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Results for:

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
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

Three local comedians will perform stand-up comedy to raise funds for Harbor58, Foster the Family and Bring on the Ministry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Tides of Longboat is one of several condo complexes in Manatee County where the first floor units saw a significantly reduced property tax assessment despite being undamaged by the 2024 hurricanes due to the first floor units’ elevations.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • February 3, 2026
Manatee County Appraiser promises to fix costly mistake in this year's tax rolls

The town of Longboat Key doesn't know how much an error by the Manatee County Property Appraiser cost it in 2025 tax revenue, estimating it to be at least $500,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jaynie Peterson, Tony Pinho, Brady Jo Trombetta and Madison Chuchla all teach dance classes at Fly Dance Fitness in Lakewood Ranch.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • January 20, 2026
Dance fitness studio opens new Lakewood Ranch location

The business offers a variety of dance and fitness classes while aiming to be a judgement-free space.

  • East County
  • Business
Village Idiots Cycling Club member Patrick Franklin Sr. (center) was killed riding his bicycle Jan. 22 when hit by a truck pulling a trailer on Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 29, 2026
Death of beloved cyclist leaves Village Idiots Cycling Club members in shock

Patrick Franklin, 67, was hit by a truck while riding on El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • News
Local author Lydia Zorzi Scotti recently published her first children's book, "Sir Knight and His Boy," held up by local artist Medge Jaspan at the book's local December launch.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • January 13, 2026
Grandson's paper knight inspires local author's first children's book

The adventures of Sir Knight take him to the beaches of Lido Key and beyond in this heart-warming tale of love and acceptance.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rotary Club of Longboat Key President Terri Driver presents awards to members Ellen Greenberger, Carol Erker and Belinda Bauer for not only contributing their hours, but also offering financial support to the Rotary's mission over the years. Driver presented the awards at their Jan. 6 meeting, which featured guest speaker Charlie Mopps from Public Works.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • January 13, 2026
Public Works looks to past and future of storm management

Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mopps appeared as the Rotary Club's latest guest speaker, giving insights into how the department operates.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair

Ron Cutsinger will serve as chair of the Sarasota County Commission in 2026 and Mark Smith will serve as vice chair.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As Sarasota baseball seeks success under first-year coach Sterling Pell, it will have senior right-hander Cesar Garmendia back on the mound. He posted a sparkling 1.02 ERA in 2025 across 12 appearances.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • January 28, 2026
What to know about local prep baseball as season approaches

The FHSAA regular season begins Feb. 9, but preseason classic tournaments will be underway even sooner.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Mr. Swindle is the character who gives an adults-only circus its name.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • January 21, 2026
The circus gets naughty at Mr. Swindle's Traveling Peculiarium

Allison Blei and Ivan España's mom-and-pop circus is full of adult fun and laughter.

  • Arts + Culture
Kelly Shrout, one of the main coordinators of the Friendship Garden at Longboat Island Chapel, takes a look at one of the butterfly plants in the garden. Volunteers recently helped spruce up the community garden that holds the memories of many residents who have contributed to rebuilding since hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • January 14, 2026
New year brings renewal to Friendship Garden

The overseer of the community garden at Longboat Island Chapel shared her pride in seeing it flourish post hurricane with residents' support.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Douglas Grierson said he is amazed by how talented the artists, including painter Thomas Legault, are at the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • January 24, 2026
Artists showcase their talent during Lakewood Ranch Fine Arts Festival

Those strolling Lakewood Main Street appreciate the event for several reasons.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Angese Rudzite Kirillova works on "Playground" during the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 8, 2026
Mark your calendars for these Sarasota events in 2026

Whether you love collecting stamps or petting reptiles, there's something for just about everyone in Sarasota's event offerings in this coming year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dennis Brock works on a Magiscope in his workshop.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 15, 2026
Local creator of children's microscope works to make science more accessible

Since 1987, Sarasota's Dennis Brock has been producing the Brock Magiscope, which draws from ambient light and minimizes breakable components.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The SMHF Board of Trustees held its annual gala on Jan. 10 with more than 650 guests in attendance.
  • By Janet Combs |
  • January 11, 2026
Hospital Gala guests make it a record-breaking night in raising funds for innovation

In its ninth year, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's annual gala focused on raising money to bring new technologies to the SMH system.

  • Black Tie
Palm trees and a white sand beach provide a classic tropical setting.
  • By Robert Plunket |
  • February 5, 2026
Natural forms inspired by the sea add drama to a Longboat Key showplace

This Longboat Key estate has classic charm, graceful style and spectacular vistas that elevate every room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A partially destroyed home in the Twin Shores community on Longboat Key after Hurricane Milton.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • September 12, 2025
Free permits for Longboat storm damage likely to extend

Going against staff recommendation, town commissioners said they plan to introduce a resolution that will keep the permit fee waiver for hurricane-related repairs through December.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Cops Corner: The Best of 2025
  • By Observer Staff |
  • December 28, 2025
Longboat Key Cops Corner: The Best of 2025

From back-from-the-dead raccoons to mysterious knives in the ground and a near HOA coup, Longboat Key police had a memorable year responding to calls.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Cardinal Mooney girls basketball fans cheer from the stands at RP Funding Center in Lakeland. They witnessed the Cougars bring home the first state championship in program history last season, and now, can watch the team vie for a holiday tournament title.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 24, 2025
Holiday hoops make for a merry time

The area's high school basketball teams will travel across the state and beyond for tournament play.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 25, 2026
Parents have 3 days to excuse kids with new Sarasota Schools policy

The new policy specifies a three-day window for Sarasota County parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence, while outlining clearly what counts as an excused absence.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
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