• 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

With more than 1,200 hotel rooms slated for downtown Sarasota, the local hiring slump may end in the coming years.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 5, 2016
Will new hotels buffer Sarasota's slumping job growth?

In December, the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metropolitan area added the least amount of jobs year-over-year in that month since the recession.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dan Wiseman captured this shot of a storm on the Siesta Key coast.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2016
Sarasota weather page photo: Feb. 4

Dan Wiseman captured this shot of a storm on the Siesta Key coast.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world come to the Thunder by the Bay event each year. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 4, 2016
Thunder by the Bay organizers want the event to stay downtown

They are waiting to hear what future restrictions the city of Sarasota may place on the event.

  • East County
  • News
Jolanta Sobolewski submitted this photos from Jiggs Landing.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2016
East County weather page photo: Feb. 4

Jolanta Sobolewski submitted this photos from Jiggs Landing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Fred Bethke submitted this photo of a sunset at Spanish Main Yacht Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2016
Longboat Key weather page photo: Feb. 4

Fred Bethke submitted this photo of a sunset at Spanish Main Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Anna Zimmerman (Center, right) poses with her winnings beside Deputy Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, Jason Edelkind and Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 4, 2016
Braden River High student wins at regional science and engineering fair

Anna Zimmerman broke the code with her project on DNA sequences.

  • East County
  • News
Former U.S. Sen. Marlow Cook served during the Nixon administration.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2016
Former U.S. Sen. Marlow Cook dies

The Plymouth Harbour resident, who enjoyed a long political career in Louisville, Ky., died today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Buffett considers his options
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 4, 2016
Mote experts disagree on outcome of Superbowl 50

Mote Manatees throw their considerable weight behind different teams, but one has a better record.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The ground floor houses the front desk, the WXYZ bar, the Refuel restaurant and lounging space.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 4, 2016
Aloft Sarasota opens its doors

Downtown Sarasota's newest hotel is open for business and is taking reservations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Firefighter/paramedic Jose Rivera teaches Bayport residents Chris Lake, Arlene Scarlett and Sue Rosen how to use an automatic external defibrillator Feb. 3 at the north fire station.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 4, 2016
CPR session popularity climbs

More than 80 people attended free CPR training sessions Feb. 3 at the north fire station, prompting the Fire Rescue Department to consider more classes this season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • February 4, 2016
Puppies trump people

When the Sarasota County Commission voted to ban puppy and kitten sales from retail pet stores, they confiscated Brad Parker’s property. He has a case for a taking.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Moms, grandmothers and students filled the Willis cafeteria for Moms and Muffins.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 4, 2016
Willis Elementary cafeteria fills with Moms and Muffins

The school's PTO organized the annual event.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota Christian sophomore Alyse Yoder helped lead the Blazers to their fifth straight district title Jan. 29.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

Three Sarasota area girls basketball teams will have home court advantage to open the playoffs

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Cardinal Mooney striker Alex Turner scored the lone goal in the Cougars Class 2A-Region 3 victory Feb. 2.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
Sarasota Sidelines: 02.04.16

Sarasota Sidelines: 02.04.16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Out-of-Door Academy's Jake Krug will help lead the Thunder against Riverview Feb. 9.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
That's the ticket ...

Check out these top events in Sarasota sports this week

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Fourteen-year-olds Grace Dickinson, Lauren Johnson and Abi Johnson are more than just teammates — they're best friends.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
Familiar bond fuels friendship

Three Cardinal Mooney freshmen have made playing volleyball together a priority.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Siesta Key children's playground included a lunar lander slide.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 4, 2016
This week in history 2.4.16

A glimpse of the way things were from the archives.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Christine Gianoplus leads the Hellenic folk dancers before an audience at the 2015 Greek Glendi festival.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 4, 2016
Sarasota calendar 2.4.16

Sarasota and Siesta Key events for the week of Feb. 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo. Margaret Buck in her robe and slippers.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 4, 2016
Early birds flock to Mass

Church of the Redeemer welcomes young parishioners in their Pj's.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joel Fried’s home on Siesta Key has been listed fraudulently for rent since he purchased it two years ago.
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 4, 2016
Renters and owners, beware

A common scam continues to lure prospective renters with fake listings on sites like Craigslist.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2016
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Manatee predictions, pet sales ban, Superbowl predictions

WEEK OF FEB. 4

  • Sarasota
  • News
The increasing number of new projects in Sarasota have inspired the city to reconsider its assessment of impact fees on developers.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2016
As city considers development fees, builders brace for impact

The city of Sarasota could soon restore and revise some of its impact fees on new developments, a growing trend facing builders in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents gathered Saturday at the Sarasota Farmers Market in opposition to the proposed sale of the grassy strip near Pineapple Park.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2016
City strikes Pineapple Park land deal

The Sarasota City Commission agreed to sell a piece of land along Lemon Avenue — which could mean doom or good fortunes for the nearby park, depending on who you ask.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Downtown Economic Development Coordinator Norm Gollub monitors the retail mix in the heart of the city, but there's only much influence he can exert.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2016
SURVEY: City officials, businesses monitor downtown retail mix

The proper mix of stores in the downtown area is a popular topic of discussion, but how much control does the city have over the businesses that populate its commercial core?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 4, 2016
Country Club Village home sells for $743,000

Area real estate transactions from Jan. 18-22

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 4, 2016
Fiddler Bayou home sells for $4.2 million

The following residential real estate transactions took place between January 18 and January 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2016
Cops Corner: Sarasota 02.04.16

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Brandon Bontrager was one of four Sarasota Christian players who scored in double figures Jan. 28.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 02.04.16

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 02.04.16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch graduate Kristin Zarrella set a new University of Southern Mississippi school record in the mile Jan. 30.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 4, 2016
East County High 5 Moments: 02.04.16

East County High 5 Moments: 02.04.16

  • East County
  • Sports
Riverview junior forward Brion Whitley led all scorers with 34 points.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 3, 2016
Rams cruise into district final

The Riverview High boys basketball team beat Tampa Riverview 78-55 Feb. 3.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A record nine football players signed scholarships on National Signing Day Feb. 3.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 3, 2016
Pirates and Mustangs make college choices

Fifteen East County athletes signed college scholarships Feb. 3.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tourists in the Siesta Key Village. The Chamber acts as a visitors' center and promotional group for the entire Key.
    By
  • Jack Short
  • February 3, 2016
Siesta Key Chamber announces officers and directors for 2016

The organization added new directors and elected a new chairman for its board.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 3, 2016
Karl Rove, Jim Messina speak in Sarasota

The Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture Series featured Karl Rove, Jim Messina and Sharyl Attkisson this morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jim Messina with RCLA Town Hall Chair Chris Cremer, Sharyl Attkisson and Karl Rove
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 3, 2016
Rove, Messina talk chances of presidential hopefuls

Political strategists Karl Rove and Jim Messina breakdown Iowa caucus results.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The $315 million Mall at University Town Center opened in October 2014.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 3, 2016
Jackie Z to fight Mall at UTC

Jackie Zumba has started a gofundme.com page to fight a lawsuit for breaking her lease.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming says that approximately 84% of Key break-ins each year are attributed to unlocked doors like instances that occurred in Longbeach Village Jan. 22.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 3, 2016
Burglarized cars share common theme

Like 84% of break-ins that occur Keywide, the 13 vehicles that were recently burglarized in the Longbeach Village had unlocked doors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 872 873 874 »
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
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

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