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Results for:

Dr. Bassam Altajar, left, and his family have lived in the United States for 20 years. Altajar's three sisters still live in Damascus, Syria, within earshot of the Syrian Civil War's front lines. Courtesy photo.
  • By Nolan Peterson |
  • September 12, 2013
Syrian conflict more than a debate for family

A Sarasota doctor of Syrian descent fears for the future of his homeland and the safety of his three sisters caught in the crossfire of an increasingly deadly conflict.

  • Sarasota
  • News
"Growing up in the circus and traveling across America was very exciting, very interesting and informative," Gena Shvartsman Cristiani says. "It was also very normal to just get up and leave all the time."
  • By Mallory Gnaegy |
  • October 2, 2013
In the Center Ring

Gena Shvartsman Cristiani grew up in a juggling family as a prodigy juggling performer who continually traveled the nation. Just recently, she started calling Sarasota home.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 20, 2014
THEATER REVIEW: 'How I Learned to Drive'

Paula Vogel takes a different approach in 'How I Learned to Drive,' and you can see the results in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory's current production of her Pulitzer Prize-winning play from 1997.

  • Arts + Culture
Pam Eubanks. Katherine Harris and Paul Blackketter, president of the Suncoast Aquatics Nature Center Associates, hope to raise $1 million from the private sector for the World Cup pentathlon finals in 2014.
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • December 4, 2013
A greater vision

Thanks to community involvement, winning four pentathlon events adds to a strategy to become a world-class amateur sports venue.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Otus |
  • February 3, 2014
Ask Otus: Sarasota Audubon's Christmas Bird Count Results

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otusâ„¢.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Joseph Constantin puts a shot on net during a Manatee Ball Hockey League game.
  • By Ryan Kohn |
  • December 9, 2021
Prose and Kohn: Ball hockey league takes its shot in Lakewood Ranch

The Manatee Ball Hockey League is currently holding its first adult season and is preparing for its second youth season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fr. Phillip Schweda, Fr. Robert Dziedziak, Linda Olsen and Bishop Frank Dewane
  • By Petra Rivera |
  • February 28, 2024
St. Mary, Star of the Sea celebrates 50th anniversary with gala

The 50th anniversary celebration showcases the history of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church and its excitement for the future.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Water made the road nearly impossible around the 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • August 6, 2024
Hurricane Debby brought unexpected amounts of water to LBK

The storm left many parts of Longboat Key flooded, and water damage was the main issue seen by the town's damage assessment team.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The musical "Waitress," with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, runs through Jan. 5 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • November 11, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre dishes out 'Waitress: The Musical'

Director/Choreographer Ben Liebert shares his recipe for FST's regional premiere.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota County office formed to oversee housing programs
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 29, 2025
Sarasota County office formed to oversee housing programs

The Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office is accepting applications for block grants and deferred-payment loans.

  • Sarasota
  • News
PAC Sarasota Co-Chairs Chris Voelker and Dick Lynch.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 19, 2025
Sarasota Arts & Culture Coalition rebranded PAC Sarasota

The goal of the Sarasota Arts & Cultural Coalition is to advocate for Sarasota's arts and cultural organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Vicente Rivera, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, has been accepted into the United States Naval Academy in Maryland, which has a 9% acceptance rate.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 26, 2025
Lakewood Ranch High senior ready to begin career at US Naval Academy

Vicente Rivera says he loves structure so a military academy is a great fit.

  • East County
  • Schools
FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of "The Winter's Tale" runs through April 27 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 12, 2025
'The Winter’s Tale' looks on the bright and dark sides of life

Shakespeare's classic drama offers tragedy and comedy in the same play.

  • Arts + Culture
Unnamed subject caught hitting golf balls into a vacant house
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 7, 2025
Unnamed subject caught hitting golf balls into a vacant house

Two males were hitting golf balls from a back yard into a canal and through glass into a home; one of them evading police. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approve the purchase of 9000 Town Center Parkway May 6.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • May 7, 2025
Manatee's proposed $23.5 million purchase raises transparency issues

While buying a Lakewood Ranch building appears to be positive for East County, residents had little chance to offer input.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Technical director Chris McVicker and director Jonathan Epstein
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • April 9, 2024
Elizabethan-era stage adds authentic touch to 'Romeo and Juliet'

FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of the beloved Shakespeare play makes the audience part of the action with a set based on a historic stage.

  • Arts + Culture
Lakewood Ranch High junior Sam Obine-Galvin (middle) will row at his first USRowing Youth Nationals at Nathan Benderson Park June 6-9 in the Sarasota Crew first varsity boys 8+ boat.
  • By Ryan Kohn |
  • May 27, 2024
Sarasota Crew rowers set for Youth Nationals

The USRowing event will descend onto Nathan Benderson Park on June 6-9.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cheif Lee Whitehurst and Fire Commissioner Garry Lawson celebrate another East County fire station opening.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • November 26, 2024
East Manatee Fire Rescue opens new Myakka City station

The new station replaces the old Station 11 located at 10215 Wauchula Road.

  • East County
  • News
Canadian Brass returns to Sarasota with a holiday concert Dec. 4 at Sarasota Opera House.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • November 29, 2023
Canadian Brass brings its unique style to Sarasota for a holiday concert

The award-winning Canadian Brass quintet has strong Sarasota ties.

  • Arts + Culture
Resident Lenny Nelson, who said he was pleasantly surprised by the community open house, picks up a free book and checks out other local resources.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 11, 2025
Second Town Green open house on Longboat Key unites community

Nonprofits, religious groups, small businesses and educational services all came together for a community open house on Saturday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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