• 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

Lift Station D at 521 Gulf Bay Road collects sewage from the town of Longboat Key and pumps it to a treatment facility in Bradenton in August 2020.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 20, 2024
March ballot measure to decide if Longboat pursues up to $33M loan

Town voters will determine whether or not Longboat can pursue a State Revolving Fund loan for up to $33 million toward the subaqueous force main replacement project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
From left to right: Chuck Eldridge, Juan Sarmentoe, Freddy Montoya, Steve Gregg and John Reilly.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 20, 2024
Longboat Key Club Friars raise $15k for grounds crew affected by hurricanes

The group raised $15,000 in 10 days to appreciate the crew's hard work and help them with their own recovery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Scorned woman goes on vandalism spree at baby daddy's house
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • November 20, 2024
Scorned woman goes on vandalism spree at baby daddy's house

After ex-boyfriend refuses an early-morning visit, a woman's rampage results in more than $4,000 in damage including someone else's car. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A massing model presented by Renzo Piano Building Workshop shows the four Sarasota Performing Arts Center along North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 20, 2024
Performing Arts Center agreement deadline extended

The Sarasota City Commission grants request from the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to extend the implementation agreement deadline for a new theater complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florida always comes back
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 20, 2024
Florida always comes back

Population typically contracts in the year after a hurricane. But after two years, it bounces back.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Price gouging: Much ado about nothing
  • By Adrian Moore, Max Gulker
  • November 20, 2024
Price gouging: Much ado about nothing

As Floridians rebuild and recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the issue of price gouging always captivates politicians and the media.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Circus Arts Conservatory founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs are stepping down from their management roles.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 19, 2024
Circus Arts Conservatory co-founders step down

Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs are succeeded by 16-year veteran Jennifer Mitchell, who has been named president and CEO.

  • Arts + Culture
Three new commissioners are sworn in on Nov. 19. The new Manatee County Commission from left to right: Tal Siddique, Carol Felts, George Kruse, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, Jason Bearden and Dr. Robert McCann.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 19, 2024
Newly elected Manatee County commissioners sworn into office

The three new commissioners vow to reflect the voice of the people.

  • East County
  • News
Michael and Sharon Defferding are active in their Country Club Community. Now, Sharon Defferding will serve on the Community Development District's board.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 19, 2024
Chance decides tied Lakewood Ranch CDD election

After two ties, the race for CDD5, Seat 2 was decided by drawing cards.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Gardiner, Patty Buck, Karen Fors and Ann Quackenbush at the Christ Church Welcome Back Party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 19, 2024
Welcome back party at Christ Church

Christ Church of Longboat Key welcomes back snowbirds for the season on Nov. 13.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Andrea Helme has lived in Lakewood Ranch since 1999.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 19, 2024
Pioneering LWR woman finds comfort in raising funds for Alzheimer's research

Longtime Lakewood Ranch resident Andrea Helme marches forward on her goal of raising funds for Alzheimer's research and care.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Evelyn Lyman, 21 and Brian Guerrero, 24, from Sarasota Cuban Ballet School perform a scene from "The Nutcracker."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 19, 2024
Young performers take center stage at Sarasota Rising: A Celebration of Youth

The closing event of the inaugural Living Arts Festival showcased up-and-coming talent in the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 15307 Anchorage Place sold for $6,275,000. It has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 6,245 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 19, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Nov. 4-8 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Anchorage Place tops the week's sales at $6.28 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Suspicious man sleeping on park bench resting after rescue from bay
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 19, 2024
Suspicious man sleeping on park bench resting after rescue from bay

The man told officers he was just rescued after going overboard on his boat. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Legislative delegation meeting set for Dec. 16
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 19, 2024
Legislative delegation meeting set for Dec. 16

Members of the Sarasota County delegation will hold their annual pre-session meeting at the Sarasota County Administrative Center in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rev. Brock Patterson and Linda Crouse at the Longboat Island Chapel.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 19, 2024
Volunteer decorators needed for Longboat chapel's Christmas event

To be ready for Dec. 1, Longboat Island Chapel is asking for help from the community to prepare for the beloved Christmas in the Garden.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The yellow outline shows the approximately 43-acre parcel where 99 homes are proposed.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 19, 2024
Homebuilder shares plans for new residential development

The site plan shows 99 homes on 44 acres near State Road 64 and Uihlein Road in East County.

  • East County
  • News
A funding source is one of the challenges in developing a canal maintenance program.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 19, 2024
Longboat moves to set taxing district for canal maintenance program

At a meeting on Nov. 12, Longboat Key town commissioners voted to create the taxing district, but how to fairly allocate costs is still in question.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Construction of Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay in The Quay is expected to be completed in late 2026.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 19, 2024
Contractor named for Quay condominium development

Kolter Urban will partner with Moss Construction to build Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River High School's Kirsten Soler and Quinn McGettigan kiss the trophy. The Marching Band of Pirates earned its first state championship title in five years.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 19, 2024
Braden River High marching band claims state 2A title

The Marching Band of Pirates win first place, and Parrish Community High's Pride of Parrish Marching Band placed fourth in the same division.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Coldwell Banker Realty office on St. Armands Circle reopened on Nov. 13
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 19, 2024
Coldwell Banker Realty reopens its St. Armands Circle office

The real estate office renovated to build in resiliency for the potential of future flooding on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Noble Molineaux, 8, and Nyla Molineaux, 6, hold Brownie the chicken.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 18, 2024
McIntosh Middle Fall Festival celebrates the season and the school's offerings

Now in its second year, the fall festival brought together departments from throughout the school for activities, crafts and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Ivo F. Waerlop (1938-2024)
    In Memoriam |
  • November 18, 2024
Ivo F. Waerlop

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ivo F. Waerlop, who left us peacefully on July 28, 2024, at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Storm debris sits outside multiple stores at St. Armands Circle. Sarasota County’s two public drop-off sites for debris will soon close.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 18, 2024
Storm debris drop-off sites in Sarasota County to close Nov. 23

Sarasota County’s two public drop-off sites for residential vegetative storm debris will close permanently at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, the county announced Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ringling College graduate Dean Arscott won first place in the Sculptor's Choice and People's Choice awards for single projects, with "Neanderthal + Narwhal". The 2008 graduate and illustration major pulled the idea from an old sketchbook of drawings on letters of the alphabet.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 18, 2024
Former Ringling student takes home top award at Crystal Classic

Each year, the sand sculpting event brings an international lineup of artists to Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Maggie Mays, Rylie Jackson and Camiryn Opstal at the debutante event at Shore Longboat Key.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 18, 2024
Shore Longboat Key hosts Sarasota Debutantes

Debutantes Camiryn Opstal, Rylie Jackson and Maggie Mays invited all their friends to the island for an elegant brunch inspired by "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High Head Coach Scott Paravicini talks with his team following a 41-3 win over Braden River High. It was the Mustangs' first win over the Pirates since 2013.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • November 18, 2024
Building high school football programs brick by brick

The Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high school football coaches reflect on the 2024 season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota's Dino Bever blows into a medieval animal horn.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 18, 2024
Sarasota Medieval Fair continues its run in Myakka City

The popular event attracts thousands to the Woods of Mallaranny along State Road 70.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The crew gets ready to move the hose from the working floor up to the floor above, where the simulated "fire" would be.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 18, 2024
Longboat Key Fire Rescue focuses training on high-rise techniques

The three department crews ran through scenarios that put high rise training into practice and helped solidify training on lower-frequency calls.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As president of the Village Idiots Cycling Club, Dawn Zielinski lobbies for efforts to make roadways safer for cyclists.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • November 18, 2024
Village Idiots continue their mission to make roadways safer for cyclists

In a place with plenty of clubs and groups, the Village Idiots Cycling Club of Lakewood Ranch stands out, both in longevity — 15 years — and its core mission of bringing people together through a common passion.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The flooding from Hurricane Milton entered the Van Wezel through these doors to the kitchen.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 18, 2024
Van Wezel flooding highlights repurposing engineering study

Hurricane Milton damage prompts Karins Engineering's update to the Purple Ribbon Ribbon to focus on water intrusion mitigation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Benisa Jones combines her passions for writing and journals to design her own journals.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 17, 2024
Creativity on display at Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch's fall art show

From jewelry to paintings to journals and more, the Creative Arts Association had a variety of works on display.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cindy Noble and Susan Gilmore-Clarke at the St. Marys Women's Guild welcome back lunch.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 17, 2024
St. Mary Star of the Sea Women's Guild welcomes back members

Members look forward to the season as snowbirds arrive back on Longboat Key just in time for holiday festivities.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gloria Diaz sparkles on the runway during the Waterlefe Fashion Show.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 17, 2024
Waterlefe Fashion Show displays elegance on the runway

Amateur models show off fashions, raise money for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and his son, Ryan, were recognized for saving their neighbor from cardiac arrest while off-duty.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 17, 2024
Longboat fire chief, son exemplify why a firefighter is always on call

Last Thanksgiving, Chief Dezzi and his son, Ryan, saved the life of their neighbor while both were off-duty. They were recognized by the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department this month.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The St. Regis Longboat Key at night on August 14, 2024. The resort's lights were an issue during the 2024 sea turtle nesting season.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 17, 2024
No fines added after final St. Regis hearing finds resort in violation

After a slew of lighting violations resulted in $6,850 of fines, representatives from the St. Regis say resort staff is working on compliance and education.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 »
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
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

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