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Results for:

Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield
  • By Lori Sax |
  • April 26, 2026
Selby Gardens welcomes famed floral designer Ian Prosser for Lunch in the Gardens

Lunch in the Gardens celebrates the 2026 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which was inspired by Alexander Calder's work.

  • Black Tie
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
Longboat Key has dozens of canals, 88 according to a report by the town’s costal engineering consultant firm First Line Coastal.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 13, 2026
Canal payment plan gets first approval by Longboat commission

The first of two votes passed unanimously to establish flat fees and ad-valorem assessments to dredge and maintain Longboat Key's canals.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Instructor Suzy Brenner leads her "Stretch and Strengthen" class for the first official activity following The Paradise Center reopening on Sept. 29 at Longboat Island Chapel.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 14, 2026
The Paradise Center expands digital classes

New livestreams of movement classes will be available online to members of the community center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Spring break helped bring an year-over-year increase in tourism to Sarasota County in March.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 11, 2026
Tourism sees increase of visitors in March

March 2026 brought an increase in tourists, but not spending, to Sarasota County compared to the year prior.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
Richard Frank Wokoun
  • In Memoriam |
  • May 14, 2026
Richard Frank Wokoun

Richard Frank Wokoun, age 69, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on April 26, 2026.

  • East County
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Triple Oak Preserve in Myakka City is one of the purchases Manatee County made using funds collected from the 2020 referendum.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 12, 2026
Environmental lands referendum one step closer to 2026 ballot

Manatee County commissioners were presented with four funding options to acquire additional lands and development rights.

  • East County
  • News
Beginning June 1, 2026, parking fees will be enforced in all city parking decks, such as the St. Armands Circle garage, 24/7.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 7, 2026
Paid city parking hours extended and fines for violations increased

To achieve solvency in Sarasota's Parking Division, the City Commission extends enforcement hours and increases fines with changes beginning June 1, 2026.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Boat, pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be unaffected by a $4.3 million maintenance project on Siesta Key's north bridge.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • April 25, 2026
Siesta Key's north bridge undergoes maintenance project

Most work will take place below the deck of the 50-year-old drawbridge.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Letter to our legislators: Don't turn USFSM over to New College
  • By Letter to the Editor |
  • May 12, 2026
Letter to our legislators: Don't turn USFSM over to New College

The fate of USF Sarasota-Manatee depends on the Legislature's special budget session. It will decide whether to shut down the college and transfer the buildings to New College.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Work will soon begin on replacing anbd raising 1,500 linear feet of seawall at the Bayfront Park marina.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 7, 2026
Bayfront Park marina seawall to be rebuilt

The Sarasota City Commission has approved a nearly $5.6 million contract to rebuild the seawall at the marina section of Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer

After years of discussions and changes, the Longboat Key Town Commission will consider a funding formula to assess homeowners to care for canals.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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
Surrounded by members of the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026, staff from Save Our Seabirds and a cloud of confetti, Lisa Charles cuts the ribbon at the unveiling of an updated outdoor space at the bird sanctuary.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 27, 2026
Leadership Sarasota spruces up Save Our Seabirds space

With the sponsorship and hands-on work of local leaders, the bird sanctuary has a new look for its outdoor education center and landscaping.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Junior Jackson Zackery (left) celebrates with senior Peyton Hens (right) after a goal against Sarasota High on April 9 in the FHSAA Class 2A-District 12 quarterfinals. Lakewood Ranch advanced with a 13-4 victory.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 15, 2026
'Unfinished business' for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse

Guided by a strong senior class, the Mustangs have sought redemption for past shortcomings.

  • East County
  • Sports
Carol Erker and Terri and Jeff Driver, board members with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, gave an overview of the leadership positions they hope to fill next year at the May 5 meeting.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 12, 2026
Longboat Rotary welcomes new board members

The community service organization is welcoming back its president and hopes to involve new board members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Charles Edward Githler
  • In Memoriam |
  • May 6, 2026
Charles Edward Githler

Charles Edward Githler was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 29, in Sarasota, Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Neal Mason Hall (1939-2026)
  • In Memoriam |
  • April 23, 2026
Neal Mason Hall

Neal Mason Hall, 86, of Longboat Key, FL, passed away on April 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
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
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