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Your Observer

Igor Pertile works with the plants.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 28, 2024
Farmer education program gives aspiring growers a head start in the field

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County has partnered with Mote Aquaculture Research Park to use its facility for the program, which gives farmers hands-on farming and business development experience.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rick Piccolo has spent 30 of his 53-year airport career at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 28, 2024
Retiring SRQ airport chief rose from the janitor's closet to executive suite

Rick Piccolo began his 53-year career scrubbing toilets at a Buffalo airport. He will leave SRQ after 30 years doing having learned nearly every airport job along the way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 1003 condominium at 410 S. Palm Ave. has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,975 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 28, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 11-27 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A condominium in Savoy on Palm tops the week's sales at $3.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Sarasota Choral Society performs Handel's Messiah.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 27, 2024
Sarasota Choral Society celebrates 80 years

The choral society, founded in 1944, carries on the annual tradition of performing the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vacationing couple ends up in Sarasota Bay
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 27, 2024
Vacationing couple ends up in Sarasota Bay

A man and woman get a sinking feeling while hanging out with a man they just met on his anchored boat. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A study done by the Florida Department of Transportation estimated that the current drawbridge is raised about 100-300 times a month.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 27, 2024
FDOT identifies 5 Longboat Key projects in 5-year work plan

Included in the draft plan are big ticket projects like preliminary engineering for a Longboat Pass Bridge replacement and Gulf of Mexico Drive resurfacing.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Snow, Debbie Snow, Ginger the dog, Lynette and Dennis Castiglia, Knox the dog and Kim and Sally Schoeffel bring the manger scene to life during Peace Presbyterian's Carols, Candles and Living Nativity on the Path in 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2024
Destruction turns into inspiration for Peace Presbyterian Church's Peaceful Path

Church members use debris from Hurricane Milton to create decorations for the path for the church's living nativity.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This rendering illustrates what the housing complex will look like once built. The larger building will serve as a community center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 27, 2024
Harbor58 nonprofit is a safe harbor for youths in foster care

East County nonprofit Harbor58 provides mentoring and resources for high school students and young adults in the foster system.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Even your dog can practice downward facing dog at Yoga in the Park at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 27, 2024
HOA board votes to pull Lakewood Ranch Community Activities' funding

The Country Club Edgewater Village Association board says its residents are not obligated to support the nonprofit.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 27, 2024
Longboat Key hosts annual Toys for Tots campaign through Dec. 9

Through Dec. 9, residents can drop off donations at three locations around the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 465 Partridge Circle has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,330 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 27, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 11-15 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Bird Key home on Partridge Circle tops the week's sales at $1.6 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Liz Barker, who served as part of the boundary advisory committee, has children who attend Lakeview and will be affected by new boundary change to Skye Ranch.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 27, 2024
Rezoning to relocate 1,187 Sarasota students to Skye Ranch School

The school board unanimously approved a proposal that would rezone students from Ashton Elementary, Lakeview Elementary and Sarasota Middle to the new K-8 Skye Ranch School.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Stylist Sanda LaRose from Design 2000 Salon at David Gregory Salon.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 26, 2024
Design 2000 salon reopens after hurricane season

After weeks of sharing styling chairs at David Gregory Salon, Design 2000 employees are back in their newly renovated shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
  • By Safe Children Coalition
  • November 26, 2024
Implementing Change for Good

Safe Children Coalition served over 9,000 children in the last fiscal year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
This Lake Club home at 16824 Clearlake Ave. sold for $2.3 million. It has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,037 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 26, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 11-15 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Clearlake Avenue tops the week's sales at $2.3 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
ODA Boys Soccer Head Coach Dave Walker is in his first full year leading the program after stepping in for long-time coach David Hawkes last season.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • November 26, 2024
The Out-of-Door Academy boys soccer program is in good hands

Head Coach Dave Walker takes over a program that is primed for another big season.

  • East County
  • Sports
A daytime and nighttime rendering of Poly, which will be installed at the roundabout on U.S. 41 at 14th Street.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 26, 2024
Foundation being laid for 14th Street roundabout art installation

Approved in 2019, the roundabout at U.S. 41 and 14th Street is being prepped for Poly to be installed in January.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Resident flags officer for help removing raccoon from car grill
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 26, 2024
Resident flags officer for help removing raccoon from car grill

After accidentally hitting the raccoon, the driver found the raccoon to be alive and behind the grill. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Most of the upper canopy of the tree on Buttonwood Drive was trimmed on Nov. 14.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 26, 2024
Buttonwood Drive tree trimming proceeded as planned

The tree that stirred debate in Buttonwood Harbour was trimmed by professional arborists, removing the eagles nest but preventing property damage.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cheif Lee Whitehurst and Fire Commissioner Garry Lawson celebrate another East County fire station opening.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 26, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue opens new Myakka City station

The new station replaces the old Station 11 located at 10215 Wauchula Road.

  • East County
  • News
The 46th annual Holiday Night of Lights will be held at St. Armands Circle on Dec. 6.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 26, 2024
Holiday Night of Lights set for Dec. 6

The 46th annual tree lighting event at St. Armands Circle marks a significant step in recovery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is set up at Sarasota's Municipal Auditorium.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • November 25, 2024
FEMA disaster aid deadline extended to Jan. 7

Aid is available to pay for displacement, basic home repairs and personal property losses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Heather Hackett has been named the 2024 C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award recipient.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 25, 2024
Heather Hackett named Lakewood Ranch Humanitarian of the Year

During disasters, Heather Hackett measures up with Local Relief.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Copenhagen Imports
  • November 25, 2024
Furnishing Hope: How Copenhagen Imports is Giving Back to the Homeless This Holiday Season

Copenhagen Imports, is continuing its commitment to support Sarasota's homeless community through its popular annual Stressless promotion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lakewood Ranch Varsity basketball Head Coach George Holub looks to bring stability to the program in a rebuilding year.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • November 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball looking to rebound to past glory

New Lakewood Ranch High basketball Head Coach George Holub aims to bring stability to the program.

  • East County
  • Sports
Nancy Rozance (Santa) and the current Rotary Club President Jan Wallace said residents brought a record number of gifts to donate at Light Up Longboat 2024.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 25, 2024
Community regroups as Light Up Longboat kicks off holiday season

After a challenging summer of hurricanes for the island, members of the Longboat community came together for an early holiday celebration.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jennifer and Grayson Tullio attend the dedication ceremony for Dream Oaks Camp on Nov. 20.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 25, 2024
Manatee County dedicates 62 acres to Foundation for Dreams

East County nonprofit Foundation for Dreams celebrated its move to a 62-acre property next to Rye Preserve.

  • East County
  • News
A massive live oak at Sarasota City Hall was toppled by Hurricane Milton, falling away from the building toward First Street.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 25, 2024
Hurricane damage takes a bite out of city's fund balance

Sarasota Deputy City Manager estimates cost of damage repairs and citywide cleanup at $18 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium opened the aquarium to the public on Nov. 22 after eight weeks of closure following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 25, 2024
Mote reopens after two tough months, introduces new resident manatee

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium reopened its doors to the public on Nov. 22 after an eight-week-long closure from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Manasota Flooring
  • November 25, 2024
For 50 Years This “Family Business” Mission Extends to Employees, Their Families, Other Local Businesses and Non-Profits

Manasota Flooring is one of the largest flooring companies in our area, servicing Palmetto to Venice, Longboat Key to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Talking turkey at the Grove — before and after.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 24, 2024
Grove workers bring a Thanksgiving feast to the masses

When it comes to feast mode, not many can compare to the Grove's recipe for Thanksgiving success. The Lakewood Ranch restaurant uses military precision to feed 7,000 people turkey and all the fixings.

  • East County
  • News
Hurricane Helene left the Lord's Warehouse at the Longboat Island Chapel in disarray.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 24, 2024
Lord’s Warehouse works to reopen next year after Hurricane Helene

After losing 75% of its merchandise, the Lord's Warehouse at the Longboat Island Chapel asks for donations and volunteers to reopen by February.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Discarded belongings flooded from Hurricane Helene were scattered by Hurricane Milton's winds on Siesta Key, where the storm made landfall.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • November 24, 2024
In times of distress, we bounce back and show resilience

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, it's in all of our nature to look and find the light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Sarasota campus of Sarasota Memorial Hospital in 2021.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 24, 2024
SMH invests $160 million in new electronic records system

The new information platform at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System will provide seamless integration of patient data across all providers and facilities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The current board makeup consists of Tim Enos, Bridget Ziegler, Robyn Marinelli, Liz Barker and Tom Edwards.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 23, 2024
Sarasota School Board swears in newly elected members

Liz Barker was sworn in for her first term, while Tom Edwards was sworn in for a second term.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
All of the tennis center courts are being used for the tournament.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 23, 2024
National tennis tournament to come back to Longboat for 21st year

The Masters Clay Courts Men's Tennis Tournament will be Dec. 2-8 to welcome players from ages 50 to 90 years old.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
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
5
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

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