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Your Observer

MLFB's president Wes Chandler is on the phone with one of the league's coaches as he announces his selection during the franchise player draft Jan. 27. Photo courtesy of MLFB.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2016
MLFB takes starting position

Spring football league readies for the gridiron, despite financial hurdle.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch junior guard Devin Twenty scored nine points.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2016
Lakewood Ranch headed to regional final

The Lakewood Ranch boys basketball team beat Fort Myers Riverdale 57-44 Feb. 16.

  • East County
  • Sports
Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Executive Director Angie Stringer with 2016 Girl of the Year Tyesha Brown
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 16, 2016
SHS senior named Girl of the Year

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County names Tyesha Brown as the 2016 Girl of the Year

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Co-owner Jesse Biter attributed the early buzz surrounding Sol's NYC Deli to chef Solomon Shenker's history in the area: "He's been here for 20 years, and people love him."
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 16, 2016
Sol’s NYC Deli opens on Main Street

Solomon Shenker left Sol Meyer’s New York Delicatessen to open a new restaurant on the east side of downtown Sarasota, moving into the former Applebee’s space at Main Plaza.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 16, 2016
Siesta Key Public Beach opens in four days

Here's a sneak peak at the new pavilion and amenities.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
file photo
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 16, 2016
Tim Tebow returns to Bayside Community Church

The football player will speak during services March 5 and 6.

  • East County
  • News
Sir Ken Robinson answers questions from guests at the luncheon portion of the lecture.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 16, 2016
Ken Robinson discusses education reform across the globe

RCLA Town Hall welcomes known TED Talk speaker Sir Ken Robinson.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 16, 2016
Ken Robinson talks Common Core in Sarasota visit

The lecturer featured in the most-viewed TED talk discussed the importance of creativity during the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture Series today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The town of Longboat Key won't seek legal fees from Longbeach Village resident Gene Jaleski.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2016
Town won't seek legal fees for Jaleski's complaint

The town of Longboat Key won't seek to collect more than $20,000 in special legal counsel fees and counting from Gene Jaleski for a dismissed elections complaint.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Adelaide Mahler was one of seven players who scored goals for ODA.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 16, 2016
ODA girls lax rolls past Port Charlotte

The ODA girls lacrosse team beat Port Charlotte 16-3 Feb. 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
The city has seen a decrease in the number of rounds played at Bobby Jones and is discussing how to reverse the trend.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 15, 2016
City continues discussion on Bobby Jones improvements

After a citizen committee recommended investing $14.5 million to improve Bobby Jones Golf Club, the City Commission will consider hiring a consultant to draft a master plan for the municipal course.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 15, 2016
Paul Ryan to stop in Sarasota

Rep. Vern Buchanan is hosting House Speaker Paul Ryan for a fundraiser at his Longboat Key home Tuesday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Turtle Beach, looking north, showing erosion.
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 15, 2016
Barges will begin staging off Bird Key this week

Vessels and equipment will arrive at the staging area later this week to begin the Turtle Beach renourishment.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The linear property is made up of several parcels fronting Fruitville Road, including this one. (Photo from Google Maps.)
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2016
Sarasota acreage gets new owner

Lakepark Estates now owns more than 1,000 acres fronting Fruitville Road.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 15, 2016
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shoots 51-year-old East County man

Marc Stoddart threatened his wife and deputies with a knife.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 15, 2016
Win tickets to the Florida Winefest & Auction

Between now and March 10, look for a wine bottle hidden in our pages to win.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 15, 2016
Commissioners may authorize staff to proceed with Pinecraft plans

Some residents want a mobility plan and overlay-district plan to preserve unique elements of the Pinecraft area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents celebrated their community together. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 15, 2016
Stoneybrook residents celebrate community

The annual event raised money for the Heritage Harbour community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 15, 2016
Selby Gardens celebrates 40th with The Orchid Show

The Orchid Show at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is open through March 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2016
Downtown Sarasota building sells for $15 million

The PNC Bank building and two nearby parking lots at the corner of Orange Avenue and Ringling Boulevard sold this month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Pass drawbridge will close lanes intermittently in the evening hours beginning tonight.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 15, 2016
Longboat Pass drawbridge evening closures start tonight

Evening lane closures start tonight on Longboat Pass Bridge and will last for five nights.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Richard and Christine Boudreau
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 14, 2016
Couples renew love, say 'I do' again

The annual vow renewal ceremony Say 'I Do' Again brings out hundreds to Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Christian senior point guard McKenzie Lantz finished with 17 points.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2016
Blazers' season ends in regional finals

The Sarasota Christian girls basketball team fell to Palm Bay Covenant Christian 66-41 Feb. 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Logan Newton went 4-for-5 at the plate against North Port Feb. 9.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2016
East County High 5 Moments: 02.18.16

East County High 5 Moments: 02.18.16

  • East County
  • Sports
David Camire of Lakewood Ranch with his 2010 final edition Viper and David Poelke of Sarasota with his 2005 commemorative edition Viper.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 13, 2016
BIG car show rolls into Lakewood Ranch

Big Brothers Big Sisters held its annual car show on Lakewood Ranch Main Street Saturday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team captured its first regional title Feb. 12.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 12, 2016
Mustangs Bound for Final Four

The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team will face Niceville Feb. 19.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jackie Cutrone walks down the runway.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 12, 2016
Sarasota Garden Club fashion show flourishes

Sarasota Garden Club hosts designer Sigrid Olson for Tutta Bella Fashion show.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Doug Logan's previous experience included time as commissioner of Major League Soccer.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 12, 2016
City homelessness director leaves position

Citing concerns about open records requirements, the city will part ways with homelessness director Doug Logan at the end of the month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
JFCS President and CEO Rose Chapman with Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 12, 2016
JFCS strives to bridge the gap in Newtown

Jewish Family & Children's Services host "Bridging the Gap" luncheon and panel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The house of worship already has six classrooms which will be used for the school pending approval.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 12, 2016
Possible Islamic school raises traffic concerns

Some residents worry how a school would affect Lockwood Ridge Road.

  • East County
  • News
For sidebar?
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 12, 2016
Farms in East County witness strawberry shortage

Farmers sound off on a warm winter that generated a rough strawberry season.

  • East County
  • News
For the first time since 2011, the Manatee County School District has earned a "B" District Grade.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 12, 2016
Manatee County School District earns ‘B’ District Grade

The district improved its rating for the first time since 2011.

  • East County
  • News
Shirley Lane, Leslie Kudla and Jan Sharpe
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 12, 2016
Palm Aire Women's Club members get a makeover

The February luncheon entertainment featured makeup lessons.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 12, 2016
Brian Wilson to perform ‘Pet Sounds’ at the Van Wezel

The legendary songwriter will play the acclaimed Beach Boys album during a stop in Sarasota during an international tour this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida Department of Transportation officials believe a light modification and a ramped up education effort about Gulf of Mexico Drive crosswalks will help with safety concerns.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 12, 2016
FDOT addressing safety concerns

Modifications to Gulf of Mexico Drive crosswalks are coming as some commissioners question whether the modifications will address safety concerns.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jeremy Fisher and Diego Castellanos find their families out in the audience.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 12, 2016
Gullett Elementary students wow families with performance

First and fourth grade students sang for a standing-room-only audience.

  • East County
  • Schools
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Latest News

1
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
2
Artist JC Wayne hangs the ninth and final piece in her series "Atomic Universe," the latest installation at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. The display will be up throughout the holiday season.
  • December 19, 2025
Artist delves into ideas of existence at Longboat exhibition
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
5
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables

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