They often strip leaves and branches on areas they roost. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2017
Is vulture abatement right pick?

Pet owners upset with remedy for vulture abatement.

  • East County
  • News
Sam Rodgers Homes founder Sam Rodgers shows off an affinity pool at a model home in GreyHawk West. It accentuates the preserve and lakefront lots within the community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2017
Developers prep final phase of GreyHawk

Builders in GreyHawk Landing West expect the project to be finished in less than two years.

  • East County
  • News
This baby alligator, named Albert, hatched in August.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Gator will find a happy home at Mote

“The Teeth Beneath: The Wild World of Gators, Crocs and Caimans" will open on Feb. 25, 2017.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Enjoy this week’s edition of Longboat Key Cops Corner.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 11, 2017
Cops Corner: Longboat 1.11.2017

Enjoy this week’s edition of Cops Corner!

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force members Tom Freiwald and Lenny Landau hope to persuade local leaders to implement short-term traffic fixes.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 11, 2017
Task Force wants traffic solutions — now

The Longboat key Revitalization Task Force hopes to persuade the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization — and municipalities — to take immediate action with traffic fixes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cedars East owners Gill and Dave Hughes hope the groin adjustment slows the flow of sand on the north end.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 11, 2017
Longboat adjusts sand-saving structure

In an effort to slow erosion, Longboat Key has added concrete teeth to one of its sand-protection structures.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Eric Garwood
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 11, 2017
New managing editor arrives at Observer

Journalist grew up and spent most of his career in Florida

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Unicorp National Developments is the official development partner of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 11, 2017
Unicorp continues Colony investment

The Orlando-based developer bought six units at the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort for $628,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rudolf Mootz and Gerda Meyer performed a wire-comedy act as part of their show. Together with their daughter, Dagmar, they formed The Pedrolas. Photo Courtesy of Dagmar Mootz-Beavers
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Circus Ring of Fame to gain 6 greats

From performers to owners, this year's inductees shaped the circus world in their own ways.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Longboater seizes the moment through photography

For Sharon Burde, photography is about showing transformation and works in progress.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 11, 2017
Longboat Key Obituaries

Aram Avanoglu, John Lewis, Anthony Marrelli, Robert Patrick Rahaim, Richard Joseph Sennott, Alberta Sherman, Madge D. Thomas and H. Alan Timm died.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Last year' s Taste of the Keys Event chairwomen Patty Sileo, Lyn Haycock, Palma Panza and Phyllis Black
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Your Calendar: Taste of the Keys Fashion Show

Check out upcoming events on Longboat Key and surrounding areas.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Roger Pettingell File Photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Roger Pettingell ranks No. 1 in 2016 real estate

Pettingell sold $77.54 million in total volume real estate sales in 2016.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The 3.5 National Team Captains Mac Spitzer, BJ Bishop, Ann Zaltman Photo courtesy of BJ Bishop
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 11, 2017
Tennis Center team sweep up competition

The Longboat Key Public Tennis Center’s Women’s 3.5 Tri-Cities Tennis League teams beat the Key Club and Lakewood Ranch teams.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Filip Svoboda.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2017
Czech Republic native becomes soccer standout at Out-of-Door Academy

The 'scoring machine' moved to the United States four years ago.

  • East County
  • Sports
Frantisek Viacek warms up before the Admirals' game against Wiregrass Ranch.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2017
Lakewood Ranch freshman gives Florida hockey a hip Czech

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn.

  • East County
  • Sports
Dieter and Carole Zoellner enjoy having guests on their property and hope they feel like they are in a home away from home.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2017
Honoring Pop inn style

Couple transforms old office into short-term rental.

  • East County
  • News
Natalie Gorji.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2017
East County High 5 Moments: 01.11.17

East County High 5 Moments: 01.11.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Tyler O' Donoghue.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • January 11, 2017
East County Athlete of the Week: 01.11.17

East County Athlete of the Week: 01.11.17

  • East County
  • Sports
Douglas Stuart is pictured with his son, Drew Stuart, and daughter, Dona Kerezsi. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2017
Bagpipes ring in 100th birthday

Lakewood Ranch Sheridan celebrates first centenarian

  • East County
  • 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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