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Your Observer

1000 NORTH will be located in the BLVD Sarasota building at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 29, 2024
Exclusive restaurant, club coming to Sarasota

1000 NORTH, with a long list of celebrity partners, will bring its second private dining club concept to the BLVD Sarasota building.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Vince Golden and Kerry Urell play pickleball together at Longwood Park. According to Golden, nobody bakes better banana bread than Urell.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 29, 2024
University Park 95-year-old credits his good health to pickleball

Vince Golden plays pickleball every morning, rain or shine.

  • East County
  • Sports
Robert E. Willis Elementary's Kaitlyn McIntrye, Aly Martinez, Jelena Konatar and Izzy Nunez participated in the world VEX competition. If the referendum fails, STEM opportunities for students could lessen.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 29, 2024
School tax referendum poorly designed, but worth supporting

Manatee district must do better job of adding salaries to its general budget.

  • East County
  • Opinion
8-year-old dirt bike rider hospitalized after crash with police officer
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 29, 2024
8-year-old dirt bike rider hospitalized after crash with police officer

The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a crash Monday evening that involved an SPD officer and an 8-year-old boy riding a dirt bike.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jim and Susan Eicken stand in front of the giant pile of debris that's mounting in front of their River Club home since Hurricane Milton. They're hoping the county will remove it, instead of having to deal with it themselves.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 29, 2024
Manatee County debris removal effort keeps on trucking

Over 400,000 cubic yards and over 7,700 truckloads of hurricane debris have been removed so far.

  • East County
  • News
CEO Maribeth Phillips says Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee serves 96 agencies in the county. This year's Empty Bowls will be critical to support increased demand due to hurricanes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 29, 2024
Empty Bowls in Lakewood Ranch will support hurricane relief

Meals on Wheels Plus' CEO Maribeth Phillips says hurricanes have increased the need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Resident concerned about moved package realizes neighbor was helping out
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 29, 2024
Resident concerned about moved package realizes neighbor was helping out

After the resident reported the suspicious activity to the police, it was discovered that the suspect was just a nice neighbor. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This Waterbury Grapefruit home at 22230 S.R. 64 E. sold for $1.45 million. It has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,855 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 29, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 14-18 in Lakewood Ranch

A Lake Club home on Pavia Way tops the week's sales at $2.4 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The SBDC Mobile Assistance Center in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 29, 2024
Consultants provides free advice to small businesses from the barrier islands

The Florida Small Business Development Center guided local businesses from Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and St. Armands Circle through disaster loan applications.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A lot near Jungle Queen Way has been used as a collection site for the town's debris contractors.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 29, 2024
Town makes progress in debris cleanup after hurricanes Helene, Milton

Here's what to know about the latest status of debris cleanup on Longboat Key and the complications of the town's different types of roads.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Many bars and restaurants on Anna Maria Island were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Drift Inn sits empty on Oct. 27 as repairs are being done. A benefit concert will raise funds for service workers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 28, 2024
Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks Manatee County to help service industry employees

Proceeds from the Nov. 15 concert will support service industry employees who have been displaced by the hurricanes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Venice photographer Clyde Butcher is flanked by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after receiving the National Medal of Arts on Oct. 21.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 28, 2024
Photographer Clyde Butcher wins National Medal of Arts

The honor is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government.

  • Arts + Culture
Boats make their way towards Midnight Pass.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 28, 2024
Boats numbering in the hundreds parade through Midnight Pass

Hosted by Killin It, the parade brought together local boaters who hoped to promote awareness of their enthusiasm for keeping Midnight Pass open.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A 10,887-square-foot condominium on Longboat Key has sold for $21.24 million at St. Regis Longboat Key.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • October 28, 2024
Longboat Key condo sells for $21 million

The 11,000-square-foot combined waterfront unit is the largest condominium sale in Sarasota County history.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Matt Kaltenberger, Mark Zini and Edward Principe at Club Leaf and Bean's community get-together.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 28, 2024
Exclusive cigar club hosts community for hurricane relief

Club Leaf and Bean opened its doors for residents to have a spot to mingle and while Longboat recovers after two hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pepper and Buster came dressed as ice cream cones.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 28, 2024
Dogs and humans get into costume at Dog-A-Ween

Attendees got creative with their Halloween costumes at the annual event, which was held at the Sarasota Farmer's Market.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Obsidian would be built on this site next to Bay Plaza. The single-story building with seven storefronts will be demolished.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 28, 2024
Obsidian OK'd, but final approval is far from achieved

Bay Plaza residents have appealed administrative approval of adjustments of the 342-foot residential tower to the Planning Board, setting into motion perhaps two years of possible legal battles.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River High School sophomore Alexa Helton performs as part of a quartet. She looks forward to seeing her skills as a clarinet player grow as she continues in high school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 28, 2024
Manatee schools face drastic cuts if 1-mill tax referendum isn't renewed

Manatee charter school funding; STEM, career and technical education; and visual and performing arts programs could be eliminated.

  • East County
  • News
Tom Lopes, Julie Swanger, Sharon Austin and Tony Berube unloaded supplies collected by Milton High School on Oct. 22.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 27, 2024
Georgia high school students collect hurricane relief supplies for Longboat

Hurricane relief supplies collected by students from Milton High School will be available for all Longboaters at Twin Shores Moblie Home Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jacob Gallego, 4, is getting ready to "waddle" through the kids race with support from his mom, Lakewood Ranch's Cassie Gallego.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2024
More than 500 runners elect to support Boo Run in Lakewood Ranch

The annual event supports the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch and Another Day for Gray.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The SeaSucker VW draws a crowd at BooFest on Oct. 25.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 26, 2024
BooFest sends shivers through Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The annual Halloween celebration in Lakewood Ranch is a combination of scary and sweet.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Myakka City's 7-year-old Ryder Tripp and 1-year-old Rowan Tripp take a ride in the cow train.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 26, 2024
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival draws thousands to east Bradenton in final weekend

The pumpkin festival finishes another run of fun in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Midnight Pass on Thursday Oct. 17 looking from Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes Helene and Milton opened up the Pass after it was closed in 1983.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • October 26, 2024
Milton did us a solid with Midnight Pass

The hurricane left its mark throughout the area, but one positive to take away is the reopening of Midnight Pass.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Ripped-up drywall in Carolyn Wedekind's house shows how high the water rose during Hurricane Helene's storm surge.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 26, 2024
LBK condo federation informs residents about post-storm recovery

The federation hosted a virtual webinar that involved restoration experts, insurance adjusters and town personnel to share helpful tips to prepare for and recover from storms.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota High School student volunteers at last year's inaugural Sarasota Slam Pickleball Tournament.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 26, 2024
Pickleball tournament to benefit hurricane victims

Sarasota High School Tennis Foundation's second annual Sarasota Slam will donate a portion of its proceeds to All Faiths Food Bank.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pamela Leon, Atlas Leon, 2, Arlo Leon, 1 and Joseph Leon
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 25, 2024
Kids and adults celebrate Halloween at Boo! at The Bay

The event was an escape for the community from the recent troubles of storms, with trick-or-treating stations and costumes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kerkering Barberio Managing Shareholder Robert Lane, Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh and immediate past chair of Sarasota Chamber Teri Hansen
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 25, 2024
Sarasota Chamber celebrates awards and honors at annual meeting

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting on Oct. 25, celebrating the community's businesses and the theme of resilience.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Mary Lou Ivaska serving Connie DiMaggio at the St. Mary Star of the Sea potluck.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 25, 2024
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church feeds Longboaters after hurricanes

Parishioners and residents from other churches enjoyed free food and camaraderie after many lost their houses in Hurricane Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Columbia Restaurant is seen boarded up, bracing for Hurricane Milton, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded it with storm surge. The St. Armands landmark is set to reopen Oct. 26.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 25, 2024
Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands to reopen Oct. 26

Cha Cha Coconuts is also back after nearly a month of work to repair damage from hurricanes.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Arrest made in Wednesday night fatal crash
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 25, 2024
Arrest made in Wednesday night fatal crash

Joshua Slieff of Sarasota County is charged with DUI manslaughter and two other charges in connection with a crash at Fruitville Road and Tuttle Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A funding source is one of the challenges in developing a canal maintenance program.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 25, 2024
Commissioners wary of assessment for post-hurricane canal upkeep

Longboat Key commissioners now want to tread lightly about imposing additional tax assessments for the canal maintenance program during the town’s hurricane recovery.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Benderson Develpment plans to redevelop The Crossings at Siesta Key into a mixed-use lifestyle center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 25, 2024
Benderson wins comp plan amendment for The Crossings at Siesta Key

Plans are to redevelop the former Southgate Mall in a mixed-use lifestyle center that includes up to 848 residential units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By BayView Dental
  • October 25, 2024
Dental Hygiene Warning Signs & What It Means For Your Overall Health

At home dental care is critical for your oral health, but just can’t replace what a professional cleaning does.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    In Memoriam |
  • October 24, 2024
Pamela Bourgault

On Oct. 16, Pamela Bourgault, beloved wife of Pierre Bourgault, passed away.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
SunCoast Blood Centers has put out an urgent call for blood.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 24, 2024
SunCoast Blood Centers urgently needs O negative or A negative blood

A Manatee County pregnant woman is in vital need of the blood to save her and her baby.

  • East County
  • News
Some Anna Maria Island beaches ready to reopen
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 24, 2024
Some Anna Maria Island beaches ready to reopen

Manatee County has fast-tracked its post-hurricane work to return the beaches to the business of pleasure for residents and tourists.

  • East County
  • 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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