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Results for:

School Board Member Heather Felton took off her blazer during the May 5 workshop to show her sleeveless shirt is appropriate for students in the Florida heat.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 18, 2026
Manatee Schools to re-evaluate dress code guidelines

School board members and school community members debate what the dress code should be and whether school uniforms are an option.

  • East County
  • Schools
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff |
  • May 20, 2026
24th Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival

Patrons have the opportunity to personally to meet with the craft artisans, commission work, and learn what inspires the crafter's work.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
The St. Regis Longboat Key arch is installed on a private groin that extends into the Gulf.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 18, 2026
Longboat Key makes case against St. Regis arch

Jurisdiction claims and FDEP permit both addressed in town’s suit against St. Regis.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year

Noah Moise was recognized for his work as safety patrol captain, believed to be the first student in the district to receive the honor.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Out-of-Door Academy's Chase Smith, Hays Wilson, Zachary Papper and Mason Chase are all National Merit Finalists after earning high test scores and going through the application process.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 26, 2026
Five Lakewood Ranch-area students earn National Merit Finalist status

Four students from the Out-of-Door Academy and one from Braden River High School have the opportunity to earn exclusive scholarships.

  • East County
  • Schools
Entering this season, Braden River softball hadn't won a district title in seven years. The squad is now two wins away from a state championship.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 14, 2026
Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

With a wire-to-wire effort from Kaydence Evans, the Pirates are FHSAA Class 5A-3 regional champions.

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat Key officials are taking an in-depth look at tree regulations on the island, bearing in mind the effects of the 2024 hurricanes.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 21, 2026
Longboat's tree ordinance revamp moves along

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board invited subject matter experts to discuss potential improvements to the town’s tree code.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A new fire pit area awaits campers, along with the playground that was moved from Camp Flying Eagle, where camps used to be held.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 21, 2026
Dream Oaks Camp opens near Rye Preserve just in time for summer

Manatee County gave the Foundation for Dreams a 10-year lease for $10, but the campus needed an overhaul.

  • East County
  • News
The 7-Eleven planned for 44th Avenue West and White Eagle Boulevard will look similar to the 7-Eleven on University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 21, 2026
7-Eleven planned for Lakewood Ranch fuels outrage

A gas station and convenience store on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard is anticipated to be under construction before the year's end.

  • East County
  • News
An overflow parking lot with 10 spots is open during the day at Bayfront Park accessible via Gulf of Mexico Drive.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 3, 2026
Bayfront Park neighbors express frustrations over parking, litter and more

Residents near Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park have raised the issue with town leaders, who have urged residents to report code violations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Grant's Gardens has a two-bay garage at 525 Gulf Bay Road, and is proposing to build an office building on the lot across the street at 524 Gulf Bay Road.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 23, 2026
Landscaping company seeks expansion in Longboat Key

An office building proposed on Gulf Bay Road came before the Planning and Zoning Board for review Tuesday, prompting pushback from a neighbor and former employee.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Officer Ryan Block and K-9 Partner Kodak have become Sarasota Police Department's second certified explosive detection team.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 15, 2026
SPD K-9 team earns explosive-detection certification

Officer Ryan Block and K-9 partner Kodak have completed a rigorous 300-hour certification program for explosive detection certification.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is the only Gulf-facing property on Longboat Key with a private beach groin, constructed decades ago by Colony Beach & Tennis Resort owner Murf Klauber to fight beach erosion.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 12, 2026
St. Regis, town headed to court as Whittall defies order

The developer and owner of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort says he will fight in court "to whatever extent necessary" to leave the arch that town code enforcement has ordered taken down.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Hillary Ellis is a new addition to the Manatee County Court.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch attorney appointed to Manatee County Court

Hillary Ellis will fill a seat created by Senate Bill 2508.

  • East County
  • News
Leighton Paul (right), pictured here during the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 3 final May 14 against Gulf Coast, was Braden River's leadoff hitter this season. She went 0-for-3 in the state semifinals against Niceville.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 22, 2026
Late rally not enough for Braden River High softball in state semifinals

The Pirates, who won district and regional titles this season, dropped a 2-1 decision to Niceville.

  • East County
  • Sports
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

From the rolling hills of Washington state to the close-up gaze of a cheetah, images captured by this group of photographers impressed viewers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort installed a stainless steel arch on a private groin, leading to a lengthy dispute with the town of Longboat Key, with leaders claiming it violate’s the town’s sign code.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 6, 2026
Friday deadline set for St. Regis arch removal

If the metal arch installed on a groin in the Gulf is not removed by 5 p.m. Friday, the town of Longboat Key and developers will meet in court to decide the matter.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Frank Dagostino bought the property in 2020 and vows to see the project through to the end.

  • East County
  • News
Marina and Vladislav Yeliseyev pose in front of one of Vlad's paintings in their home in The Landings.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota artist travels the globe painting outdoors

With his studio in The Landings, Vladislav Yeliseyev's world knows no boundaries.

  • Arts + Culture
Zoë Buller began pole vaulting as a sixth grader. One year later, she's a regional and district champion, ultimately placing eighth at the FHSAA Class 1A track and field state championship.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 21, 2026
These Longboat Key family members have spring in their step

ODA pole vaulter Zoe Buller looks to follow in the footsteps of her parents, who were accomplished track and field athletes.

  • East County
  • Sports
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