• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

A laser light show will cap New Year's Eve festivities at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 17, 2024
Biggest Lakewood Ranch holiday events ready to kick off

Everything you need to know about the upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's celebrations this season in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Junior Ava Collins was one of the leaders for the Lakewood Ranch High volleyball team, which finished the season with a 15-9 record. Collins, an outside hitter, led Lakewood Ranch in kills with 228.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 17, 2024
East County Athlete of the Week: Ava Collins

The junior outside hitter was a force on the Lakewood Ranch indoor volleyball team this season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota High sophomore outside hitter Liza Collier lead the indoor volleyball team in kills in 2024.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 17, 2024
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Liza Collier

The Sarasota High sophomore was a force to be reckoned with on the girls varsity volleyball team this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
This Country Club home at 6935 Westchester Circle sold for $2,225,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,081 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 17, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Dec. 2-6 in Lakewood Ranch

A Country Club home on Westchester Circle and a Country Club East home on Kendleshire Terrace top the week's sales at $2,225,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
City of Sarasota announces holiday closures
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 17, 2024
City of Sarasota announces holiday closures

Garbage/recycling and yard waste collection schedules will not be affected by the holidays.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dennis Bosch said his 1964 356C was the car he wanted when he first started driving in that same year.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 17, 2024
Porsche enthusiasts gather for 20th anniversary of St. Armands show

Porsches in the Park 2024 drew a crowd of car lovers admiring the lineup of new and vintage porsche on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 17, 2024
Airport seeks independent permitting for construction projects

Lying in three jurisdictions, SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo asks the Sarasota legislative delegation to sponsor a bill to help expedite capital improvements.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chief of Police George Turner said leading the department to its first accreditation in 2023 was his proudest moment with the department.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 16, 2024
Longboat Chief of Police George Turner to leave department in January

Turner's departure was announced to police department personnel on Dec. 12, though specific reasons behind the change remain unclear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The "Lotus" yacht arrives with a "Joy to SRQ" theme.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Holiday spirits shines at Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The event, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, featured vessels decked with holiday lights and decor.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dennis DeWitt, Bob Keagy, Jeff Murphy and Jeff Barlow
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 16, 2024
Bird Key Yacht Club lights their docks at annual event

The Blessing of the Fleet wished members safe travels with a history that dates back to World War II.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kira Kirilina, 10, her sister Mia Kirilina, 5 and brother Robert Kirilina, 8 meet Santa Claus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Holidays at The Bay offers a party where the community is invited

The event featured fun and games, activities by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, a movie screening and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
East County first graders write letters to Santa
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 16, 2024
East County first graders write letters to Santa

With Santa soon on the way, East County children are sending off their letters to the North Pole in the hope that a wish or two is granted.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka’s wildlife respond favorably to the habitat restoration zone, which prevents human disturbances and improves their habitats.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • December 16, 2024
Habitat Restoration zone returns to Myakka

By reducing human disturbances, temporary fencing protects plants and wildlife, while offering visitors superior wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Maggie Yull scored once in regulation and in penalty kicks to help the Thunder capture the 1A District 10 title over Bradenton Christian Jan. 28. Here, she prepares to receive a corner kick against Braden River High on Dec. 5.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 16, 2024
Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer takes the hard road

The Thunder has scheduled tougher opponents to help prepare for the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
The 5K begins.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Sandy Claws Beach Run brings energy to the holiday spirit

Runners dressed in festive attire for the 48th annual event held on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2024
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. contributes $250,000 to the Church of the Redeemer

The gift follows a previous donation of $500,000 earlier this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Richard Pierson, who checks out the cap gun exhibit at his Sarasota Toy Museum, says toys have declined for a while, but he expects a resurgence.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 16, 2024
Lakewood Ranch toy aficionado hopes to spread passion to local kids

Richard Pierson has seen a shift in the way toys are appreciated.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Two killed in head-on crash on State Road 70

A driver was attempting to pass slower traffic, troopers say.

  • East County
  • News
One of the new solar-powered lights at the Bayfront Park dog park.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 16, 2024
Solar-powered lighting installed at Longboat's Bayfront dog park

Longboat's dog owners can enjoy the Bayfront Park dog park with their pups after the sun sets.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hayley Nau and Kevin Golumbeck have earned promotions at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2024
Sarasota Chamber promotes two staff members

Kevin Golumbeck and Hayley Nau have assumed new leadership roles at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hank Foster, Melinda Foster, Sandra Smith, Bob Rutland, Chad LaTour, Valerie LaTour, Jan Anderson and Bill Hadley
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 15, 2024
Longboat Key celebrates end of fall stress with community concert

The town hosted the first ever "LBK Strong" concert on Dec. 14 in the Town Center Green.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Oscar Mayer 'hotdoggers' Kaitlin Goldstein and Cooper Albert drive around the country to spread brand awareness and tease out some smiles.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 15, 2024
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile serves smiles to Lakewood Ranch

Nostalgia and photo opportunities were aplenty when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Exclusive dinner club hires membership director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2024
Exclusive dinner club hires membership director

Joining 1000 North Sarasota is hospitality veteran Alex Elshimy as the private club works toward late 2025 debut.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch boys varsity wrestling Head Coach Pat Ancil believes that it is critical that his wrestlers engage in activities that push them out of their comfort zones.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 14, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High wrestling goes caroling

The boys and girls wrestling teams performed for the residents of Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 14, 2024
Longboat Key town hall to close temporarily for resiliency reinforcements

The building will close over the holidays for construction to start on the hardening project that upgrades the roof, windows and generator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Karen Holbrook will be succeeded by Brett Kemker, vice provost and regional vice chancellor for academic affairs and student success at USF Sarasota-Manatee, in an interim role.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 14, 2024
USF Sarasota-Manatee honors regional chancellor as she prepares to retire

The campus attributes accomplishments to Karen Holbrook including the opening of the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Guests line up for food trucks at Ranch Nite Wednesday on Dec. 11 at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2024
Ranch Nite Wednesday has residents coming back for seconds

The temperature dropped, but the food was still warm.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lari Brochin and Pam Crowe
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 13, 2024
Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key celebrates the holidays

From the Grinch to Dolly Parton, the Eighteen Holers and the Key Niners dressed up for their annual holiday lunch and golf tournament.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Soleta Golf Club held a Grand Opening media day event on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to showcase the brand-new par-72 course in Myakka City.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 13, 2024
Soleta Golf Club brings destination golf to Myakka City

The Nick Price-designed golf course officially opened on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
An archway covers 3643 Lakewood Dr. in Colonial Oaks
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 13, 2024
Sarasota neighborhoods light up for the holidays

Neighborhoods in the area are decking homes with holiday displays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Junior forward David Young rises up for a layup during the Sarasota High boys varsity basketball practice on Dec. 3.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • December 12, 2024
Sarasota High boys varsity basketball seeks consecutive district titles

Third-year Head Coach BJ Ivey has high hopes for his team this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The saturated carpet in the Grand Foyer at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been replaced with polished concrete.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 12, 2024
Purple Ribbon Committee embarks on its last phase in January

Philosophical differences emerge as members tasked to recommend repurposing the Van Wezel begin to share thoughts about its report to the City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Retired Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown has waved goodbye to municipal government, but not necessarily to local public policy influence.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 12, 2024
After stepping back, Marlon Brown is looking to keep stepping up

Like many others, Marlon Brown has already found his retirement home in Sarasota. The former city manager is now weighing how to influence public policy from the outside looking in.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 113 condominium at The Terrace, 5400 Ocean Blvd., was built in 1970 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,187 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 12, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 25-29 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis

A condominium in The Terrace tops the week's sales at $1.48 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The 50th annual Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular begins, with a solo by Walter Godfrey.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 12, 2024
Singing Christmas Tree Spectacular celebrates 50th anniversary

The event featured a nativity scene with live animals, a former Broadway performer and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Albritton Groves Ltd. sold its property off State Road 72 to Sarasota County.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • December 12, 2024
Sarasota County closes $19M deal for former fruit orchards

The county plans to use the property, previously owned by the Albritton family, for soil to cover the nearby landfill.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

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

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now