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Results for:

Joel Benham built the Giant Furby Chair.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • March 26, 2026
Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects

After a career in construction, Joel Benham, known as "GWAK," decided to make a living full-time with his detailed, large-scale re-creations of familiar products.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eddie Abrams stands at the base of his raised lot on Longboat Drive North where he is building his insulating concrete form house. Abrams and his son are both rebuilding on raised lots after Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding on Longboat Key.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 25, 2026
Annual report highlights a year defined by rebuilding

The town of Longboat Key issued 2,183 permits for storm damage repairs in the 2025 fiscal year, according to its 2025 annual report.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Pendry Residences Tampa |
  • March 19, 2026
2026 Brings Exciting Progress at Pendry Residences Tampa

Pendry Residences Tampa's impressive tower is taking shape as one of Downtown's most anticipated residences.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
A vacant lot on N. Shore Road has some weed growth and is littered with debris from a fallen fence.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • January 19, 2026
Unkempt lots a town concern in Longboat

Weeds, overgrown grass and litter have attracted the attention of residents and town staff.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Outside weightlifting and wrestling, Freedom McDaniel also plays defensive end/defensive tackle for Braden River football. His 43 solo tackles in 2025 were second-most on the team.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 13, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Freedom McDaniel

The junior pushed Braden River High boys weightlifting to a district championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Commission Chair Tal Siddique speaks with community group Longboat North at Longboat Island Chapel Thursday, March 19.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 31, 2026
Some north-end community center details emerge, others remain unknown

Manatee County will invest hundreds of thousands, Longboat Island Chapel will provide space, and The Paradise Center will provide programming. Other details are less clear.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lydia Lardner, 3, makes an impressive start filling up her Easter basket with Kelly Lardner and family at the April 3 Sand Cay Condominiums Beach Resort's Easter egg hunt, a beloved tradition at the resort for more than a decade.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 6, 2026
Families return for Easter egg hunt tradition at Sand Cay

Youngsters made quick work of uncovering Easter eggs at the Longboat Key resort before enjoying watery fun.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday

"Stars and Stripes" is choreographer George Balanchine's love letter to his adopted homeland.

  • Arts + Culture
Amy Bott, executive director of Bernie's Book Bank's Florida Suncoast branch, connects with J. McLaughlin manager Melanie Dale at the boutique's recent Sip and Shop event supporting the incoming nonprofit.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 8, 2026
Longboat boutique boosts new literacy nonprofit branch

Longboat's J. McLaughlin store recently supported a new Sarasota branch of Bernie's Book Bank with a Sip and Shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Staff |
  • April 1, 2026
APRIL FOOL: Itching to promote native plants

The town of Longboat Key is planning to replant storm-damaged areas with Eastern Poison Ivy as its latest beautification initiative.

  • April Fools
Perez may pull off an extraordinary feat
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • March 4, 2026
Perez may pull off an extraordinary feat

Plus: Why the Senate hasn’t touched the bill that would cut property taxes.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • April 1, 2026
A staple of Longboat Key for over 40 years, Harry's Continental Kitchens keeps it fresh

This Longboat Key landmark blends Old World cuisine, family tradition and a commitment to hospitality.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Sarasota Paradise waited out a nearly two-hour weather delay before commencing their first season in USL League One. Over 2,500 fans packed the stands at Premier Sports Campus.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 11, 2026
Sarasota Paradise drop professional debut to AC Boise, 1-0

The Lakewood Ranch-based soccer club played its first match in USL League One.

  • East County
  • Sports
My best bud ordered her Southside Italian just the other day and let her camera take the first bite.
  • By Emma Burke |
  • March 1, 2026
Ditch National Pack Your Lunch Day for a sandwich from a Sarasota deli

These eateries make it nearly impossible for me to brown-bag it like a responsible adult.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Corinne Arriaga (left) has been promoted to the city's chief transportation planner and Alvimarie Corales to capital projects manager.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 3, 2026
City transportation team members promoted to new roles

City of Sarasota transportation planners Alvimarie Corales and Corinne Arriaga have received promotions to capital projects manager and chief transportation planner, respectively.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Andy Harshman of Sarasota High School was named the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • December 12, 2025
Sarasota High science leader named 2026 Teacher of the Year

Andy Harshman works with advanced math and science research students.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 9, 2026
Senior public housing expansion remains $4 million short

With $8 million already pledged for public parking, the Sarasota City Commission declines adding $4 million for SHA's McCown Towers funding gap.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam (left). Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 31, 2026
SB 538 will improve pay for some coaches but leave many behind

The bill, which has already passed the Florida Legislature, is poised to benefit booster-friendly programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By World Class Dentistry |
  • February 12, 2026
Inside a Family Dental Practice Built on Integrative, Whole-Body Care

A baby gurgles in the background as Dr. Jill Morris confirms that her dental practice of 38 years, World Class Dentistry, is truly a family affair. “We live together and we work together,” she says, laughing with her grandchild.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Wearing her mother's favorite color, Abby Ferreira, one of Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's children, raises a glass in memory of her mother on March 21 at Harry's Continental Kitchens with Brian Maddox. He said his late wife wanted a celebration of life that brought together loved ones and friends to smile, share fond memories and show their support for the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, a conservation program she passionately championed.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 24, 2026
Longboat volunteer supports conservation through celebration of life

Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox, a passionate supporter of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, spotlights conservation in her memory.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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