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Results for:

  • By Observer Staff |
  • November 10, 2016
WELCOME BACK: What happened while you were gone

From construction to parking meters, from fights over special events downtown to … fights over bars downtown, we run down the top 10 stories from this off-season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The same home at 1364 Harbor Drive that sold for $8,768,700 in December sold for $6.1 million in July, 2020.
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • January 7, 2022
Harbor Acres home is Sarasota's top seller this week

Property at 1364 Harbor Drive sells for $8.76 million in the week of Dec. 27-31.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
The conceptual drawing for The Bay master plan includes a site for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, shaded in purple.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 10, 2023
Funding secured, The Bay embarks on planning park's next phase

With the city and county approving $4 million, work is underway on the project's $67 million second phase, focusing on the public boat launch area on the north side of the park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A proposed 100-plus-room hotel on Second Street; a proposed 225-unit apartment development on North Tamiami Trail
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • June 13, 2023
Planned downtown tower, Tamiami apartments propose big design changes

North Tamiami Trail apartments will combine three buildings into one, and a planned mixed-use downtown tower will be a hotel only.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rachel Moulton (left) and Alice M. Gatling star in "Black Pearl Sings!" at FST's Court Cabaret.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • July 25, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 27-Aug. 2

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton lended a helping hand at sandbag distribution early Tuesday morning.
  • By Carter Weinhofer |
  • August 29, 2023
North Longboat residents quietly get ready for Hurricane Idalia

Residents make small preparations for possible storm impacts while abnormal water activity foreshadows potential flooding.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Boy Scouts from Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, along with Manatee County staff, unveil the bat house they helped build and install at G.T. Bray Park.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • July 10, 2023
Bats on schedule to become a tourist attraction in Manatee County

The bat houses at the University of Florida inspired Manatee County to follow suit at G.T. Bray Park.

  • East County
  • News
Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, sees great potential in the park. (Photo by Liz Ramos)
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • May 17, 2022
Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy chair shares bright future for the park

Michael Taaffe, the chair of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, shares his dreams to make Benderson Park a thriving gathering spot for the surrounding community.

  • LWR Life
School District of Manatee County families and Manatee County residents protest the school district's mask mandate before the School Board of Manatee County's meeting.
  • By Liz Ramos |
  • June 2, 2021
School District of Manatee County drops mask mandate

School District of Manatee County drops mask mandate

  • East County
  • News
Les McCurdy is ready for the show to start again.
  • By Harry Sayer |
  • June 7, 2021
McCurdy's Comedy Theatre to reopen June 11

Les McCurdy is hopeful vaccinated audiences will be ready to return to his comedy club on June 11.

  • Arts + Culture
Katie Zupan has built up her backyard during the pandemic to have a nice area for relaxing. Zupan does not feel rushed to return to her pre-pandemic life.
  • By Ryan Kohn |
  • June 17, 2021
Uptick in anxiety not over despite vaccines

Many vaccinated individuals are still feeling uneasy in public. Experts say that feeling may last a bit longer.

  • Health
Incumbent Mike Moran was elected to another four-year term as the District 1 county commissioner. Harry Sayer
  • By Brynn Mechem |
  • November 3, 2020
Incumbent Moran wins District 1 County Commission seat

Incumbents Mike Moran and Nancy Detert won districts 1 and 3. Newcomer Ron Cutsinger won District 5 seat after Commissioner Charles Hines reached his term limit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bartender Anthony Rizzo of Duval's Restaurant say's he won't divulge the secret drink he's concocting using his skills as a mixologist. Mum's the word until Oct. 15.
  • By Andréa Martone |
  • October 7, 2021
Cocktail competition has restaurants in high spirits

Area mixologists will faceoff during the Set the Bar competition Oct. 15 at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Monaca Onstad stands at Waterside Place in front of a window promoting the farmers market.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • October 27, 2021
Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch makes its move to Waterside Place

Vendors, organizers excited about the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch moving to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • News
Christina Fraser has made a haunted high seas production of her backyard.
  • By Harry Sayer |
  • October 28, 2021
Halloween fanatics go deep for costume creations

Detailed outfits and makeup are just the beginning for these Oct. 31 enthusiasts. (Ask them about their characters' backstories.)

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • In Memoriam |
  • July 27, 2021
Robert T. Ruff

Robert T. (Bob) Ruff, a 40-year resident of Longboat Key, died at his home in Longboat Key on July 13th, 2021, after having celebrated his 93rd birthday just two months before.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Superintendent Brennan Asplen discusses the effects of COVID-19 on Sarasota County School operations during a workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Image via Sarasota County Schools.
  • By David Conway |
  • August 17, 2021
Sarasota school board plans special meeting on mask mandate

After school officials discussed the strain COVID-19 has placed on operations, multiple board members expressed an interest in revisiting the district’s optional mask policy.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paul Amato, Trevor Kelliher and Greg Kelliher, all of Lakewood National, are hoping All Friends Network can make a difference in the lives of those who have developmental disabilities.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • August 24, 2021
Lakewood Ranch man with cerebral palsy makes All Friends Network a reality

All Friends Network gives those with cerebral palsy, autism and developmental disabilities a place to build relationships.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Vincent Billi spent days looking for survivors at Ground Zero.
  • By Harry Sayer |
  • September 9, 2021
9.11 Remembered: Construction expert recalls rescue operation

Vincent Billi recounts his experience attempting to rescue survivors at Ground Zero on Sept. 11

  • Sarasota
  • News
A noise reminder, just in case
  • By Lauren Tronstad |
  • March 7, 2023
A noise reminder, just in case

Construction workers were reminded of the noise ordinance after a caller complaint. This and more Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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