• 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

  • By JL Bainbridge Family Wealth Advisors
  • October 24, 2024
Medicare: Demystifying the Eligibility and Enrollment Process

To learn more about Medicare and how to incorporate it into your financial strategy, JL Bainbridge offers free seminars at their downtown Sarasota office.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sarasota County's most popular beach reopens Saturday.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 24, 2024
Siesta Key Beach set for Saturday reopening

Sarasota County staff have been at work ensuring a safe and accessible environment for the beaches.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Christian Galicia serves Zac and Trey Yovanovich at Siesta Key Oyster Bar on Oct. 22.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 24, 2024
Siesta Key slowly comes back to life

Two weeks after Hurricane Milton hit Sarasota, business owners say there's still further to go before Siesta Key returns to normal, while patrons and the community continue to offer support.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 2737 Hillview St. has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,612 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 24, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 7-11 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A Lynnhurst home on Hillview Street tops the week's sales at $585,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Meals are offered at Bedrock Church Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 24, 2024
Bedrock Church describes meeting the need for meals after Milton

The Sarasota church gave out a total of 1,465 meals after Hurricane Milton hit the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Superintendent Terry Connor offers a forum on the referendum at Sarasota High School on Oct. 22.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 24, 2024
Sarasota schools highlight property tax referendum ahead of general election

The referendum provides funding for a variety of needs in the school district ranging from arts, to career and technical education, to safety and security.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
  • By One Park Sarasota
  • October 24, 2024
One Park Sarasota Condo Celebrates Groundbreaking at The Quay

“One Park Sarasota embodies our longstanding commitment to redefining luxury in Downtown Sarasota’s Waterfront District,” said Kevin Maloney, founder and CEO of PMG.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The School District of Manatee County is making progress on its new K-8 school being built in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2024
Finalists determined for new east Bradenton K-8 school name

The School District of Manatee County is seeking the public's input on the final list of names for the school being constructed off Uihlein Road.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kinsey Robb at Art Center Sarasota
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2024
Art Center Sarasota executive director departs for national nonprofit

After helping revitalize Art Center Sarasota as executive director, Kinsey Robb now brings her experience to Art Dealers Association of America.

  • Arts + Culture
There's more to understanding recent inflation
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • October 23, 2024
There's more to understanding recent inflation

Recent inflation should be attributed to both government parties, one Longboat resident says.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 23, 2024
Obsidian approval decision appealed to the Planning Board

Three street-level adjustment requests to the 18-story, 342-foot condo tower have been granted by the city of Sarasota. Bay Plaza residents have appealed the decision.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A crew helps clean up the impacts of Hurricane Milton in the LGBTQ+ center.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2024
Fabulous Arts Foundation repairs new LGBTQ+ center following Hurricane Milton

The center, which suffered serious damage from the storm, is being repaired to offer programming and a "safe space" for the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Animal rescue volunteers Roger Riehm and Sandy Ulrickson secure a gallinule with a broken leg at Lake Uihlein. The gallinule was recovering at the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 23, 2024
A broken wing and a prayer after hurricanes leave animals in SWFL battered

Volunteers and the overwhelmed Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida cope with a surge in wild animal injuries following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • East County
  • News
Anthony Razzano, a motivational speaker, author and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy parent, talks to students about overcoming adversity.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2024
Motivational speaker talks resiliency with Lakewood Ranch Prep students

After students face school threats and two hurricanes, Anthony Razzano shares his story of overcoming adversity.

  • East County
  • Schools
Braden River's Jayden Moore (21) fights through the Lakewood Ranch front seven. It can cost about $164 for a football jersey and pants. A football helmet can range from $180 to $500.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 23, 2024
Manatee County schools adds athletics to 1-mill property tax referendum

Funding for athletics could be used for equipment, transportation, athletic trainers and more.

  • East County
  • Schools
Pre-hurricane stress erupts in domestic shoving match
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 23, 2024
Pre-hurricane stress erupts in domestic shoving match

An argument becomes slightly physical as a woman accuses her husband of falling short in preparing for Hurricane Milton. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The Rev. David Marshall praying over BJ and David Bishop at All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 23, 2024
Longboat organizations bring healing opportunities for residents

All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church, Christ Church of Longboat Key and The Paradise Center hold services for Longboaters to find relief and support after two hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
UMR Sports currently has four sand volleyball courts, six pickleball courts and a baseball/softball cage.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 23, 2024
UMR Sports to expand Upper Manatee River Road footprint

The 52-acre expansion will include ball fields, a pickleball barn, a miniature golf course and apartments.

  • East County
  • News
The Unit 155 condominium at 1930 Harbourside Drive has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,312 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 23, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 7-11 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key, Siesta Key

A condominium in Windward Bay tops the week's sales at $712,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Beachfront houses along Gulfside Road were among the worst damaged in Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 23, 2024
Three strikes, but Sarasota County is not out

A local climate expert weighs in on how three hurricanes had separate personalities and why all are examples of climate change's impact on more intense storms.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 23, 2024
Longboat underground utilities project timeline now uncertain after storms

After Florida Power & Light needed to respond to back-to-back major hurricanes, it will likely have to push back the timeline for the town's ongoing project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota City Commission
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 23, 2024
Sarasota City Commission

This week, in our final installment of recommendations, we are focusing on the three Sarasota City Commission races.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Bicyclists asked to avoid GMD on Longboat Key
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Bicyclists asked to avoid GMD on Longboat Key

The town of Longboat Key advised the cycling community to avoid Gulf of Mexico Drive due to debris danger and increased truck activity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat; new City Attorney Joseph Polzak.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 22, 2024
New city attorney, interim city manager named by Sarasota commission

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously choose Joseph Polzak as city attorney and long-time employee Doug Jeffocat as interim city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The sign at The Centre Shops leaned from Hurricane Milton's winds.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Mobile grant assistance center coming to Longboat Key

The center operated through the Florida Small Business Development Center Network will be able to assist business owners in applying for disaster-related loans.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Carlos E. Haile Middle School students Brayden Berggren, Cord London, Kase Alsum and Levi Rear work on a robot in the new robotics arena. STEM programs will continue to be supported by the referendum if voters pass it in November.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 22, 2024
Manatee schools tax referendum collection doubles since inception

Since the 1-mill property tax referendum was first implemented in 2018-2019, the funds collected have risen from $37.3 million to $75.5 million.

  • East County
  • Schools
Christ Church collects food, diapers and toys for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Christ Church to host food drive

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Christ Church of Longboat Key will host a food drive to benefit Our Daily Bread of Bradenton, which provides assistance for people in need after the recent hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 14 easements that equal approximately 54 acres are highlighted in green.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 22, 2024
Manatee County denies release of University Park conservation easements

Benderson Development requests the release of 14 easements that add up to about 54 acres.

  • East County
  • News
Officer safely retrieves resident's firearm from flooded home
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Officer safely retrieves resident's firearm from flooded home

The resident asked for an officer’s help in retrieving and clearing the submerged shotgun after hurricane flooding. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
This Country Club East home at 14639 Newtonmore Lane sold for $1,035,000. It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 22, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Oct. 7-11 in Lakewood Ranch

A Polo Run home tops the week's sales at $1.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Tom Rokosz said the 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport is considered a "muscle car."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 22, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident adds muscle by buying an Impala

Tom Rokosz's classic muscle car is just one of many to be showcased at the Knights of Columbus Car Show and Cookout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Payne Park Auditorium.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 22, 2024
Sarasota Players returning home to downtown Sarasota

The century-old performing arts organization's lease for Payne Park Auditorium has been approved by the City Commission, including plans to build a new facility nearby.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Buttonwood Harbour, one of the island's lowest-lying areas, had piles of debris stacked along the road.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 22, 2024
Hurricane Helene storm surge left some Longboat residents with little

While cleaning up after Hurricane Helene’s severe storm surge, residents of Buttonwood Harbour shared experiences about throwing out sentimental belongings, ruined furniture and needing major repairs.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The wall and door at Café L'Europe shows the high water mark of the Hurricane Helene storm surge on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 22, 2024
Longboat businesses plan to move forward in wake of hurricanes

Businesses recount on how they were affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton and wonder how the high season on Longboat will look like.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Early voting in Sarasota County began Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 locations.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • October 21, 2024
Early in-person voting opens in Sarasota County

A brisk turnout is being reported downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Back row: Alexander Telfair, Angie Weaver, Mindy Ward, James Reed and Jessica Kowaliski Front row: Amy Steinhauser, Debby Debile, Sarah Lilly and Sara Carson
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 21, 2024
The Paradise Center offers help to Reed Medical Group

After being affected by the hurricane season, the two organizations banded together to become the hub of health and wellness on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
« 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 »
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