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Results for:

Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington stands next to one of the new voting machines.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 30, 2026
Elections forge ahead with revamped Supervisor of Elections office

Manatee County’s Scott Farrington will get his first major tests after winning a high-profile election in 2024.

  • East County
  • News
Riders set out on the ride.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beginning June 1, 2026, parking fees will be enforced in all city parking decks, such as the St. Armands Circle garage, 24/7.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • May 7, 2026
Paid city parking hours extended and fines for violations increased

To achieve solvency in Sarasota's Parking Division, the City Commission extends enforcement hours and increases fines with changes beginning June 1, 2026.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kayla Taylor
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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
Officer Jorge Castro had his badge pinned onto his uniform by his wife, Melissa Castro, after he was sworn in as the newest Longboat Key Police Department officer Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 11, 2026
New Longboat Key police officer brings force to 19

Officer Jorge Castro most recently served as a police officer with the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 15, 2026
Manatee County opens applications for Tourist Development Board

Two seats will become available when citizen slots expire at the end of June.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key officials are taking an in-depth look at tree regulations on the island, bearing in mind the effects of the 2024 hurricanes.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 21, 2026
Longboat's tree ordinance revamp moves along

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board invited subject matter experts to discuss potential improvements to the town’s tree code.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort installed a stainless steel arch on a private groin, leading to a lengthy dispute with the town of Longboat Key, with leaders claiming it violate’s the town’s sign code.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 6, 2026
Friday deadline set for St. Regis arch removal

If the metal arch installed on a groin in the Gulf is not removed by 5 p.m. Friday, the town of Longboat Key and developers will meet in court to decide the matter.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 11, 2026
Sunday morning crash kills 18-year-old on Interstate 75

No one else was hurt in the Sarasota County incident, FHP says.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
Helga Williams
  • In Memoriam |
  • April 9, 2026
Helga Williams

Helga Williams, 84, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in Siesta Key, Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Visitors to St. Armands Circle and other county attractions declined by 10,000 in January 2026 compared to 2025.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 13, 2026
January Sarasota County tourism slips 12.7%

In January 2026, Sarasota County attracted 68,900 visitors, down 10,000 from last year.

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

East County Observer Editor writes fiction

  • East County
  • Opinion
Entering this season, Braden River softball hadn't won a district title in seven years. The squad is now two wins away from a state championship.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 14, 2026
Braden River High softball advances to state semifinals

With a wire-to-wire effort from Kaydence Evans, the Pirates are FHSAA Class 5A-3 regional champions.

  • East County
  • Sports
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
Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley makes his case to the Sarasota County Commission for funding Phase 3 work at The Bay Park.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 29, 2026
Sarasota County takes cautious approach to The Bay park funding

Rather than commit to a funding its portion of the The Bay Phase 3 project, the Sarasota County Commission approved half its share of the fiscal year 2027 debt service payment from TIF funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Frank Biondello, Jr. has been overseeing the transformation of The Dock on the Bay's hurricane-damaged marina as the marina manager for the past year.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 25, 2026
Dock on the Bay makes progress on 'long road to recovery'

The small condominium facility has operated on Longboat Key for 46 years, and this year is one of significant transformation at its marina and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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
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
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