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Your Observer

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
Police try to locate illegal iguana on Longboat Key beach
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 12, 2024
Police try to locate illegal iguana on Longboat Key beach

A citizen called to report the invasive species taking a stroll on the beach. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Harry, Lynn and Hal Christensen.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 12, 2024
Most Longboat Key restaurants are open

Staple restaurants on the Key shared what it is like being open after two hurricanes devastated the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Mira Mar has stood on South Palm Avenue since 1923.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 12, 2024
Developer takes first step to restore and redevelop the Mira Mar site

Seaward Development has a pre-application conference with the Development Review Committee to start the rezoning process from Downtown Core to Downtown Bayfront.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The uniform of the day for the Marine veterans — red polo shirts with the Marine Corps emblem. From left, David Matthews, Doug Rigg, Art Dehardt, Bob Fields, Debbie Fields, Joe Felice and David Doak.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • November 11, 2024
Marine vets gather to celebrate Corps birthday

For the 22nd year, Marina Jack hosted area veterans in commemorating the U.S. Marine Corps 249th anniversary.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ethan Parker, 12, rides with the Historic Aircraft Society.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 11, 2024
Veterans Day parade honors the sacrifices of the community's veterans

The parade brought together local schools, organizations, clubs and city departments in honor of veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Erik Arroyo speaks to his fellow city commissioners, staff and residents during his final address as a Sarasota city commissioner.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 11, 2024
Arroyo relieved to be relieved of City Commission seat

The outgoing District 3 representative and former mayor pledges to remain involved as the next Sarasota City Commission is sworn in without him.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Locals Annabeth Howton and Jenna Barnett at the St. Armands Circle Art Festival.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 11, 2024
St. Armands Art Festival welcomes back customers to the Circle

Sarasota and Longboat residents supported St. Armand businesses as they recover after the hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Maggie Oberst, Catherine Costello and Bonnie Schneider at the St. Mary Christmas Bazaar.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 11, 2024
St. Mary's Women’s Guild hosts handmade Christmas market

St. Mary Star of the Sea Women’s Guild hosted its annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 9.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sean Rabus, who is 5, defies the odds every day, making his mother, Maureen Flood Rabus, beam with pride.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch family to support epilepsy research with Seany's Shuffle

Sean Rabus is defying the odds as he continues to thrive living with Menkes disease, a rare type of epilepsy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gilbert McNeal first grader Alec Adams made a sign for the parade that was close to his heart.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 10, 2024
McNeal Elementary students honor veterans with parade

Lakewood Ranch High's band and color guard help McNeal students pay tribute to veterans.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Parrish's Diane Fogo-Harter shows off the Valentino Loco Rose purse she won. "It's a beautiful bag," she says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 10, 2024
Designer Bag Bingo bigger, better than ever in Sarasota

Sisterhood for Good's annual Bingo night draws 230 women to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
What would the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade be without Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at the Mall at University Town Center?
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 10, 2024
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade a gift to thousands in Sarasota

The annual parade provides helicopter stunts by Erendira Wallenda, bright lights, music and fun for the masses at the Mall at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
ODA's Allen Clark powers to one of his four touchdown runs in the 29-26 loss to Jupiter Christian in the SSAC 5A semifinal Friday in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Dylan Campbell
  • November 9, 2024
Jupiter Christian ends ODA football team's season, 29-26

ODA won't get a chance to defend its state title despite 253 rushing yards from Allen Clark.

  • East County
  • Sports
Rita Lewis, owner of the Linger Lodge, and Gretchen Nasman serve gumbo.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 9, 2024
Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee fills bowls at Lakewood Main Street

Local restaurants served soup to raise funds for Meals on Wheels' Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rev. David Marshall of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, Rev. Julia Piermont of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman of Temple Beth Israel, Rev. Jeffrey Nunes and Rev. Brock Patterson of Longboat Island Chapel and Rev. Kenneth Blyth of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 9, 2024
Congregations on Longboat Key plan to unite at annual interfaith service

When the community needs a beacon of light, religious congregations started an interfaith ministry to encourage bonding and help between Longboat congregants and residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Several beachfront properties on Longboat were severely damaged from Hurricane Helene's storm surge.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2024
FEMA aid deadlines for storm assistance on the horizon

The deadline to get FEMA aid for damage from Hurricane Debby is fast approaching.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 48th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run on Siesta Beach is set for Saturday, Dec. 14.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 9, 2024
Sandy Claws Beach Run set for Dec. 14

The event benefits the "Summer in the Parks" Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police make four arrests in October downtown assault
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2024
Sarasota Police make four arrests in October downtown assault

Four teens charged with beating a 67-year-old man.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Thomas Jack Black ( 1932 - 2024)
    In Memoriam |
  • November 8, 2024
Thomas Jack Black

Thomas Jack Black, Sr., age 92, passed away after a heroic battle with Alzheimer's on October 13, 2024.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Sarasota resident Kelly Franklin's opposition to the approval of outdoor seating at Corona Cigar Bar in downtown is central to her legal battle with City Commissioner Kyle Battie.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 8, 2024
Judge dismisses amended complaint against Battie 'with prejudice'

Sarasota resident Kelly Franklin has 30 days to appeal ruling in defamation case against City Commissioner Kyle Battie.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Tina Biter | Michael Saunders & Company
  • November 8, 2024
For Sale: 3943 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota

Discover a unique blend of elegance and nature in this custom-built John Cannon home, completed in April 2024.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Gail Bowers, a kindergarten teacher at Fruitivlle Elementary, works with student Marina Prybylski.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 8, 2024
Sarasota County Schools millage referendum is top performer in state

The referendum passed through 84.06% of the vote.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
A rendering by SB Architects of the west (right) and east towers proposed to replace the Hyatt Regency hotel adjacent to The Quay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 8, 2024
Hyatt redevelopment still faces many obstacles

Developer Kolter Urban cites internal city "crossfire" over conflicts along Boulevard of the Arts as several other issues remain unresolved.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has fought full-time against what he considers multiple wrongdoings impacting a variety of people and communities.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 7, 2024
When it comes to defending causes, Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has made it his pastime

Hugh Culverhouse Jr., a dedicated philanthropist, has made it his mission to combat injustices affecting diverse communities and is taking on powerful institutions and causes with unwavering determination.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
At the helm: Lucile Capo-Miller and David Miller still oversee day-to-day operations at Cannons.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 7, 2024
The family at the helm of Cannons Marina keep it strong after 68 years

In 1955, Michigan native Paul Miller traded his engineering career for the romance of Florida’s boating life and purchased Cannons Marina from Ernie Cannon. Today, under the leadership of David Miller and Lucile Capo-Miller, it’s a thoroughly modern boating enterprise.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • November 7, 2024
St. Armands Circle promises plenty to do for locals and tourists alike

Home to more than 120 shops, outdoor cafés, award-winning restaurants, spas and salons, St. Armands Circle offers 360 degrees of possibility.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The spacious entrance hallway, adorned in shades of gray and white, features bold graphic art as its centerpiece.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • November 7, 2024
This Florida cottage brings the past into a modern take on beach living

The Mermaid Cottage, which dates to 1933 and is considered one of the very first homes built on the key, couples a charming past with a modern present.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Resident Terri Driver spotted a green iguana on a Longboat Key beach.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 7, 2024
Invasive green iguana spotted on Longboat

Green iguanas are considered an invasive species in Florida and should be removed, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cross Street is a one-block, one-way street between South Pineapple and South Orange avenues.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 7, 2024
Developer wins city vacation of Cross Street

The transfer of right of way will allow developer Orange Pineapple to incorporate an enhanced street into its redevelopment plans of several downtown blocks adjacent to Burns Court.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Manuel Montenegro and Amanda Govic
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 7, 2024
Sarasota couple turned love of traveling into coffee business

Manuel Montenegro and Amanda Govic of Palma Coffee use their love of traveling and culture to source coffee at origin.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carly Weakland of Veterans Affairs Law walks with Anthony Kuhn and his longtime friend from the U.S. Army, Wayne Robinson, in the 2023 Memorial Day Hike by SRQVets.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 7, 2024
Sarasotans weigh in on top ranking for city as home for veterans

Sarasota was ranked first among Overall Best Cities After Service, as well as first among Best Cities for Retired Veterans, by the Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s BestPlaces.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Unit Ph-1617 condominium at 800 N. Tamiami Trail has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,830 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 7, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 21-25 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A Prestancia home on Boca Pointe Drive tops the week's sales at $1.82 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The Sarasota Police Department will install speed detection cameras at six schools throughout the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 6, 2024
Speed cameras coming to six school zones

The Sarasota City Commission approved contract with vendor RedSpeed to install detections devices that can result in $100 fines.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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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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