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Your Observer

Cellexia Foster.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
Booker basketball senior came a long way in a short time

She is headed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University next season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
An old building on the south end of Siesta Key is among blighted properties that could be redeveloped as a hotel.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2016
Lack of details big hurdle for Siesta hotel

Siesta Key residents decried murky plans for a hotel on the barrier island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
(File) A railroad track near Payne Park may one day be replaced by an extension of the Legacy Trail.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2016
Legacy Trail extension inches forward

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has given $50,000 to support an extension of the Legacy Trail. How big an impact will the gift make?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
Church continues its stitching tradition

Friends that stitch together, stay together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A group of residents already lets their dogs roam free in Bayfront Park in the mornings — and they want the city to change its pet policies
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
Residents push for dog-friendly policies in Bayfront Park

Residents want to let their dogs off leash in Bayfront Park in the mornings, but the city is worried its pet policies might be too complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dale Orlando wants to secure a place in her neighborhood where her dog, Shadow, can run free with other dogs from the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
Gillespie Park lobbies for paw park

After five years of asking for a dog-friendly area in Gillespie Park, Dale Orlando is close to making her vision a reality.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle pledged to get substantive community feedback on the park district proposal.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
City moves ahead with park district plans

City leaders may create a dedicated taxing district to fund parks and recreation. They just need to figure out how it would function.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
The Ritz bakes up a colossal Christmas carousel

Kids, don't try this at home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Imani Jones dribbles around a defender. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.15.16

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.15.16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.15.16

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
Letters to the Editor: Sarasota 12.15.16

Readers comment on Siesta Beach smoking regulations and the proposed dredge of Big Pass.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
That's the ticket ...

Check out this week's top Sarasota area sporting events.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
Seaplace hosts jolly celebration

Pianist Richard Ridenour played classic holiday tunes as guests mingled.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
L'Ambiance residents host holiday tea

Each attendee brought a gift to be donated to Children's Guardian Fund.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
St. Armands Association gets in the holiday spirit

Association members mingled at Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar on Dec. 13.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
(Photo by Dex Honea) Longboat Key resident and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is fighting the traffic issues on the island.
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Longboat Key petitions for bridge-opening fixes

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said he would intervene with the Coast Guard to help change the bridge-opening schedule.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • December 14, 2016
Inspirational performance by Girl Scouts hits home for Lakewood Ranch seniors

About 40 Girl Scouts appeared at an Elderly home, offering them a sweet Christmas gift.

  • East County
  • News
The Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch is in the planning process of a 6 million dollar facelift to become a new EVEN Health and Wellness Hotel.
    By
  • Berkley Mason
  • December 14, 2016
Hotel plans debut in Lakewood Ranch

The Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch has quite the plan in the works.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Miguel Pelayo said David Norris had "fire in his eyes" during treatment and his wife, Bobbi, was always there by his side.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 14, 2016
Act of kindness blankets Lakewood Ranch medical office

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
Jaymie Klauber takes care of her seven thoroughbreds on her ranch at the Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 14, 2016
Polo in Lakewood Ranch could be ride of your life

Local restaurateur consumed by her love of polo.

  • East County
  • News
The women's 50 and over Lakewood Ranch tennis team of Lorraine Varone, Karen Nicholson, Marybeth Hennessy, Marcia Caplan, Heidi Cox and Anna Seal won the USTA 7.5 Combo Sectional Championship in Daytona Beach on Dec. 11. Photo courtesy Karen Nicholson.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2016
East County Wednesday Roundup: 12.14.16

A tennis championship highlights the first half of the week.

  • East County
  • Sports
“Most of our calls are medical calls from people who are in their elder years,” said Lt. Jason Berzowski, 38, one of the paramedics who will be assigned to meet with patients. “This program will help shift those calls to wellness checks.” Terry O'Connor
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Longboat Key Fire Rescue CAREs for residents

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi wants to launch a community paramedicine pilot program he calls CARE, or Community Assistance Resource & Education.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Terri and Mark Fishman have been renting a residence in the 600 block of Linley Street in Longbeach Village the past two years while building a new home. Terry O’Connor
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Soggy Longbeach Village looks for drainage solutions

Village infrastructure bears scars from buckling under too much water pressure.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Florida Railroad Museum spokesman Jim Zientara, of Lakewood Ranch, has helped increase the train's annual ridership from 30,000 to more than 53,000 since 2014.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 14, 2016
Local man expresses love of railroad

Lakewood Ranch man goes full steam ahead with railroad hobby

  • East County
  • News
A family uses the well Jones, Pedicini and the Barrons sponsored. Photo courtesy of Allen Barron.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
Locals give gift of fresh water

Four Sarasota residents took a trip to Cambodia for vacation but came home with a bigger story to tell.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bob and Pat Gussin and Nancy and Rick Moskovitz
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
Longboat residents turn the page with Sarasota Library Foundation

The library foundation is $131,000 away from filling its fund for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tammy Halstead, Tom Scholz, Ed Nugent and Chamber President Gail Loefgren at August's Business After Hours.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
Your Calendar: Holiday Business After Hours

Check out upcoming events on Longboat Key and surrounding areas.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Proposed height restrictions on Longboat Key could alter plans to redevelop Colony Resort. Rendering
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Colony plans unshaken by proposed Longboat Key height limits

Developer Chuck Whittall said proposed height limitations would not change his plan at this point.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Longboat Key Arts Center deal extended with Ringling College

Longboat Key taxpayers won’t pay for the project, philanthropists will. Estimates place the cost at $10 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch juniors Emma and Sarah Fazio. Photo courtesy Carlton Hadley Jr.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2016
East County High 5 Moments: 12.14.16

East County High 5 Moments: 12.14.16

  • East County
  • Sports
The junior team and coaches.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2016
Mustang "fillies" tackle the football world

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • East County
  • Sports
Devin Twenty puts up a floater.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2016
Lakewood Ranch uses one-for-all mentality to chase state championship

All 11 Mustangs on the boys basketball team play an important role.

  • East County
  • Sports
Graham Toft, Katzy Nager, the Rev. David Danner, Luz Corcuera, Executive Director of UnidosNow, Michael Clay, Rev. Maggie Gat, and Elaine Smith.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
All Angels makes generous donation

The grant will help UnidosNow's Future Leader's Academy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 14, 2016
Euphemia Haye and Maison Blanche spoon up recognition

The two Longboat Ket restaurants earned a spot in the Golden Spoon Hall of Fame.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 14, 2016
Longboat Key Cops Corner: 12.15.16

Longboat Police Department reports for Nov. 28-Dec. 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2016
That's the ticket...

The top match-ups this week in East County sports.

  • East County
  • Sports
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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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