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Results for:

Karie Friling meets with Sarasota community members during the open house portion of the immersive two-day interview process with four other finalists for the city manager position.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 2, 2026
New city manager finds dream job at Sarasota City Hall

Karie Friling had a long-time dream of retiring to Florida. She will arrive earlier than expected as the new Sarasota city manager.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Junior guard Anthony Bailey (center) was one of several players who couldn't find their offensive groove in Braden River's season-ending loss Feb. 20 to St. Petersburg.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 25, 2026
Season ends for Braden River boys basketball in regional semifinals

With 23 victories, the Pirates had their winningest season since 2011-12.

  • East County
  • Sports
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
Gail Cristello will be a featured artist at the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch's Spring Art Show and Sale March 14 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • March 5, 2026
Late start doesn't keep Lakewood Ranch artist from success

Country Club's Gail Cristello will be a featured artist at the Creative Art Association's Spring Art Show and Sale.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The view of the field at LECOM Park from the Section 16 grandstand. Opened in 1923, it's the oldest ballpark in the Grapefruit League and second-oldest in the minor leagues.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 25, 2026
MLB spring training under my microscope

Comparing the parking, concessions and more at three local ballparks.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Jeff Smith, president of the Landings Management Association, and Judi Smith, display two tanks into which they dumped phytoplankton, one with oysters and one without, to show the work the oysters do in keeping the water clean.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • March 30, 2026
The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Nature Day by the Bay allowed the public to explore the neighborhood's trails, which run through its 78 acres of mangroves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paul Dezzi is the fire chief of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department and the town's emergency manager.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • March 19, 2026
Longboat Key fire station to host open house March 25

Longboat Key Fire Rescue hosts an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station 92.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
18 of the 30 Citizens Academy graduates pose for a photo at Town Hall after being recognized by town leaders at the March 2 Town Commission meeting for completing the seven-week program.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 8, 2026
Longboat Citizens Academy graduates celebrated

Citizens Academy participants completed a seven-week program to learn how the town of Longboat Key operates and the services it provides to residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
  • By Eric Snider |
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A Sleepy Lagoon resident takes a look at engineering plans at a public meeting at Bayfront Park Wednesday, March 4.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 9, 2026
Engineering firm presents Longboat road-raising, drainage plans

Water bubbling up from storm drains during high tide has prompted the town to spend on stormwater improvements and road raising in the Sleepy Lagoon neighborhood.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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
"Paradise Runway" fashion show models Judie Jacobson, Patti Wrobel, Cheryl Gross, Janet Nash and Regina Napoli wait to show off their second outfits for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club fundraiser.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • March 13, 2026
Paradise Runway fundraiser hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club

The club raises funds for four charities — Hope Family Services, Solve Maternity Homes, Smart With Heart and Children's Guardian Fund.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser

The tournament has raised $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation and the goal is to reach $150,000 with one last tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kiana Nahale, 3, meets a hawksbill turtle.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • March 7, 2026
Attendees discover the 'wonders of water' at Bay Fest

Now in its third year, the event brought together various conservation organizations to showcase the life found in Sarasota's local waterways.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hermitage Artist Retreat names theater award winner
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 2, 2026
Hermitage Artist Retreat names theater award winner

The Hermitage Major Theater Award includes a $35,000 cash prize, a residency and a workshop.

  • Arts + Culture
Coach Ty Bryant cuts down the net Feb. 27 after Booker girls basketball's FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 championship. The Tornadoes have now reached the state semifinals in four of six seasons under his direction.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 5, 2026
Booker girls basketball rallies behind midseason turnaround

The Tornadoes struggled early in 2025-26 but corrected course and are headed to the state semifinals.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Police Department swears in six new officers

The newest class of Sarasota police officers includes a former pro baseball pitcher, college football player and the daughter of two retired SPD captains.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Neal Shipley was all smiles after winning the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • February 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch golf fans now asked to support two pro golf tournaments

The LECOM Suncoast Classic has long established itself as a fan favorite, but now the Senior PGA Championship will arrive.

  • East County
  • Opinion
The Bee Gees tribute band Stayin' Alive comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, March 8.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • March 3, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 5-11

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Co-owner Chris Carter works with a barista behind the counter of the second location of Sips, which opened at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive this month.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • March 25, 2026
Second Sips debuts on Longboat Key

Build-your-own sandwiches and cozy space sets second branch apart from original.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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