• 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

Fanny, formerly known as Fendi, was the last animal from the Napier raid to find a forever home. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Honor finds home for Napier pets

Fanny, a Siamese cat, was the last Napier's raid animal to find a forever home Jan. 23.

  • East County
  • News
Mike and Makayla Harrison love the history and horsemanship involved in riding the Florida Cracker Trail. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
On the trail

Riders embarked Feb. 14 on a 110-mile cross-state ride on the Florida Cracker Trail.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Winterfest returns for second year encore

Whether you're a Woolf Pack member or WAR fan, this Ranch festival will appeal to your tastes.

  • East County
  • News
Chris Eaton catches a Frisbee. Photos by Jason Clary
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
A league of their own

Abby Toole-Plummer organizes Ultimate Frisbee games that appeal to both seasoned athletes and newcomers.

  • East County
  • Sports
James P. Uihlein's horse, LIttle Goose, receives the Best Playing Pony Award. Courtesy photos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Tito's defeats Southside 17-7 at JDRF Polo Cup

Tito’s defeated Southside 17-7 Sunday in a Presidents Day-themed Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Cup.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Your candidate: Gene Jaleski

Gene Jaleski campaign materials won't be seen this election, but his voice will be heard.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Younger
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Your candidate: Phill Younger

Phill Younger seeks a final term because he believes there's more work to do on the Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Letters to the Editor

We cannot turn the other cheek; Event showcased community spirit; Dispatch is a matter of life and death

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch’s LaDazhia Williams drives to the basket.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 17, 2015
Just the beginning

Lakewood Ranch misses opportunity in final seconds.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
ALBANIAN ENCORE. Marlene and Jim Kitchell pose with their Observer at the Skanderbeg Museum, which overlooks Kruja, Albania. The couple enjoyed the stop as part of a cruise from Monte Carlo, Monaco, to Venice, Italy.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation, then submit it and you could win travel tickets, courtesy of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Marvin Kocian, aka His Royal Highness, presides over a ball Friday night before leading the Historic Krewe of Mid-City during Sunday night's Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 17, 2015
Q+A with Marvin Kocian

Marvin Kocian led the Historic Krewe of Mid-City in New Orleans in the Sunday night Mardi Gras parade through the Big Easy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
"I don't think we have a right to rule on anything that happened over 25 years ago." — Board member Jean White
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 17, 2015
ZBA won't review Mar Vista complaints

The board heard from Village resident Gene Jaleski at its Feb. 12 meeting, but it won't hold hearings on his complaints.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Briefs

Whole Foods plans University location; County seeks animal advocates; County resurfaces Ranch roadways

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Letters to the editor: 'Never again' cont'd

We asked two weeks ago on this page: 'Never again?' It was referring to the Holocaust and implied that Islamic terrorists' atrocities resembled those of the Nazis. We said it was time for the U.S. to act forcefully. Our readers responded - forcefully.

  • East County
  • Opinion
East County resident Mary Forristall, president of Forristall Enterprises, says her love of working with people and building relationships will serve her well as the new chairwoman of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
Q+A with Mary Forristall

When the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange recognized members during its 63rd annual installation dinner and awards banquet Feb. 5, it also welcomed East County resident Mary Forristall, of Forristall Enterprises, as the organization's first chairwoman.

  • East County
  • News
TSA members Jimmy Ansley, Michael Kisida, Griffin Hudson, Jason Berger, Devon Summerville and Jordan Brown built playhouses for Foundation for Dreams. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
Haile students build playhouses, character

The project isn't just about winning a competition - it's about filling a need for the disabled and raising money for a cause.

  • East County
  • News
Three local farms offer u-pick strawberries while they are in season, now through April. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 17, 2015
The season of sweetness

Strawberry season is ripe in East County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
WCI Communities’ Key Largo model is in The Links at Rosedale. It boasts 2,389 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a halfbath.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 17, 2015
Builders group parades area homes

It's that time of year again, when hobbyist interior decorators and prospective homebuyers grab their maps and car keys and head out for a drive around town.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Barbara Knowles submitted this sunset photo, taken on Anna Maria Island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Weather: Longboat Key

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover, to be announced in October.*

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This home at 6915 Winners Circle has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,697 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 17, 2015
Country Club Village home sells for $780,000

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Stacy White submitted this misty sunrise photo, taken in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Weather: East County

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover, to be announced in October.*

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This is a cutline!
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 17, 2015
Planning Commission vacancy draws five candidates

fgshsw

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tavia and Bill Ames
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Goodwill Manasota Mardi Gras Gala

Goodwill Manasota Mardi Gras Gala

  • Black Tie
Antonia Angora, Mary Kenealy-Barbetta and Francesco Serafino
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 17, 2015
Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness

Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness

  • Black Tie
Cardinal Mooney senior Ryan McMahon looks to pass during the fourth quarter against Calvary Christian.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 16, 2015
Cardinal Mooney survives, moves on to regional final

Ryan McMahon hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining to help propel the Cougars to a 64-61 victory.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Athletes from 35 countries show off their countries' flags.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 16, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Cup No.1 Opening Ceremony

The 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Cup No. 1 launched with a parade of 250 athletes from 35 countries who marched with the flags of their countries hoisted high. A crowd of more than 300 attended the Opening Ceremony held Feb. 17, at the Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Philadelphia Union player Danny Cruz signs an autograph for Tyler Einsmann, 18.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 16, 2015
Major League Soccer visits Lakewood Ranch

Several MLS teams brought players and staff to Lakewood Ranch to meet with fans before kicking off preseason play at IMG Academy.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota County Planning Commission will play a key role in advising the County Commission as staff moves to update the comprehensive plan.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 16, 2015
Planning Commission vacancy draws five candidates

Two former Sarasota County Commission candidates are among the applicants for the advisory board, which will hold an important role as the county aims to revamp its comprehensive plan and the economy rebounds.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The center will cost an estimated $10 million to operate per year for the first five years after it opens. Pending state approval, the center could being operating in May.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 16, 2015
Sarasota Memorial board approves trauma center

The new center must get state approval; Sarasota Memorial Hospital will submit the application in April.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Brennan Duffy, 4, and Kayla Duffy, 2, enjoy their beads at 2014’s Mardi Gras St. Armands Style.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 16, 2015
UPDATE: Mardi Gras St. Armands Style cancelled

Due to predicted inclement weather, St. Armands' Mardi Gras celebration was cancelled.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Moore’s Stonecrab Restaurant co-owner Alan Moore Moore intends to file a site plan and a special-exception permit to the Planning, Zoning and Building Department in the coming weeks.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 16, 2015
Moore's plans for brand-new restaurant

Moore's Stonecrab Restaurant co-owner Alan Moore is prepared to file a site plan soon that calls for tearing down his 47-year old eatery and building a new one.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Zach Morrison represented Young Democrats during the Next Generation debate hosted by the Tiger Bay Club.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 16, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Next Generation debate

The Tiger Bay Club welcomed Young Democrats and Young Republicans into the den for the Next Generation debate on national and local topics Tuesday morning at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kathy Baylis is pictured with Patterson Foundation President and CEO Debra Jacobs.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2015
Former EDC executive Kathy Baylis dies

Kathy Baylis was a leader in economic development in Sarasota County for more than a decade.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key Town Hall is located at 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 15, 2015
Moore's, underground utilities on tomorrow's Town Hall agendas

Both the Planning and Zoning Board and the Longboat Key Town Commission meet tomorrow.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 990 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999 »
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
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
2
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
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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