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Results for:

A rendering of the interior of Payne Park Auditorium with seating in the round.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • February 17, 2026
Payne Park Auditorium renovations set to begin soon

Now leased by a refocused Sarasota Players, work on Payne Park Auditorium will begin soon with plans to bring the nearly century-old troupe back to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Southside Polo's Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 4, 2026
New seating option a hit at the Sarasota Polo Club

The Mallet Club at midfield has been packed each week since the Dec. 21 season opener.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center |
  • January 15, 2026
From a Tragic Accident to a Swift Near-Full Recovery

How Lakewood Ranch Medical Center saved the life of a USF Professor.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann recently created the non-profit Flower Tree Foundation to facilitate bringing art installations to public spaces. She stands next to a larger-than-life statue that is part of her daisy series of statues, the first public installation she brought to the New College of Florida.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • February 18, 2026
Sculptor explores the power of the flower for community unity

Artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann brings her towering flower statues to New College of Florida, Hawaii, Paris and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Mike O'Donnell has launched a virtual biographer that will help people preserve their life memories and defining moments.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • September 4, 2024
Lakewood Ranch businessman uses AI to capture lasting memories

Through the Leaves Legacy Project, Mike O'Donnell preserves and produces life stories that includes a virtual biographer.

  • East County
  • Business
Ryan Chase is principal of Sarasota High School.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 29, 2026
What it takes to become principal of the year

Sarasota High's Ryan Chase explains the challenges and joys that come with the honor of being named the NASSP Florida High School Principal of the Year.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya (left) and Public Works Director Nikesh Patel presented the federal offshore oil and gas leasing opposition resolution to the City Commission.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 26, 2026
Sarasota joins Florida communities to oppose renewed offshore oil drilling

The Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a resolution against a new federal offshore oil and gas leasing program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sutton Odegard is the 2026 FHSAA Class 3A-Region 6 champion in Olympic style for the 119-pound weight class.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 3, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sutton Odegard

For the first time, the senior for Riverview girls weightlifting is headed to states.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Bartender Sam Lastinger keeps the party going at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • January 6, 2026
Save these dates in 2026 for Longboat-area events

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local flavor in the upcoming year, whether it's through art, parades or just fun community gatherings.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
With a hearty collective effort, community members help “push in” the newest fleet addition at Fire Station 92 during a March 25 open house. The public was invited to see the facility, which opened in 2021, as well as check out the station’s new $600,000 ambulance.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • December 31, 2025
With equal doses of grit and fun, we review 2025 on Longboat Key in photos

From political kerfuffles to heartwarming moments of community celebration, the Longboat Observer captured it all in the past year. Here are our top moments of 2025.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County extends its burn ban until further notice to protect residents and animals from wildfires. This photo was taken by the East Manatee Fire Rescue in June 2024 when over 100 acres burned at Lake Manatee State Park.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • February 20, 2026
Manatee County extends burn ban as drought worsens

East Manatee Fire Rescue is urging residents to abide by the burn ban to protect their neighbors.

  • East County
  • News
Renovations and construction of new concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • December 18, 2025
Airport's growth in 2025 sets the stage for 2026 planning

After spending some $200 million on expansion, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport sets its sights on more improvements, including a parking deck and new baggage claim system.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Allen Clark set records at The Out-of-Door Academy. Now, his focus has shifted to his future, and what college he'll compete for.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 16, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy football star navigates recruiting chaos

Allen Clark, the Thunder's record-setting running back/linebacker has 20-plus offers to play at the next level.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota Director of Finance Kelly Strickland talks fiscal year 2026 budget with the Sarasota City Commission as Budget Manager Tyler Harris looks on.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • September 17, 2025
Sarasota approves budget for fiscal year 2026 with millage increase

The Sarasota City Commission has given final approval of the $303 million fiscal year 2026 spending plan that includes money earmarked to rebuild fund balance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Arts organizations strike up the band in 2026 for big birthdays
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • January 7, 2026
Arts organizations strike up the band in 2026 for big birthdays

Don't miss these arts events as three Sarasota cultural institutions celebrate their 100th anniversary and America blows out 250 candles.

  • Arts + Culture
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • December 18, 2025
New north Sarasota park draws major collegiate softball tournament

Six Division 1 softball programs will participate in the inaugural Sarasota College Softball Classic in early 2027.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Scott Cassell encounters a bull shark.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • February 26, 2026
Marine explorer and conservationist has led a life of daring

Osprey explorer Scott Cassell has done it all, from being attacked by Humboldt squid to breaking world records, but he does it for the ocean.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nate Jacobs directs the gospel revue, "How I Got Over," for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe from Feb. 19 to March 29.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • February 17, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 19-25

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Florian Blummel shows off his artistic bicycle moves that you should not try at home in your driveway.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • February 25, 2026
Circus Sarasota is still the one

This year's edition features stars with awards, TV appearances and Guinness World Records.

  • Arts + Culture
Tropic Ocean Airways have 14 aircraft in their fleet, mostly made up of Cessna Grand Caravans with pontoons affixed for water landings.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • January 9, 2026
St. Regis partners with private airline for seaplane drop-offs in Sarasota Bay

Guests willing to pay for the experience will travel by air, then sea and then land to arrive at their St. Regis reservation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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