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Results for:

Howard Tipton, Irwin Pastor and Susan Goldfarb stand beside the newly installed sign for The Education Center on Bay Isles Road. The center starts its winter term of programs Jan. 5.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • December 24, 2025
Explore French art, cinematic history and more this winter

The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel's upcoming term promises plenty of exciting new programs at classes starting Jan. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Storytelling is one of the events planned at the Enchanted Gardens Family Festival at Historic Spanish Point.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 19, 2026
Selby Gardens sets dates for Enchanted Garden Festival

The event is planned March 28-29 at Historic Spanish Point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brandon Billings and Katriana Vélez star in FSU/Asolo Conservatory's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which runs through April 26 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 21, 2026
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' takes flight at FSU/Asolo Conservatory

MFA students transform Shakespeare’s fever dream into an aerial playground.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Lauren Luke of Resilient Retreat speaks with Traci Willingham of Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's and Karen Misantone of Sarasota Opera.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • April 16, 2026
In 24 hours, Giving Challenge raises more than $16.7 million

A record 751 nonprofits participated in the biennial event, which attracted 50,000-plus donors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sanddy Marchena owns Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch with his wife Melodie Marchena (not pictured). Michelle Frease is the academy's director.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • February 24, 2026
Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place gains a Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy of Sarasota opens its child care and preschool business March 2.

  • East County
  • Business
Al Van Iten helps out shopper Jenny Phillips with her purchase of a teak shower set at the Royal Rummage Sale. Van Iten said he appreciates helping out the charitable effort while getting to meet interesting people.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 9, 2026
Crowds come out en force for Royal Rummage Sale

The fundraiser sale at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church saw pre-opening lines extending to Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gemma Mulhollen boasts a 4-0 record for Sarasota softball through the team's first five games of 2026. As of March 8, the junior has thrown seven times as many strikeouts as earned runs allowed.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 10, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Gemma Mulhollen

The junior has been dominant in the circle early this season for Sarasota softball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Rev. Phil Woods stands in the newly renovated 10,000-square-foot sanctuary.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch church wraps up $7.7 million expansion

Cornerstone Church of Lakewood Ranch now worships in an artful 10,000-square-foot sanctuary.

  • East County
  • 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
Did our Pig-Away story and photo fool you in our April Fools edition?
  • By Jay Heater |
  • April 2, 2026
Is the Observer's April Fools edition foolish or just plain fun?

The East County Observer gets plenty of reactions from the 2026 April Fools edition.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By The Sarasota Ballet |
  • January 23, 2026
Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

The Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "The Waiting Room" January 30 to February 2 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Allegiant surpassed 1 million passengers served at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in 2025, setting a new mark for the airline at nearly one-fourth of the total 4.5 million among all 11 carriers.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 12, 2026
Airport cites incentives, lower costs to airlines as key to explosive growth

The cost of doing business for airlines is significantly lower at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport than others in the region, a key contributor to its rapid growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center was moved to its current location in 1984.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 14, 2026
Budget planning kicks off with Longboat organization updates

The goals and objectives workshop gave community organizations a platform to discuss issues and suggest policies to the Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Centennial celebrations at Sarasota Opera House is part of Visit Sarasota County's promotional efforts to attract visitors to the county in 2026.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • February 19, 2026
Visitors bureau promotes centennial legacy of Sarasota County

Visit Sarasota County will pitch global travel media and encourage locals to take part in centennial celebrations across the city and county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota William Kelley has traveled the world to create his rainbow-hued paintings.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 27, 2026
Sarasota artist William Kelley paints the colors of his mind

The canvas of the world traveler is big and his palette is bold.

  • Arts + Culture
Lakewood Ranch Little League plays at Lakewood Ranch Park March 25.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Little League expands to improve accessibility

Creative scheduling allows 762 children to participate in the league.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hank Lebioda shot 17 under par to finish third at the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 25, 2026
LECOM Suncoast Classic found an above-par home in Lakewood Ranch

Since the tournament's debut in 2019, it has been a staple of the community calendar.

  • East County
  • Sports
An aerial view of Coquina Beach.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 22, 2026
Coquina Beach parking egress reintroduced as idea to fix congestion

While Longboat leaders propose changes to the number of exits at the 857-space lot, county leaders aren’t sold on the idea.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Church of the Redeemer volunteers hand made 30 quilts to accompany 30 beds donated and assembled by the church for children at Alta Vista Elementary School.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • February 28, 2026
Sarasota church makes beds, quilts for Alta Vista children

Church of the Redeemer volunteers work on projects in support of the Title I school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jodene Moneuse shares a smile with Longboat Key Police Sergeant Lee Smith while Hagan Lyssy looks on at the first "Cops, Cars & Coffee" social event on April 25 at Whitney Plaza.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 28, 2026
Officers, community connect over coffee at new social event

As part of its latest outreach efforts, the Longboat Key Police Department invited residents to bring and chat about their interesting rides for a "Cops, Cars and Coffee" themed meetup.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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