• 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

Manatee Technical College Program Supervisor Greg McGrew says the possibilities for enrichment courses are "limitless."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 19, 2015
MTC aims to expand enrichment offerings

East County resident Greg McGrew wants the community's input as he develops programming.

  • East County
  • News
Andrea Feldmar, interim CEO Ron Gelbman and Nancy Hendricks are among a team of volunteers and employees of the Center for Building Hope who are working to repair the organization's reputation and credibility in its community.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 19, 2015
East County cancer center hopes to rebuild

Interim CEO Ron Gelbman works to restore more than financial stability at The Center for Building Hope.

  • East County
  • News
Preia Hayes, 9, and sister, Iyleigh, 6, with Lilly Gerling, 4, and sister Grace, 6 enjoy a rare sunny day at a Longboat beach.
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • August 19, 2015
Outlook sunny with Longboat tourism

With the unusual downpour the Key has seen in recent weeks, are tourists taking a rain check on their visits?

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Bay Isles Master Association President Vice President Bob Simmons said the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists were a major factor for removal of the trees and vegetation on Bay Isles Parkway.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 19, 2015
Bay Isles entrances receive $300,000 facelift

Banyan Palm trees along Bay Isles Parkway are being replaced replaced with mature Palm trees this new summer as part of a $300,000 project approved by the Bay Isles Master Association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Police Administrative Assistant Marilyn Dzikas retired Aug. 7 after 30 years of service with the town of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 19, 2015
Longtime face of police department retires

Marilyn Dzikas worked under five Longboat Key police chiefs. She retired Aug. 7 after serving the town for 30 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey says she loves Lakewood Ranch and her job, but is excited about her new opportunity.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 19, 2015
Eva Rey announces resignation

Town Hall's 'change agent' will leave the agency in late September for a position in Viera.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2015
East County students shine at conference

Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River Middle students won awards at Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) events.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 19, 2015
2015-16 Budget Breakdown

Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock recommends using $389,675 to balance the 2015-16 budget. Here's a breakdown of important budget elements.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 19, 2015
Cops Corner: Longboat Key 8.20.15

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi worries the are likely suffering from what he calls “hurricane amnesia.”
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 19, 2015
Dezzi’s Hurricane Plan

What happens when a hurricane is poised to come right over Longboat Key? Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi has a revised plan in place that works if two things are achieved: Residents evacuate and all town employees play their part.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 18, 2015
Work starts on Office Bar SRQ

Entrepreneur Mike Evanoff’s latest concept is slated to replace Evie’s Tavern on Ringling Boulevard by Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey leads the board in a discussion about finding her replacement.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 18, 2015
IDA sets search strategy

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey today gave her resignation.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • August 18, 2015
Chamber to hold Business After Hours

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's monthly Business After Hours will be on Aug. 25.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
School starts Aug. 24 for Manatee County public school students.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 18, 2015
Manatee County schools open for registration, schedule open house events

Manatee County schools open for registration, schedule open house events

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner will open the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall 2016 Lecture Series.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • August 17, 2015
Former Disney CEO to kick off 2016 Town Hall series

Michael Eisner will replace former President of Israel Shimon Peres as opener for RCLA Town Hall lecture series.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although the City Commission remains committed to a housing-first model for now, it also wants to work in tandem with the county on addressing homelessness issues.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 17, 2015
Philosophical differences still divide city, county on homelessness

The City Commission is willing to meet with county leaders to discuss homelessness issues, but it declined to commit to any of three action plans outlined by the County Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 17, 2015
Familiar Focus

After spending last year at Booker, safety Vince Sellers Jr. is looking to make a name for himself at his father’s alma mater.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Quarterback Dominic Caldwell is one of Riverview's top players to watch this season.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 17, 2015
Football Preview: Riverview High

After failing to win a district game last season, the Rams are looking to get back to the playoffs for only the second time in seven years.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Courtesy photo. Students from Pine View School, Sarasota High School and Sarasota Military Academy contributed to a mural in the All Faiths Food Bank sorting room.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • August 17, 2015
Students put creative touch on All Faiths Food Bank facility

Pine View, SMA and SHS students contribute to mural at All Faiths Food Bank.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 17, 2015
School Board to discuss $300 million growth

With a consultant recommending the construction of at least seven new schools at a cost more than $320 million million over the next decade, the Sarasota County School Board will vet funding options during a workshop Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rob Wells has been named Visit Sarasota County's new Director of Sports.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 17, 2015
VSC hires new director of sports

Robert Wells has been named the new director of sports for Visit Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Manatee All-Stars outscored their opponents 63-19.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 17, 2015
Manatee wins World Series crown

The Manatee All-Stars defeated Jonesboro, Ark. 15-2 to win the Cal Ripken 10U World Series Aug. 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
Monica Welde, Heather "Lucy" McFall and Tonie Waters dance on grapes.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 15, 2015
Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard hosts grape grapple

Stomp out Cancer event at Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard offers attendees food, crafts and the chance to crush grapes barefoot and for a cause.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
John Wilcher and Jacqueline Spencer share a moment on the dance floor.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • August 15, 2015
Goodwill Manasota helps keep the spirit of '45 alive

Goodwill Manasota hosts dinner for veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • August 15, 2015
Mote takes a bite out of Sharks Days

The Fins and Fun family festival capped off Mote’s Shark Days on Aug. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 14, 2015
FYI Friday: Rosemary District on a roll with new development

This week's FYI Friday features news about the rise of Rosemary, downtown traffic discussions and more!

  • Sarasota
  • News
The document shredding will be in the Town Hall parking lot.
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • August 14, 2015
Longboat Key Town Hall to hold document-shredding event

The Town of Longboat Key will host a free document-shredding event on Aug. 26.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 14, 2015
Williams Parker names new president

Ric Gregoria takes over the role from William Seider at Williams Parker.

  • Sarasota
  • News
World War II veteran Bill Schlapfer.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • August 14, 2015
Community remembers VJ Day on 70th anniversary

Veterans and families gathered at Unconditional Surrender for VJ Day ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker reviews budget documents.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2015
Manatee County aims to balance its budget

In current projections, Manatee County's reserve fund will run out in a few years. What will it take to balance the budget?

  • East County
  • News
Guests will be able to stomp grapes as part of fundraising activities.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2015
Winery helps stomp out cancer

Rosa Fiorelli will host a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society this weekend.

  • East County
  • News
Photo courtesy: James DeBlasio
  • By Nancy Schwartz
  • August 14, 2015
Photo contest winners: July

Photo contest winners: July

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Aaron Harshman finds his perfect pitch.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 14, 2015
Lakewood Ranch High band plays on

Lakewood Ranch High band plays on during two-week band camp

  • East County
  • Schools
Megan Labrecque waits for formation instructions.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 13, 2015
Braden River High band marches through summer

A two-week band camp at Braden River High School offers lessons on marching fundamentals and band basics before school starts Aug. 24.

  • East County
  • Schools
Courtney Chapin swims for Lakewood Ranch High and the Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 13, 2015
Ranch swimmer makes Y history

Courtney Chapin became the first Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners swimmer to advance to a YNationals final.

  • East County
  • Sports
Greg Kveton is confident that his development firm and city staff can come to a workable agreement to proceed with the project at 33 S. Palm.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 13, 2015
DeMarcay developer pushes forward with high-rise

Despite a setback in the quest to obtain a building permit and a looming deadline, the developer behind a proposed Palm Avenue condominium is determined to find a solution.

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 »
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