• 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

Michael Garey at Longboat Key’s Lazy Lobster.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 21, 2024
Lazy Lobster celebrates 15 years on Longboat Key

Despite two hurricanes, The Lazy Lobster opens its doors hoping to bring comfort to Longboaters as it celebrates a milestone on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Enlightened Monkey Arts will provide a haunted tunnel at BooFest. The theme of the tunnel has yet to be determined.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2024
Lakewood Ranch's BooFest to add new features while supporting hurricane relief

New to BooFest this year is a haunted tunnel and more variety to its stage performances.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hurricane Milton's strong winds added many downed trees to the debris that was left behind by Hurricane Helene.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 21, 2024
Sarasota faces months of debris collection

The volume of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Milton is estimated at up to four times that of Hurricane Ian in 2022.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bill Conerly, Joe Di Bartolomeo and Commissioner George Kruse are among the candidates invited to the Tara Golf & Country Club on Oct. 18 for Candidate Night.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 21, 2024
Tara Golf & Country Club hosts Candidate Night

Candidates discussed issues within the Tara community up to concerns at the state level.

  • East County
  • News
Judy Petersen and Nancy Zwolinski enjoyed the chance to visit the orchid show on Oct. 17.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2024
Selby Gardens goes purple with annual orchid show

The Orchid Show 2024: PURPLE!, continuing despite the impacts of Hurricane Milton, highlights an significant color of the plant world.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Remi and Elliott Remi, 11, enjoyed their time inside the pig pen.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 19, 2024
Community finds the fall spirit at Fruitville Pumpkin Festival

The Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove ushered in the Halloween season with pumpkins, circus performances, a new haunted manor and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Remediation assessments and debris removal are underway at the Sarasota County Administration Center.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 19, 2024
Milton damage forces county to vacate administration center

Assessments are underway to determine future use of Sarasota County's headquarters as construction of its new building continues.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    In Memoriam |
  • October 18, 2024
Jack Franklin Richardson, D.M.D.

Jack Franklin Richardson, D.M.D., a husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at the age of 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Daniel Bradshaw, the principal of Parrish Community High School, and Carol Ricks, the principal of Myakka City Elementary School, man the registration desk at Myakka City Elementary as it serves as a shelter during Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 18, 2024
Hurricanes have financial impacts on school districts in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County budgets $1.5 million annually for schools to serve as shelters.

  • East County
  • Schools
An All Faiths Food Bank pop-up distribution event will be held Sunday at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 18, 2024
Pop-up food bank scheduled for Sunday

All Faiths Food Bank and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are partnering to provide groceries to Hurricane Milton-impacted residents in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The GCCF Rapid Response Fund benefits Second Heart Homes, which experienced significant structural damage at several of its homes that provide permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals with mental health conditions.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 18, 2024
GCCF makes fast grants to assist in hurricane relief and recovery

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation gives $500,000 from its Rapid Response Fund to more than a dozen local organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sights of newly opened Midnight Pass
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 18, 2024
Sights of newly opened Midnight Pass

Midnight Pass opened after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota on Oct. 9.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaking Thursday at Booker High School in Sarasota, presented $100,000 checks to education foundations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • October 17, 2024
Sarasota granted $100,000 in hurricane aid for school staff

More than 4,000 school district employees have responded to a survey on needs.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Debris piled out outside of the Twin Shores community.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 17, 2024
Longboat Key officials ask for resident cooperation while ramping up recovery

Limiting debris pile up and water use are among the necessary measures officials asked from residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Morgan Bettes Angell carries donations to help those affected by Hurricane Milton to the Lakewood Ranch bus during Ranch Nite Wednesdays at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 17, 2024
Lakewood Ranch collects supplies for those in need after Hurricane Milton

You can make donations to Hurricane victims on Sunday at the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home at at 1622 Kenilworth St. was built in 2017 and has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,058 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 17, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Nokomis

A Johnson Estates home on Kenilworth Street tops the week's sales at $3.45 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The City Commission will consider the implementation agreement with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation for construction of the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 17, 2024
Canceled meetings prompt City Commission to play catch-up

A canceled meeting and workshop puts Sarasota commissioners on double duty with packed-agenda meetings on Friday and Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Average White Band with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name of Soul” will be held Oct. 18.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2024
Sarasota events move ahead despite Milton damage

Some events the public can still enjoy are the Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove and the second anniversary celebrations at The Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bruno Wu serves hamburgers.
    By
  • Ian Swaby, Petra Rivera, Emily Walsh
  • October 17, 2024
Businesses step up to offer meals to those in need

Amid the power outages and aftermath of Hurricane Milton, free hamburgers and hot dogs were on offer.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • October 17, 2024
Surgeon Shares Good News for GERD Sufferers

Samuel Yelverton, MD, board certified general surgeon at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center addresses questions related to a common digestive disorder.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Bradenton's Eryn Skage dresses as a witch to match their dog Rye, while Scott Skage dresses as a farmer to go with their dog Whiskey, who is dressed as a chicken. Whiskey loves chasing chickens while the witch fits Rye's personality, Scott Skage says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 16, 2024
UTC's Barks and Boos brings fright and fun

Dog owners unleash their creativity on their dog's costumes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Midnight Pass on Siesta Key is wide open on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 10, following Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 16, 2024
Midnight Pass enthusiasts celebrate natural reopening

What Hurricane Helene started, Milton finished as revelers flock to view and navigate a return of the inlet between Siesta and Casey keys.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A worker helps repair the thatch roof of Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2024
Some Siesta Key restaurants reopen after Hurricane Milton

Amid the impacts of two successive hurricanes, a glimmer of business activity is emerging on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Grayson Tullio, Monika Oberer and Grayson's dog Panda head to the finish line of the 2022 Boo Run 5K. They dressed in a "Wizard of Oz" theme.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2024
Boo Run gives charities a boost

Race director has no fear Boo Run will continue to be successful in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home at 387 S. Washington Drive has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,268 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 16, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

A John Ringling Estates home on South Washington Drive tops the week's sales at $6.5 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Michael Garey updated the raffle prize money count at the 2021 Kiwanis Lawn Party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 16, 2024
Longboat Key Lawn Party postponed until early 2025

Organizations understand what damaged prominent restaurants have to face and say it would be inappropriate to ask for help with annual fundraisers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Crews work to clear debris from Main Street in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 16, 2024
Hurricane debris removal will take months

Sarasota city officials ask for patience as debris collection assets are stretched thin amid historic storm damage across multiple states.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Give responders high-fives
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 16, 2024
Give responders high-fives

Two hurricanes — Helene, a Cat 4 at landfall, and Milton, a Cat 3 at landfall — brought horrific catastrophes smack dab onto Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Recommendations explained and local tax ballot questions
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 16, 2024
Recommendations explained and local tax ballot questions

Those of you who have slogged through the many long diatribes on this page surely are familiar by now with the predictable slant at election time.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown has announced his retirement effective Oct. 15.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 15, 2024
Marlon Brown's retirement delayed by a week

Back-to-back hurricanes extend the city manager's tenure by six days. His last official day is now Oct. 21.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Reed Savidge, Ginny Savidge, Jim Stonecypher and Jennifer Bartlett
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 15, 2024
ACE Hardware on Longboat Key throws barbecue after Helene

Reed and Ginny Savidge hope to bring camaraderie and free food to all those struggling on Longboat after two hurricanes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The entire membrane roof over Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is replaced by a temporary membrane until permanent repairs can be made.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 15, 2024
SRQ concourse repairs could top $7 million

The loss of the membrane roof cover over all of Concourse B and significant damage beneath it kept the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport closed for nearly a week following Hurricane Milton.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This Lake Club home at 16023 Topsail Terrace sold for $3.2 million. It has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,226 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 15, 2024
Top residential real estate sales for Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Lakewood Ranch

A home in The Lake Club on Topsail Terrace tops the week's sales at $3.2 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Myakka City Elementary School's Lydia Powell listens to second grade teacher Karen Washington read aloud. School Board of Manatee County candidates for District 1 say the 1-mill property tax referendum is important for supporting teacher salaries.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 15, 2024
Manatee school board candidates discuss hot topics

From the 1-mill property tax referendum to parental rights, Heather Felton and Mark Stanoch share their thoughts on important issues schools are facing.

  • East County
  • Schools
Officer checks on young sailors determined to ride out hurricane
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • October 15, 2024
Officer checks on young sailors determined to ride out hurricane

A resident asked officers to conduct a welfare check on the young adults before Hurricane Milton. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Brandon Aviles, Owen Fasulka, Joshua Balcarcel, Christian Laureano and Sean Laureano play lacrosse together for Puerto Rico. They won two of their three games at USA Lacrosse Experience.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 15, 2024
East County lacrosse players strive for Olympic berth

Sean and Christian Laureano play for Puerto Rico in USA Lacrosse Experience in Indianapolis.

  • East County
  • Sports
« 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 »
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