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Vannessa Alvarez likes to be in control - in control of the actors and actresses involved in New Gate School's theatrical performances, in control of the props and costumes and in control of the atmosphere backstage.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Brynn Mechem |
January 7, 2020

Sarasota County single-stream recycling begins

Unincorporated residents will now recycle items in one bin rather than several bins.

Sarasota
News

By Amelia Hanks |
September 26, 2018

New class takes off at Braden River

Applied engineering class puts emphasis on drones.

East County
News

By Jen Blanco |
February 5, 2014

Back-to-back champs

The Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team will face Melbourne in the FHSAA Final Four for the second-consecutive season.

East County
Sports

By Heidi Kurpiela |
July 25, 2012

BACKSTAGE PASS: Man at work

As Florida Studio Theatre's general manger for two years, James Lemons is a jack-of-all-trades. As the company moves along on its new Gompertz Theatre project, Lemons' job has become even more hands-on.

Arts + Culture

By Mark Bergin |
August 2, 2021

Longboat's 2021 budget in shape as new plan comes together

The Longboat Key Town Commission is set to review the budget on Sept. 13 and Sept. 27.

Longboat Key
News

By Jay Heater |
July 9, 2019

Slower pace would protect our wildlife in Lakewood Ranch

East County
Opinion

By Observer Staff |
October 29, 2015

Longboat Key photo contest winner: Oct. 29

Belinda Russell submitted this photo taken at the Longboat Key Club beach.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Observer Staff |
October 29, 2015

Sarasota photo contest winner: Oct. 29

Patricia Orzechowski submitted this photo of a net being cast at sunset on Nokomis Beach.

Sarasota
News

By Harriet Sokmensuer |
March 19, 2014

Sarasota parks selected for Macy's 'Heart Your Park' program

The national program, which was introduced as part of Macy's 'Secret Garden' campaign, aims to raise not only money but awareness of local parks around the country.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Florida Lakes Vein Center |
October 11, 2023

Lymphedema and Vein Disease

Mention the Observer to reserve your FREE vein screening.

Health

State and Sarasota city, county declare states of emergency

The declaration provides greater local government flexibility for spending in response to recent flooding.

Sarasota
News

By Andrew Warfield |
August 17, 2023

Parking program proposals would mean $3.5M increase in city revenue

The new parking director proposes replacing free spots with paid ones and stricter parking garage polices, but Sarasota city commissioners were told it's not about the money.