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Results for:

Thomas H Wentz
  • In Memoriam |
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz

Thomas H Wentz, III, 82, passed away on February 6, 2026. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1943, to Thomas H Wentz and Mary Jane Miller Wentz.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Garden Club President Melanie Dale helps lead efforts to beautify and support the Longboat Key community. Butterflies visit flowering plants cultivated to support pollinators, reflecting the club's focus on sustainable, Florida-friendly landscapes.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • April 1, 2026
Longboat Garden Club's efforts help beautify and nurture a community

The Longboat Key Garden Club has spent decades transforming public spaces, supporting local causes and proving that gardening can be both glamorous and hands-on.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard

Benderson Development makes its first appearance before city staff on an application for zoning changes at the former Sarasota County Administration Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kojo's incredibly delish truffled chicken wontons ($14).
  • By Emma Burke |
  • April 20, 2026
Live large with a tiny taste of the best truffle dishes in town

We've rooted out some affordable ways to celebrate National Truffle Day.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Ohana seawall is having repairs done in March. The seawall extends into the Gulf, cutting off public beach access as the seawall is part of the Gulf-facing home’s property.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 26, 2026
Seawall repairs underway at Ohana

The Ohana estate in Longboat Key has a locally famous seawall that extends into the Gulf and cuts off beach access for the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Well Sarasota would include 28 condominiums and 72 hotel/condo units.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 19, 2026
Is the hotel/condo trend coming to Sarasota?

Two projects working through the city approval process would combine condominium and hotel uses, signaling a possible shift in the Sarasota condo market.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tara Poulton and Ed Ference are two of the four candidates vying for the Republican nomination in District 6.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 19, 2026
Manatee commission candidates face off in Lakewood Ranch

District 6 candidates spoke their minds about roundabouts, campaign contributions and more.

  • East County
  • News
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
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff |
  • March 26, 2026
View + Vision =

Maison du Lac features a large private lot that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty and private view over the lake.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sponsored Content
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal

Commissioners reviewed Bishop's contract but opted to make changes before renewing it.

  • East County
  • News
Anthony and Katherine Van Wezel Stone, grandchildren of the late Lewis Van Wezel.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 14, 2026
Van Wezel heirs join with SPAF to support new Performing Arts Center

Grandchildren of the late Lewis Van Wezel have joined the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation in support of a new venue and a "unified cultural campus."

  • Sarasota
  • News
"Riverdance 30 — The New Generation" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Jan. 27-29.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • January 20, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 22-28

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
One Sarasota Tower is the scene for one of Ethan Hunt’s (Tom Cruise) thrilling action scenes.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • April 1, 2026
APRIL FOOL: New 'Mission: Impossible' film to be set in Sarasota

Filming is currently underway in Sarasota for "Mission: Impossible – Tropical Reckoning," a film that takes field agent Ethan Hunt to new latitudes.

  • April Fools
A rendering of the interior of Payne Park Auditorium with seating in the round.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • February 17, 2026
Payne Park Auditorium renovations set to begin soon

Now leased by a refocused Sarasota Players, work on Payne Park Auditorium will begin soon with plans to bring the nearly century-old troupe back to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "How I Got Over" raise their hands in praise.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • March 9, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe sings a hymn of gratitude

Nate Jacobs' theater company educates and inspires with "How I Got Over: A Gospel Revue."

  • Arts + Culture
A rendering of the new offices, storage and classroom space for Sarasota Youth Sailing on City Island.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 13, 2026
Youth sailing program closer to new facility approval

Sarasota Youth Sailing received the unanimous endorsement of the city's Planning Board of its plans for a permanent facility in Ken Thompson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring

Two technicians were supposed to monitor the Myakka River, but they were hired to cover all of Manatee County instead.

  • East County
  • News
The Bee Gees tribute band Stayin' Alive comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, March 8.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 3, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 5-11

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Japanese violin prodigy lives up to the hype in Sarasota Orchestra debut
  • By Gayle Williams |
  • January 17, 2026
Japanese violin prodigy lives up to the hype in Sarasota Orchestra debut

Her musicality seems to emanate from a heart and soul deeply connected to a universal truth.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
LaMichael Leonard Jr.'s dance career has taken him to New York and Paris and back to Sarasota.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • February 10, 2026
International dance star comes home to Sarasota

Booker High alum LaMichael Leonard Jr. debuts his "Hot, New Dance" at The Ringling.

  • Arts + Culture
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