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Results for:

Drew Smith (left) and Chase Smith (right) are a sophomore and senior, respectively, at The Out-of-Door Academy. They lost their father, Scott Smith, to esophageal cancer in October of 2023.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 9, 2026
Brothers fundraise in their father's memory

Chase and Drew Smith held their third annual track and field fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 26, 2026
2026 education summer camps in Sarasota, Manatee

Check out the education camps available in Sarasota and Manatee counties this summer.

  • Summer Fun Guide
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons

In "Birthday Candles," Rachel Moulton ages from 17 to 107 as she bakes a cosmic confection.

  • Arts + Culture
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
Workers carry one of two storm surge poles Sarasota County has installed at Siesta Beach and Manasota Beach.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • April 23, 2026
Storm surge poles installed at Sarasota County beaches

Colorful poles to educate the public about the dangers of storm surge have been installed at two Sarasota County beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Billboards to help finance the monorail plan will focus on activities and products most likely to be of interest to riders, such as eco-tourism destinations.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 1, 2026
APRIL FOOL: Monorail will ease traffic on Longboat Key

With the capacity to hold 150 passengers, the monorail will have stops at a beach access, pickleball courts, a resort and Publix.

  • April Fools
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
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance President and CEO Brittany Lamont and Board Chair Wayne Parrish are eager for members to hit the course for the Ranch Scramble.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • March 30, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance takes a swing at networking

The Ranch Scramble draws 140 golfers and 40 businesses to Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Waterside’s Victoria Ortiz, 24, said her 7-month-old son, Flynn, has changed her life for the better.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 10, 2026
Mothers discuss their journeys before their special day

Lakewood Ranch mothers share how motherhood has helped them grow through both happy moments and hardship.

  • East County
  • 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
A vehicle representing the Historic Aircraft Society arrives at the Main Street and Orange Avenue roundabout during the Memorial Day parade in 2024.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • April 28, 2026
Memorial Day Parade set for May 25

Sarasota's annual Memorial Day Parade will will be held May 25, concluding with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A rendering of BayCare HealthHub on Moccasin Wallow Road.
  • By Louis Llovio |
  • May 14, 2026
Health care expands in the area in a big way

Health care systems are expanding in and around Lakewood Ranch — for both the short- and long-term.

  • East County
  • News
Nearly every member of the Sarasota Ballet will be on stage for “Checkmate” May 1-2 at the Sarasota Opera House.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • April 22, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages a dramatic death dance in 'Checkmate'

The Black Queen battles the Red Knight in Dame Nanette de Valois' chess-inspired ballet.

  • Arts + Culture
The original 1957 Longboat Key Town Charter is printed on rice paper and stored at Town Hall, along with copies of the original document printed in 1959.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 5, 2026
Charter review presents opportunity for change for Longboat Key

The town is due for its once-a-decade review of its charter, which means a chance to look at bigger policy and governance matters on the Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The gazebo-style pavilion at Joan M. Durante Park just had a $138,000 facelift as the base of the structure was mostly replaced.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 24, 2026
Durante Park gazebo, boardwalk repairs complete

A gazebo repair cost $138,000, while boardwalk, overlook replacement and debris clearing totaled $329,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Taco Shell fast-food chain will be the first such res­taur­ant at Water­side Place, although this one will be sail­ing on King­fisher Lake.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • April 1, 2026
APRIL FOOL: Taco Shell sails into the Waterside Place market

The fast-food restaurant, modeled after another entry, will float the idea of convenience at the Lakewood Ranch hub.

  • April Fools
Stand-up comedian Al Ernst opens the second-annual Comedy Night performance through Arts in April, made possible through the Longboat Key Foundation. He and three fellow comedians performed April 16 at the Town Center Green.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 20, 2026
Comedian quintet brings jokes to Longboat listeners

The stand-ups joked about everything from dating misadventures to life on the road.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The main building at the Bishop Animal Shelter has 52 dog kennels. The expansion adds 120 more kennels.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • May 13, 2026
Dog tired of spending money on Manatee County's animal shelters

After $12 million of improvements at the Bishop Animal Shelter, some county residents aren't satisfied with the conditions.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Damages on Longboat Key after Hurricane Ian.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 5, 2026
Seminar scheduled for disaster preparedness

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is hosting a hurricane preparedness seminar May 14 at the Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
On Feb. 20, 2026, Florida Power & Light Company(FPL)volunteers beautify and conduct maintenance at The Ranch of Easterseals Southwest Florida. Volunteers removed posts, helped with landscaping and maintenance efforts–supporting the organization’s mission to help people with disabilities discover new strength, improve balance and unlock potential through therapy, learning and recreation on horseback. Now in its 18th year, FPL’s Power to Care program reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to powering strong communities making Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, FPL’s Power to Care week consists of more than 30projects led by hundreds of employees in over 10 counties across Florida.
  • By Devaney Iglesias, Manager of External Affairs for West-Central Florida, Florida Power & Light Company |
  • March 19, 2026
Why year-round volunteer support matters for southwest Florida’s nonprofits

According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, about 40% of nonprofit organizations say they need more volunteers to meet current demand.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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