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Results for:

A colorful spread of kebabs, house-made sauces and sides showcases the restaurant’s bold, cross-cultural approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • May 20, 2026
Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant gets its passion from surprising its customers

Florence & the Spice Boys Chef Collin Blakeman explains why Middle Eastern cuisine is the spice of life.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Witness breaks up a fight in a rolling vehicle
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 13, 2026
Witness breaks up a fight in a rolling vehicle

A man who says another driver robbed him of cash in a store parking light jumped in and fought as he tried to drive away. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'

Four-hundred and twenty graduates receive diplomas and now will chase their dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
Manatee County Area Transit bus stops are unused on Longboat Key as on demand service using vehicles like the white Ford Explorer pictured are now the only public transportation options on the barrier island.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 15, 2026
On-demand public transit sees steady use on Longboat

When bus service stopped on Longboat Key, on-demand ride-hailing with public subsidies took its place.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John Dunn is a former U.S. Air Force medic. He's also a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 5, 2026
'Dunn' with special interests, Duette resident enters District 1 race

John Dunn wants the people to run Manatee County, not special interests or even commissioners.

  • East County
  • News
Samantha Bennett and George Nickson are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of ensembleNewSRQ.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 13, 2026
Two Sarasota arts groups team up to present an opera for our times

Artist Series Concerts and ensembleNewSRQ join forces for Matthew Aucoin's "Music for New Bodies."

  • Arts + Culture
Layla Obaseki is a newcomer to Riverview girls track and field, and already has two district titles under her belt.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 21, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Layla Obaseki

The Riverview freshman won two events at the FHSAA Class 4A-District 12 track and field meet.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Saravela and the Sports Club at TPC Prestancia are pertnering for the mutual benefit of condo owners and club members.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 9, 2026
Condo development partners with country club for shared benefits

Saravela developer GSP is teaming up with Heritage Golf Group for free membership at Sports Club at TPC Prestancia, special condo purchase benefits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sophie Bell had never rowed until middle school. From May 16-17, she'll return to the place where her career started, now a sophomore competing at the NCAA Division I level.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 13, 2026
Local rower-turned-Division I athlete returns to area for Big 12 Championships

Old Dominion's Sophie Bell, a Lakewood Ranch High graduate, will be competing at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 23, 2026
New town clerk hired for Longboat Key

Outgoing Town Clerk Trish Shinkle will retire on June 19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 11, 2026
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75

No one else was hurt in the Sarasota County incident, FHP says.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dan Moriarty, community liaison and board member of the Tree Foundation, and Community Relations Co-Chair Janie Pratt stand on the campus.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 14, 2026
Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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
Shoreline damage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is among the nearly $40 million in city recovery expenses left behind by the 2024 hurricane season.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 4, 2026
City staff to hold budget steady for next fiscal year

A fund balance shortfall of $4.3 million has prompted Sarasota officials to instruct departments to trim operating costs and suspend capital purchases.

  • Sarasota
  • News
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote

Sarasota leaders agree to pay 2% commission on school tax while legal action plays out between school district and tax collector.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Contemporary Dance founder and artistic director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director join forces for SCD + WBTT May 15-16 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 12, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 14-20

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Outside weightlifting and wrestling, Freedom McDaniel also plays defensive end/defensive tackle for Braden River football. His 43 solo tackles in 2025 were second-most on the team.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Freedom McDaniel

The junior pushed Braden River High boys weightlifting to a district championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Longboat Key Fire Rescue received a grant for an extra set of protective equipment that will allow firefighters to wash equipment after every fire.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 29, 2026
Fire department receives new protective equipment thanks to grant

The 35 sets of gloves and neck protectors will allow Longboat Key Fire Rescue to wash equipment without down time.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pink Milkweed is a native, re-seeding plant, dormant in winter, that draws monarch and queen butterflies.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • March 5, 2026
Test your knowledge of native plants

These are some of the plants adapted to Florida's soil conditions and environment.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Andrii Padkovskyi plays the titular role in Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 20, 2026
A Ukrainian fiddler finds his roof in Sarasota

After a musical family escaped war in Ukraine, two brothers land at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
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