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Your Observer

Cardinal Mooney junior Devin Mignery excelled in his first full year as the starting quarterback.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • November 16, 2024
Cardinal Mooney routs Somerset Academy 55-27

The Cougars cruised to 10-0 on the season in the Class 2A Regional Quarterfinal.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Luke Safford, Nancy Rozance and Shae Safford at Light Up Longboat on Nov. 25, 2023.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 15, 2024
Longboat lights up for the season

The sixth annual Light Up Longboat is expected to be bigger than ever.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The North Shore Road beach access point on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 15, 2024
Some Longboat Key beach accesses reopen after hurricanes

Several public beach access points reopened after crews worked to clean up debris from the entrances.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Helene brought four feet of water inside the Old Salty Dog; Milton crashed through it shutters and tore its historic bar in two.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 15, 2024
Patterson Foundation gives $250,000 for hurricane relief

The Patterson Foundation gift will be distributed through the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Mall at University Town Center's anchors are Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Dillard's, and the mall includes more than 125 specialty stores and restaurants.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 15, 2024
The Mall at UTC celebrates 10 years

A mall on the Sarasota-Manatee county line once looked like a long shot to be not only successful, but even built. Now it's a landmark economic driver.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 14, 2024
Red tide alert issued for Sarasota County beaches

The red tide alert extends from Venice Fishing Pier to North Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 14, 2024
Welcome back: Debby, Helene and Milton paid us a visit while you were away

The trio of tropical systems left their devastating mark, but there were many other stories in Sarasota during the past offseason.

  • Sarasota
  • News
William Rawn Associates designed the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Seiji Ozawa Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 14, 2024
Orchestra architect hits the ground running on Music Center design

William Rawn Associates has collaborated with the Sarasota Orchestra in previous site explorations. A conceptual plan is due in spring 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Julie Fidalgo showcased the book "If You Want to Be Happy," and brought her dog Rocky, who she said is a source of happiness.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 14, 2024
Local authors showcase their knowledge at book fair

The Local Authors Book Fair by Bookstore1Sarasota brought together authors with varying contributions to the literary scene.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 1827 Grove St. was built in 2001 and has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,079 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 14, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A Grove Heights home on Grove Street tops the week's sales at $1,915,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Hip Replacement Gives Patient New Lease on Life
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • November 14, 2024
Hip Replacement Gives Patient New Lease on Life

“It’s amazing to watch someone’s life change," Roland V. Askins, III, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Senior Friendship Center
  • November 14, 2024
RISK LESS. DO MORE.: Ensuring Your Path to Uninterrupted Joy

Our mission? Ensuring the vibrant senior community of southwest Florida stays healthy and engaged to embrace life's daily celebrations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sandhill Cranes and other birds took on a larger than life form during the festival's parade.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 13, 2024
Sarasota hosts first delegation of floral carpet artists

The Sarasota Int'l Chalk Festival brought a global group of organizations together for its "Floralia Infiorata" exhibit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ruth Strauss (1925-2024)
    In Memoriam |
  • November 13, 2024
Ruth Latrelle Strauss

Ruth Latrelle Strauss, long time Longboat Key resident, passed away on Monday, November 4th, just short of her 99th birthday (born December 12th, 1925).

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Edward Cohen (1925-2024)
    In Memoriam |
  • November 13, 2024
Edward Cohen

Edward D. Cohen of Longboat Key FL, born in NYC April 1925, died Oct. 29th 2024, just six months shy of attaining his goal of 100 years old.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Lake Club’s Jim Gallogly celebrates his Take Stock in Children mentee's high school graduation.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2024
Manatee nonprofit aims to raise $100,000 in November

Every dollar raised by Take Stock in Children Manatee in November will go directly toward college scholarships.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River Middle School Principal Kimberlain Zenon has been named the School District of Manatee County's Principal of the Year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 13, 2024
Braden River Middle principal named Manatee County's Principal of the Year

Kimberlain Zenon-Richardson has lead Braden River Middle School since 2019.

  • East County
  • Schools
Carol Felts wins the District 1 race and is congratulated by friend and campaign volunteer Marnie Matarese.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 13, 2024
Lessons learned on the Ranch during the election cycle

Not having a party affiliation means doom these days when it comes to votes.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 13, 2024
Hey, snowbirds. Here's what you missed during the 2024 offseason

Two major hurricanes topped everything, but other Longboat Key news like major planned infrastructure projects and the St. Regis opening still kept town staff and reporters busy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Philoptochos members (back) Betty Karras, Pat Trempelas, Peggy Doukas, Connie Gorzelany, (front) Janet Rantis, Marilyn Blazakis, Connie Chalkis and Diane Kontonickas work to make Autumn Fest a successful fundraiser for local nonprofits.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 13, 2024
St. Barbara Church to benefit local nonprofit with Autumn Fest

The Greek Orthodox church's Philoptochos chapter is focused on helping the less fortunate through Greek food.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amy Farrington, Mike Bennett, Scott Farrington and Jacob Farrington celebrate Scott Farrington's win for the republican nominee of the supervisor of elections. He will face write-in candidate Thomas Dell in the general election.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2024
Scott Farrington takes over as Manatee supervisor of elections

The former chief of staff in the elections office will return to the office as its supervisor.

  • East County
  • News
An entire shed is pulled out of a canal on Nov. 6 by Manatee County's Stormwater Division.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2024
Manatee County cleanup will last into next hurricane season

The county is handling over 700 downed trees and about 18,000 damaged road signs.

  • East County
  • News
Jill Reiter, Paula Kapp, Shawna West and Ricki Harvey at the Welcome Back Key-Niners lunch.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 13, 2024
Longboat Key plans to move into the season as normal

Welcome back parties, town events and business reopenings hope to ensure snowbirds that the island is recovering little by little.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Unit 1005 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive has two bedrooms, three baths and 2,667 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 13, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A Water Club condominium tops the week's sales at $4 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Waleed Ibrahim of Smile Design Dentistry and Lynnae Cepielik of ZimVie Dental
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 13, 2024
Sarasota dentist offers free dental implants to veterans

In advance of Veterans Day, Smile Design Dentistry offered free dental implants, including full mouth reconstructions, to 15 veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An adult bald eagle sits on the tree that houses the nest on Buttonwood Drive.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 13, 2024
Safety concerns prompt eagle nest removal debate in Longboat neighborhood

The bald eagle nest in the tree on Buttonwood Drive may now pose a threat to a homeowner's property because of hurricane damage.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was built over fill, which created land on what was formerly Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 13, 2024
Van Wezel damage may reach $10 million

With multiple shows hanging in the balance, Executive Director Mary Bensel tells the city's Purple Ribbon Committee the race is on to reopen on Jan. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Barroom break-up borders brawl
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 13, 2024
Barroom break-up borders brawl

A man insults bar and restaurant staff and threatens to throw glassware at employees after woman deals a death blow to their relationship. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
A red tsunami in Florida
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 13, 2024
A red tsunami in Florida

“The incentive that impels man to act is uneasiness.” It was abundantly clear Floridians were uneasy about the past four years.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Juan Leon and Tony Fudoli
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 12, 2024
Siesta bar hosts Marine Corps birthday after overcoming hurricane damage

Gilligan's Island Bar & Grill hosted the celebration for the 11th year.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Gino Calleja and Cristel Ramires serve soup with Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 12, 2024
Bowls of Hope helps fill the bowls of those in need

All Faiths Food Bank's largest fundraiser of the year, Bowls of Hope welcomed the community for a sampling of artisan bowls and soups in support of the food bank.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lake Club home at 8024 Bowspirit Way sold for $3,275,000. It has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,938 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 12, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Bowspirit Way tops the week's sales at $3.28 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Remembering the Longboat friends we lost
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 12, 2024
Remembering the Longboat friends we lost

This offseason, Longboat Key said goodbye to several friends, family and community members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Conductor Lynn Cleary leads the Manatee Community Concert Band at Waterside Place on Aug. 27.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 12, 2024
Manatee Community Concert Band kicks off a new season

The Manatee Community Concert Band is open to all ages and skill levels, but members must read sheet music.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Asst. Chief Martin Szalbirak awarded Firefighter Paramedic David Oliger, Firefighter Paramedic Tirso Guerrero and Lt. Daniel Heath with a Phoenix Award.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 12, 2024
Longboat Key Fire Rescue recognizes valor at annual awards ceremony

Crew members were awarded medals and awards for apt responses to rescue calls and dedication to the department at the annual ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ann MacClellan will open her third Island Kids Child Care Center. She has two locations in Grand Island, New York and will tentatively open her third location Nov. 18 in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 12, 2024
Island Kids Child Care Center to open in Lakewood Ranch

Owner Ann MacClellan seeks to put her passion for education into caring for children.

  • East County
  • Business
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Latest News

1
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
2
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
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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