• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Key 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
  • Key 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
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Shelley Barker captured this shot of a Longboat Key sunset.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2016
Longboat Key weather page photo: June 23

Shelley Barker captured this shot of a Longboat Key sunset.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Goodwill administrator Alexa Olivas talks about how Goodwill workers sort through donation bins.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 23, 2016
Goodwill's precision leads to greater bounty for community

Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 23, 2016
Barwin overshoots on guns

In the wake of incidents like the Orlando massacre, government officials can’t resist the urge to do something. But they always want to intervene in ways that restrict your liberty.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Although the county's regulations currently prohibit on-site transactions at Ted Sperling Park, officials are working to change that rule.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 23, 2016
County proposes allowing payments at Lido park

The county and city are working on a potential rule change at Ted Sperling Park that would allow commercial operators to accept payments on-site.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although some residents are eager to see upgrades at Arlington Park, others are concerned about the effects of growth on the surrounding neighborhood.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 23, 2016
Officials, residents talk Arlington Park improvements

With more than $2 million slated for investment in Arlington Park, the city is seeking citizen feedback on improvements — but how much is too much for nearby residents?

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city has budgeted $300,00 to replace the American course greens at Bobby Jones Golf Club, dipping into funds reserved for replacing the facility's aging clubhouse.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 23, 2016
Bobby Jones improvements raise questions about funding

Citizens and city officials agree Bobby Jones Golf Club is in need of serious upgrades. They just have a different idea of the best course to take.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 23, 2016
South Cocoanut Bayou sells for $2.4 million

Built in 2000, 4415 Mangrove Place has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,535 square feet of living area.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • June 23, 2016
Redeemer campus grows with congregation

Church of the Redeemer members met this month to discuss a three-phase plan for expansion in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Booker boys basketball coach Phil Helmuth was named the school's new Athletic Director June 20. (courtesy photo)
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 23, 2016
Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

Tornadoes names new AD

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
As Benderson Development advances plans for the Siesta Promenade project, a nearby resident wants the builder to consider the needs of a nearby neighborhood.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2016
Letter to the Editor: Sarasota 06.23.16

A resident takes issue with a proposed Stickney Point project — and asks a developer to give back to the neighboring community.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2016
Cops Corner: Sarasota 06.23.16

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe owner J.R. Garraus surveys the damage to the rear of his restaurant following a six-alarm fire.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2016
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Week of 06.23.16

A fire led to damage at JR’s Old Packinghouse Cafe, and construction on the Coon Key Bridge is temporarily on hold.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Left to right: Sarasota Sharks swimmers Drew Clark, Austin Katz, Danny Erlenmeyer, Keanan Dols, Bethany Leap, Nancy Hu and Matthew Garcia will all compete for an opportunity to swim at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 23, 2016
Making the Cut

Sarasota Sharks send strong contingent to U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Single-car accident closes Fruitville Road east of I-75.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 22, 2016
Downed power lines close Fruitville Road

Single-car accident just east of I-75 causes closure.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • June 22, 2016
Cedars hosts youth tennis clinic

Cedars Tennis Resort hosted a tennis clinic for students from Sarasota’s Newtown June 22.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 22, 2016
Community rallies after Old Packinghouse fire

Employees have launched a GoFundMe page for repairs to JR’s Old Packinghouse Cafe, and nearby businesses have offered free services to the iconic eatery.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Day camp director Beca Franca holds up the parachute as Noelle Stead runs through.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • June 22, 2016
Peace Presbyterian Church hosts traveling day camp

This year’s theme was nature.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Town Manager Dave Bullock and Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale await the Manatee County Commission’s decision on the half-cent sales tax.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 22, 2016
Manatee County bucks barrier island tax request

The Manatee County Commission declined a breakdown of the proposed half-cent sales tax that would have netted more surtax money for Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Trevor Schmid, Nicholas Almeida, Alex den Boggende, Jayden Halas, Gabriel Klein, Blake Boules, Garrett Day and Jacob Crum try to form a circle without letting go of each other's hands.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • June 22, 2016
Harvest United Methodist Church campers spelunk for spirituality

The Lakewood Ranch church held its annual vacation Bible school with an underground theme.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 22, 2016
Myths about the AR-15 and bans on weapons

The editors at National Review dispelled a few AR-15 myths that everyone in Congress and all anti-gun Americans would do well to read.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 22, 2016
Concession home tops home sales at $1.6 million

Built in 2007, 19451 Beacon Park Place has four bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,462 square feet of living area.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 22, 2016
The temptations of ‘OPM’

Longboat Key’s Shakedown Fund is flush with millions of dollars for parks. Commissioners should resist the urge to splurge with OPM — other people’s money.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Twelve-year-old Ryan Sforzo has been playing attack and midfield for the Monsters Lacrosse Academy for the past six years.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 22, 2016
On the road to excellence

Out-of-Door Academy student splits his time between travel lacrosse and baseball.

  • East County
  • Sports
Joy Hawkins keeps a bookcase of her favorites in her classroom at Buffalo Creek Middle School.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • June 22, 2016
Her writing is pure Joy

East County teacher selected for three-week residency at Hermitage Artist Retreat.

  • East County
  • News
Public Works Director Juan Florensa surveys the latest portion of the island’s mid-Key truck haul.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 22, 2016
Tropical Storm Colin displaces Longboat Key sand

Although dry beaches on Longboat Key lost about 20 feet of sand on average due to Tropical Storm Colin, town officials say there’s still plenty of sand in the coastal system.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Town Manager David Bullock takes notes as the commission discusses the tax. He and mayors of the barrier islands asked that the tax revenues be allocated differently than proposed.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 22, 2016
Sales tax proposal heads toward referendum

Voters will decide in November whether to implement half-cent sales tax .

  • East County
  • News
Photographer and nurse Gigi O'Dea photographs Hailey Cassella for her 1-year-old photo shoot, as her parents, Heather and David, watch. O'Dea reserves outside photo sessions for her neighbor's backyard and has brought props, including chicks and rabbits.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 22, 2016
Community snapshot: A friendship blooms

Country Creek neighbors mix their passions of photography, gardening.

  • East County
  • News
Black carts are reserved for members who lease them and can take them home.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 22, 2016
Golf cart issue scratches surface

Damage causes country club, Town Hall to take closer look at golf carts using prohibited gate.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch Commerce Park continues to expand. Developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch wants to intensify light industrial uses to create more jobs near homes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 22, 2016
SMR expands light industrial plan

Developer hopes to add 700,000 square feet of industrial space to its commerce park.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 22, 2016
Study flushes $20 million project from Longboat Key budget

The island’s sole sewage forcemain to Manatee County has at least 20 more years of use, according to a study, but future issues loom in the pipeline.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 22, 2016
Commissioners balk at eroding beach funding

Bucking a town staff recommendation, Longboat Key town commissioners want to keep at least half of sales tax money generated for beach renourishment.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    A time to celebrate |
  • June 22, 2016
Just Married: Kelly and Michael

Kelly Martella and Michael Calamaras were married Feb. 27

  • Sarasota
  • Celebrations
Monsters U11 player Ramsey Choueiri attempts to maneuver the ball around a LB3 CP22 Boca U11 Select defender during last year's Rippin' at the Ranch tournament.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 22, 2016
That's the ticket ...

Check out this week's top East County sporting events.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch rising senior Sophia Falco won the emerging elite triple jump at the New Balance National Outdoor meet June 17, in Greensboro, N.C., with a school record jump of 40 feet, 5 inches. She also set a new school record in the 100-meter dash the
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 22, 2016
East County High 5 Moments: 06.23.16

East County High 5 Moments: 06.23.16

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 22, 2016
Water Club condo sells for $3.5 million

The Unit 1002 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,435 square feet of living area.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 22, 2016
Cops Corner 06.22.2016

Enjoy this week’s edition of Cops Corner!

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
« 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 »
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
From left to right, Maya Carpentiere, Amanda Gonzalez, Christiana Allison, Grayson Buchanan, Sheila Wallis and Ryan Duga star in Florida Studio Theatre's children's production, "The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster and Other Winning Plays."
  • April 7, 2026
Three Sarasota theaters jump on the trolley
2
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate
3
The Broadway revival of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall April 10-11.
  • April 7, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 9-15
4
The cast of Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof" poses with instruments.
  • April 7, 2026
Asolo Rep's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' plays a timeless tune
5
Greenbrook's Tara Poulton is running for Manatee County's District 6 commission seat.
  • April 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch resident brings government experience to District 6 race

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 © 2026 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