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Results for:

Samantha Casanueva, Parker Poplaski, Matthew Jackson and Trenton Horne of Blue Lightning with their robots and awards.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 9, 2025
Three East County schools headed to Vex Robotics World Championship

Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School, Virgil Mills Elementary School, Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School are going to compete in Dallas, Texas.

  • East County
  • Schools
Sarasota junior quarterback Hudson West eyes the field before attempting a pass against Braden River.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • September 4, 2025
'I'm the same Hudson': Sarasota High QB stays true to himself

After busy summer, the journey rolls on for Sailor sophomore talent.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Zaylie Ellis of Sailor Circus, walks the tightrope.
  • By Carlin Gillen |
  • July 17, 2025
Unusual educational opportunities abound in Sarasota

From circus skills to hands-on marine biology experience, here are some of the unusual experiences that can enhance education in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Rose Canino sings at Town Square.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • August 28, 2025
Key Chorale serves seniors with health challenges through choir sessions

The Sarasota organization offers Local Come Together Choir for senior enrichment at Town Square Sarasota and Where Are My Keys? Chorale at Senior Friendship Centers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key's first grants coordinator, Kalee Shaberts, started hunting for possible grants on July 17, 2023.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • July 15, 2025
Longboat grant coordinator focuses on relationship-building, organization

Two years into her new-to-the-town role, Shaberts' job zooms in on funding that isn't tax based.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The culmination of the Sarasota Improv Fest is the All Play show, shown here in 2024.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • July 15, 2025
Sarasota Improv Festival celebrates the evolution of an art form

Improv is changing at warp speed, but Florida Studio Theatre remains at the vanguard.

  • Arts + Culture
The main observation deck of Quick Point Nature Preserve offered guests a prime view of Sarasota Bay. The structure disappeared after the hurricanes.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • June 3, 2025
After Longboat nature parks receive cost-saving bid, staff prep for construction

The repairs were originally slated to cost $2 million but will now cost around $700,000. Bids for other projects, like the town docks, are still pending.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 12, 2025
Upscale Japanese restaurant and bar coming to University Town Center

Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ian Desmond hit 181 home runs in his Major League career.
  • By Vinnie Portell |
  • August 19, 2025
Former Major Leaguer relishes high school coaching gig

Ian Desmond brings an All-Star resume to his new job as Lakewood Ranch High School’s baseball coach. The father of five also brings some core values to the gig, like work ethic and a family-first ethos.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Hearts of ODA camp was led by Camela Giraud, the director of collaborative learning and education outreach at ODA. She was assisted by co-facilitator Colby Heidke, who is a 2025 ODA graduate and also the founder of the Sarasota Mobility Alliance.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • July 18, 2025
Hearts of ODA camp in Lakewood Ranch provides volunteer time and talent

The student campers have volunteered at nonprofits such as All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
There was a good turnout at Christ Church of Longboat Key's annual fish fry Thursday, Aug. 27, a social event planned late in the summer which has been a tradition at the church since 2012.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • August 30, 2025
Church members dig in at 2025 Christ Church fish fry

The social event has been a tradition at the Longboat Key church since 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brando Fetzek, vice president and project executive for NDC Construction Company and Jessica Roddenberry, the project manager from HKS Architects & Designers led the tour.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 6, 2025
Lake Manatee K-8 school is set to open for elementary students in August

HKS Architects and Designers along with NDC Construction Company are working to ensure they deliver phase one in time for the 2025-2026 school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation hosts Casino Royale May 14 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 16, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation bets on new fundraiser

The foundation is already planning its second Casino Royale event for next April.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering of the Sarasota Police Department's completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 15, 2025
SPD'S new operations center is already solving crime in real time

Only in its infancy, the Sarasota Police Department's new technology-rich, fully integrated facility managed by an unretired former detective is already paying dividends.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota resident Dana Crispin and her 4-year-old son Zayden are eager to pose with Dora from "Dora the Explorer" and Valerie Frizzle from "The Magic School Bus."
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • August 3, 2025
Back to School Bash at The Mall at UTC in Sarasota builds excitement

A scavenger hunt for school supplies, dance performances, face painting and more made for an eventful day at the mall.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen's menu ranges from a Margherita Pizza to Chicken Piccata.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 12, 2025
Longboat Italian eatery to open second Manatee County location

The owner says Ventura’s Italian Kitchen "promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The School District of Manatee County owns and utilizes 4 electric buses: 2 that can go 130 miles on a charge and 2 that can go up to 200. Jamie Warrington, director of transportation for the district, says there are pros and cons in terms of the environment and efficiency.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • July 14, 2025
Manatee needs more testing on electric school buses

Cost and the ability to serve open areas are just some of the areas that need more exploration before the School District of Manatee County purchases additional electric buses.

  • East County
  • Schools
Grace Community Church is expanding its Lakewood Ranch campus to include a student center.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • July 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch megachurch still growing

Grace Community Church bought a new building for its staff and is constructing an overflow parking lot and student center.

  • East County
  • News
VSC President and CEO Erin Duggan, Director of Community Relationship and Partnership Hunter Carpenter, Marketing Manager Jess Bertolini, and Vice President of Finance and Administration Andrea Hunt with the Silver Flagler Award.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • September 5, 2025
Tourism bureau wins prestigious Silver Flagler award

Visit Sarasota County was honored with the award named after the "Father of Florida Tourism" for its 2024 annual summit focused on hurricane recovery.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A rendering of the boardwalk and public access of the proposed MarineMax post-storm renovations.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • July 16, 2025
City sinks MarineMax lease extension proposal

Rather than granting a 25-year extension beginning 2037, the Sarasota City Commission instructs staff to reopen the lease with MarineMax for the storm-damaged marina on City Island based on an updated fair market appraisal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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