• 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

If the amendment to the golf cart ordinance should pass at the Oct. 6 Manatee County Commission meeting, golf carts will be banned from driving on Tara Boulevard.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • September 30, 2015
Are golf carts a hazard?

The Manatee County Commission will determine whether approved golf cart use makes the cut on Tara Boulevard and Whitfield Avenue.

  • East County
  • News
Kevin and Heather Harvey, along with their 8-year-old boxer Max on the left, opened the Woofdorf in August.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • September 30, 2015
What’s all the woof about?

Lakewood Ranch is the stomping ground for a new luxury hotel — for canines.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • September 30, 2015
Cops Corner: East County 10.1.15

Crime reports from around the area.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Commissioners will only revisit a funding formula for the neighborhood utilities project if the GMD project referendum passes Nov. 3.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 30, 2015
Neighborhood undergrounding project won’t fizzle

Despite concerns from a few residents that splitting up the burial of island utilities into two referendum questions is doomed for failure, the Town Commission is moving forward with a GMD project referendum in November.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key At-large Commissioner Irwin Pastor says his neighbors can wait for sand from a New Pass dredging project because they don't want to deal with noisy dump trucks clogging up the road to bring them sand.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 30, 2015
A Conversation with Irwin Pastor

Longboat Key At-large Commissioner Irwin Pastor finishes his first term in office in March. Known as the quietest commissioner on the dais, Pastor says he prefers to hear all arguments before making a decision.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Matthew Garcia
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 29, 2015
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 10.01.15

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 10.01.15

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale needed direction from the Town Commission Monday night on signs placed in government rights-of-way.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 29, 2015
Key’s sign code open to all applicants

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says you can’t regulate the content of signs forced the town Monday night to loosen restrictions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
CDD Vicechairman John Brocki suggested the board also consider other plants around the community's ponds, instead of allowing sod to grow to the water's edge, because the grass clippings from mowing gets into the water and encourages algae.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • September 29, 2015
Waterlefe considers carp for lakes

The Golf and River Club's water bodies are suffering from invasive species and algae infestation.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall tonight is hosting an event for landscape enthusiasts.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • September 29, 2015
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall hosts science cafe

The Protect our Ponds Science Cafe will offer Ranch residents an outlet for voicing landscape concerns.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney's Brooke Picchi and Keri McMahon go up for a block in the first set.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 29, 2015
Lady Cougars fall in four

After splitting the first two sets, the Cardinal Mooney volleyball team fell to Venice 3-1 Sept. 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Elizabeth Voronina swam the leadoff leg of Sarasota's 200-yard medley A relay.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 29, 2015
Sailors edge past Tarpons

The Sarasota High boys and girls swim teams combined to beat Charlotte in a dual meet Sept. 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Barbara Koetsier, co-chair of the Aging in Paradise Resource Center
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • September 29, 2015
Aging in Paradise to hold Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Beginning Oct. 5, the Aging in Paradise Resource Center will host the six-week Friendship Center course, Powerful Tools for Caregivers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jack Short
  • September 29, 2015
Blue Pagoda building up for grabs

As U.S. Masters Swimming moves out, the blue pagoda-style structure will be open to interested parties.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Christian senior Kyle Lantz has already won two races for the Blazers in his first season with the team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 29, 2015
Staying the course

Sarasota Christian senior Kyle Lantz won his second race of the season at the George Jenkins Holloway Park Jamboree Sept. 26.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 29, 2015
Sarasota Football Friday: Week 5

Sarasota Football Friday: Week 5

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 28, 2015
Surfers hit the beach to Hang Ten for Autism

Compound Boardshop hosts 6th annual Hang Ten for Autism at Siesta Beach for Pinnacle Academy families.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Thursday's special meeting will also include a broader discussion of the city-county relationship in advance of a November joint meeting.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 28, 2015
City to discuss life after CRA at special meeting

On Thursday, the Sarasota City Commission will discuss the county’s sudden decision to end the downtown Community Redevelopment Area — and how to adjust for the loss of what officials viewed as a crucial funding mechanism.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Detert, pictured here with members at aTiger Bay Club meeting, will leave the Florida Senate and run for Sarasota County Commission.
    By
  • Jack Short
  • September 28, 2015
Detert makes County Commission bid official

Candidates begin submitting paperwork for local seats in 2016 — some may have more of a battle to fight than others.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Courtesy photo. Mark Pritchett will take over as the new president and CEO for Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 28, 2015
Gulf Coast Community Foundation names new CEO

Mark Pritchett will take over as president and CEO for Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brad and Lynn Schramek, courtesy photo
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • September 28, 2015
Parkinson Café launches in East County

A River Club resident has organized a monthly social program for individuals and partners living with Parkinson's disease.

  • East County
  • News
Chamber Ambassador Vince LaPorta and President Gail Loefgren
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • September 28, 2015
Celebrate the end of summer with Business After Hours

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Business After Hours networking event tomorrow at Tommy Bahama.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Ron Reagan served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 28, 2015
Ron Reagan files for Manatee County commission seat

He will seek the seat being vacated by Commissioner Larry Bustle.

  • East County
  • News
Country Club Shores resident Armando Linde announced Sept. 25 he intends to run for the District 1 Longboat Key commission seat.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 28, 2015
Linde vies for District 1 seat

Retired economist Armando Linde kicked off campaign season last week when he announced his intention to run for one of four Town Commission seats available in March.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 28, 2015
ODA swims past Northside Christian

The Out-of-Door Academy boys and girls swim teams both posted victories against Northside Christian in district action Sept. 24.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 28, 2015
Pirates to hold golf fundraiser

Braden River High will hold its 3rd annual Pirate Baseball and Softball Golf Tournament Oct. 10.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Nick Reichert
  • September 28, 2015
Health and Wellness Expo celebrates the fun side of health

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center held its annual Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday with vendors, children education and family fun activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Jessi McComas spent nearly four years playing kickball for "Ball Me Maybe" in Knoxville, Tenn. The couple recently founded MVP Sports and Social, which will open its first kickball season Oct. 5.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 28, 2015
Fun and games

Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Jessi McComas will start their first MVP Sports and Social kickball season Oct. 12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Courtesy photo. Favorite banned books on display at the Fruitville Public Library.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 28, 2015
Read at your own risk

Banned Book Week runs through Oct. 3 at Sarasota County Libraries and participating bookstores.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • September 27, 2015
Artists see through the KEYhole

Guests took a sneak peek into artists’ work at Through the KEYhole on Sept. 26 at Longboat Key Center for the Arts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • September 26, 2015
Mixon Fruit Farms Gets Crafty

Mixon Fruit Farms was filled with crafters on Sept. 26 at its monthly craft fair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kalli Johnson, Jalyn Thompson, Cienna Davis and Mackenzie Brielmann sport similar knee-length dark dresses.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • September 26, 2015
Lakewood Ranch High celebrates homecoming

Lakewood Ranch High celebrates homecoming

  • East County
  • Schools
Siblings Sophia and Luciano Iannotti share the board for a wave.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 26, 2015
Surfers hit the beach to Hang Ten for Autism

Compound Boardshop hosts 6th annual Hang Ten for Autism for local families on Sept. 26 at Siesta Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alie DeNofa, owner Rebekah Mandeville, Chelsea Poelsma and Marcia Goldstein dressed in their best Oktoberfest attire for the occasion.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 26, 2015
Mandeville toasts to Oktoberfest

Mandeville Beer Garden hosts costume party for Oktoberfest Sept. 26.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scarlett and Hunter Handley share jokes during snack time.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • September 26, 2015
Freedom Elementary hosts Mother-Son Night

During the annual event, mothers and their sons competed against other families in rounds of Hungry Hippo, Tug of War and a three-legged race.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Whole Foods in downtown Sarasota is often cited as one of the highlights of the CRA.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 25, 2015
County Commission votes to end downtown Sarasota CRA

Despite the city's continued efforts to encourage the county to extend the downtown Community Redevelopment Area, the County Commission unanimously voted to let the CRA expire in 2016.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 25, 2015
East County High 5 Moments: 10.01.15

East County High 5 Moments: 10.01.15

  • East County
  • Sports
« 911 912 913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 »
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
  • December 14, 2025
Eat, drink and be merry like you're in a 'Home Alone' movie
2
Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.
  • December 13, 2025
More than 500 runners go the distance in Lakewood Ranch's Jingle 5K
3
Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire
Sponsored Content
4
  • December 12, 2025
ANNIE
Sponsored Content
5
  • December 12, 2025
“Catskills After Dark”

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