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Results for:

Is the only way to protect kids online for all of us to give up our data?
  • By Adrian Moore, Nicole Shekhovtsova |
  • May 6, 2026
Is the only way to protect kids online for all of us to give up our data?

Legislators are passing laws to verify the age of social media users — but does it inadvertently require these sites to keep more data than necessary?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch

As the name of the KFC spinoff suggests, dipping sauces are front and center in the restaurant on Lena Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women Inc. awarded the 2026 winners of the Launching Leaders in the Arts program at an April 15 luncheon at the Prestancia Country Club.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 21, 2026
Pen Women awards Launching Leaders winners

The local chapter of Pen Women recognized this year's scholarship winners on April 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The house at 501 General Harris Street has received attention from neighbors, city code enforcement, banks and courts as foreclosure of the property inches along while maintenance is lacking.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 26, 2026
Pink house draws ire from neighbors

A Longboat Key house under foreclosure with a cluttered and unkempt yard has led to frustrations from Sleepy Lagoon neighbors and $50,000 in code violations from the town.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Schools Superintendent Terry Connor speaks during the State of the Community luncheon in April.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 12, 2026
School-tax fee reversal slated to come before county commissioners this week

Sarasota is ready to reassume responsibility for paying the tax collector's 2% commission, but question remains on whether it should be charged at all.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Terri Driver is a long-time volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, seen here caring for a nest in 2016.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 22, 2026
Turtle patrol walks begin on Longboat Key

The duties of Longboat Key Turtle Watch can be broken down into five verbs: patrol, mark, report, dig and educate.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Reece McCabe concluded his high school weightlifting career with success on the state level in both Traditional and Olympic style.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 19, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Reece McCabe

The Lakewood Ranch High senior brought home a pair of medals from the FHSAA Class 3A boys weightlifting state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
The town of Longboat Key is taking steps to condemn and demolish the house at 6541 Gulfside Road, nicknamed the Half Moon House.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 20, 2026
Town sends compliance agreement to Half Moon house owner

The town of Longboat Key proposed a June 1 deadline for repairs to avoid forced demolition.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
School district demands repayment of tax fees
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 8, 2026
School district demands repayment of tax fees

The Sarasota County Commission votes to resume paying the tax collector's 2% commission fee and questions the fee itself.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 7-Eleven planned for 44th Avenue West and White Eagle Boulevard will look similar to the 7-Eleven on University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 21, 2026
7-Eleven planned for Lakewood Ranch fuels outrage

A gas station and convenience store on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard is anticipated to be under construction before the year's end.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Letter to the editor |
  • May 20, 2026
Take a long look at contributions

East County Observer Editor writes fiction

  • East County
  • Opinion
Top rankings among the U.S. and the world's best beaches is not new to Siesta Beach.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • April 14, 2026
Siesta Beach ranked No. 1 beach in the US

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings rates Siesta Beach as best in the country ahead of notable destinations in Hawaii, California and Florida.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote

Sarasota leaders agree to pay 2% commission on school tax while legal action plays out between school district and tax collector.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Bruce Stamm says residents in District 1 are being denied due process because of a lack of representation.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 22, 2026
Felts' Manatee County Commission seat remains empty

The district has lacked representation since Commissioner Carol Ann Felts died in February.

  • East County
  • News
An artistic rendering by Hoyt Architects of the street level of the proposed Obsidian at 126 N. Palm Ave.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 27, 2026
Controversial downtown tower comes back before City Commission

A mediated agreement between city staff and the developer of the previously rejected Obsidian tower will be considered by the Sarasota City Commission on May 4.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Former District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge continues to allege he was defamed during the 2024 election by Betsy Benac and Take Back Manatee.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • May 5, 2026
Former Manatee County commissioner continues to allege defamation

Kevin Van Ostenbridge's lawsuit against Betsy Benac was dismissed, but he has requested a rehearing.

  • East County
  • News
Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail

The city of Sarasota has entered into a local agency program agreement with FDOT to repave 1.24 miles of U.S. 41 north of Myrtle Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sophia Wiley makes her way down the row to shake hands after she receives her Lakewood Ranch High School diploma at Lecom Park May 18.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 19, 2026
Lakewood Ranch High graduates eager for what's ahead

LRHS graduation

  • East County
  • Schools
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

With a time frame for completion in 2029, planning has begun for Phase 3 projects to expand boater access, build a parking deck and convert acres of asphalt into green space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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