• 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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

George Tatge, Sarasota County’s manager of beaches, hopes a project connecting to ends of Ted Sperling Park brings more people into the area.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 24, 2016
South Lido project taps oil spill funds

South Lido project taps oil spill funds

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 24, 2016
State funds may help connect the Legacy Trail

County officials are lobbying for state funding that could support stretching the Legacy Trail into downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City Manager Tom Barwin was disappointed to lose state funding for a housing program, but he wants to search for other revenue streams.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2016
City continues to explore mental health tax

Despite a rebuke from county officials, the city isn’t giving up hope on creating a special assessment district to fund mental health services.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 is comprised of a group of local organizations focused on developing a 42-acre swath of city-owned land.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2016
City seeks presence on bayfront planning group

As Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leaders work to create a new planning organization, city officials want two of its voices in the discussions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Elise Matthes oversees a 10-acre sanctuary for animals — including rabbits — as head of Sarasota in Defense of Animals.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2016
Animal activists warn against impulse rabbit purchases

Although a Sarasota County ban on commercial pet sales doesn’t cover rabbits, advocates encourage prospective owners to educate themselves as Easter approaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The parking garage would include 521 spaces, and the paid parking system would be tiered based on parking space locations.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2016
St. Armands garage hinges on parking revenue

The city is proceeding with plans to pay for a St. Armands Circle parking garage, but some officials are hesitant to make a 20-year commitment to paid parking.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although the city had placed a hold on permits for downtown special events, organizers of events like the Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival can now reserve their locations.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 24, 2016
Downtown event policies remain in flux

City commissioners offered a sign of support for maintaining downtown as a venue for special events — but also expressed an interest in revamping event regulations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 24, 2016
Wildwood Acres home sells for $2.5 million

The following residential real estate transactions took place between March 7 and March 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
File photo. After an agonizing wait, kids at the 2015 Big Truck EGGstravaganza egg hunt were released onto the field.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • March 24, 2016
Sarasota calendar 3.24.16

Sarasota and Siesta Key events for the week of March 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney High School Principal and known prankster Steve Christie will retire at the end of the school year.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • March 24, 2016
No joke: Cardinal Mooney's Steve Christie will retire

After 19 years, Cardinal Mooney's principal is ready for a slower pace.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Kate Lam hammers in a nail to the side of the Habitat for Humanity house.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • March 24, 2016
Students trade sleeping in for CYD

Community Youth Development spends week volunteering for local organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 24, 2016
Cops Corner: Sarasota 03.24.16

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Gracie Brasacchio and Colleen Brasacchio have a duet together in addition to their solo routines.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 24, 2016
Riverview High School swimmers remain in sync

Gracie Brasacchio, 17, and Colleen Brasacchio, 15, have been involved in synchronized swimming for the past 10 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Micah Fenn is one of four Riverview seniors who will play in the Sarasota-Manatee Boys All-Star Game March 26.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 24, 2016
Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

All-star game gives area seniors one final time to shine.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Booker's Micah Davis hit a grand slam, had five RBI and scored three runs in the Tornadoes 12-0 victory versus Southeast March 17.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 24, 2016
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 03.24.16

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 03.24.16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Senior pitcher Spencer Stevens will lead the Cougars into the Second Annual Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic March 28.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 24, 2016
That's the ticket ...

Check out these top Sarasota sporting events.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Big Pass sits between Siesta Key and Lido Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 23, 2016
Commissioners discuss report on Big Pass dredge

A consultant’s analysis has questioned plans to renourish Lido Key with sand from the inlet.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Yuffi the miniature poodle
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • March 23, 2016
Yuffie: Stylish, no matter the season

One pooch stuck out from the pack during the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon on Saturday, March 19.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sergeant Steve Chenard tests Barley's strength.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • March 23, 2016
McNeal Elementary students meet four-legged heroes

Students earned a K9 Unit exhibition by Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 23, 2016
Crossing guards at cross purposes

It seems our new guards could use some coaching. Or perhaps someone at the top needs to determine what their purpose is.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • March 23, 2016
Long-lasting legacies

Outgoing Longboat Key commissioners Lynn Larson and Pat Zunz played crucial roles in what will be historic changes on the Key. They are testaments to persistence.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The sign's tagline reads, "From early education to career readiness, the Y gives kids like Zoe the support they need to be president...potentially...in like, 2064." Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
Your Town

Eighty-two-year-old is Facebook guru; Freedom Elementary administrators spend day on the roof; Music on Main goes blue.

  • East County
  • News
If students can't handle the maneuver, they crush cones instead of other cars or people. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 23, 2016
BRAKES brings teen hands-on driving school to East County

Bradenton Motorsports Park will host BRAKES, which puts teens in emergency and panic driving situations, in May.

  • East County
  • News
The thatched area represents the property.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
Developer plans apartments near UTC Mall

Remi Properties has preliminary plans for 233 apartments at Honore Avenue and Desoto Road.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • March 23, 2016
Town Hall shows off local talent

The Town of Longboat Key honored local artists at its Town Hall Art Exhibit reception March 22.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gov. Rick Scott with Jack Ogren
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 23, 2016
Local Elks receive Veterans Service Awards

Club news

  • East County
  • News
Kawida Turner places a green ball into the pipe on the sensory trail.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • March 23, 2016
Special event rises out of the blue

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy schedules special autism event April 23.

  • East County
  • News
Madi LoCastro hit a pair of home runs in the Lakewood Ranch softball team's 10-6 victory over Braden River March 15.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 23, 2016
East County High 5 Moments: 03.24.16

East County High 5 Moments: 03.24.16

  • East County
  • Sports
Jamier Jones attempts to dribble to the basket past Dylan Higgins.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 23, 2016
New clubs are heavy hitters

East County athletes benefit as talented coaches open club programs close to home.

  • East County
  • Sports
Steve Schwalbach finishes his run across Florida March 18, at Lido Beach. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • March 23, 2016
Steve Schwalbach: Running Man

Steve Schwalbach ran 234 miles across the state of Florida to honor his mother, Jackie, who died of Alzheimer’s disease last year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sylvia Pastor, center, with her sous chefs Lynn Burton and Doris Kaplan March 4, at Temple Beth Israel’s ‘In the Kitchen with Sylvia.’
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • March 23, 2016
Sylvia Pastor dishes on culinary skills

Sylvia Pastor is known at Temple Beth Israel and on the rest of the Key for her talents as a chef.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Receptionist Jill Taylor greets guests.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
FDOT opens new operations center

The center is located on State Road 64 east of I-75.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jack Short
  • March 23, 2016
Police say education is right approach for crosswalks

There’s a learning curve that comes with new crosswalks on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
IDA supervisors Alan Silverglat, Alan Roth, Nancy Johnson and Tom Green brainstorm options for making meetings more efficient.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
Price of reclaimed water squirts upward

Inter-district authority wants to streamline its meetings.

  • East County
  • News
Phil and Janette Derstine say when they got married 40 years ago, they did not want to be pastors. Now, they can't imagine life in different roles.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
Faith is served up Family style

Christian Retreat's Family Church celebrates 30-year anniversary.

  • East County
  • News
“They were gambling on concert tickets,” Mojoe Production's owner Greg Herndon said. “They might as well have taken my money and gone to Las Vegas. Things can go wrong, and you have to be ready for that.”
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • March 23, 2016
Mojoe Productions sues Ranch Jam organizers

Creditor still pursues damages against Ranch Jam LLC to pay for failed Lakewood Ranch concert AND Ranch Jam LLC attempts to get Mojoe Productions' lawsuit dismissed.

  • East County
  • News
« 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 »
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
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
2
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
3
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
4
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota
5
The town of Longboat Key has installed new signage at beach access points on the island.
  • June 18, 2026
Informational signs posted on Longboat beaches

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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free