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Results for:

Danny Bernardy demonstrates research with a theatrical flair to Greg Ball in Florida Studio Theatre's "The Blue-Sky Boys."
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 4, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre shoots for the moon with 'The Blue-Sky Boys'

Deborah Brevoort's play takes audiences on a mind-bending journey of joyful exploration.

  • Arts + Culture
"Riverdance 30 — The New Generation" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Jan. 27-29.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • January 20, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 22-28

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
2026 Word: Laissez-faire
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • January 7, 2026
2026 Word: Laissez-faire

That two-word phrase is a reminder — a reminder to politicians and officeholders to let us live our lives the way we want to live, and a reminder that we must teach the next generations of the virtues of capitalism.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch's Mary Glass and Zoe Lander have been chosen as the honorees for the “Leadership Spirit Award” and “Young Spirit Award” from the Manatee Community Foundation.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • February 3, 2026
Two Lakewood Ranch residents honored with Spirit of Manatee awards

Zoe Lander and Mary Glass will be honored at the Spirit of Manatee — The Celebration of Philanthropy event on March 25.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
All sidewalk murals at Avenue of Art in Burns Court have been removed per order of the Florida Department of Transportation, including this one by artist Beck Lane.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • December 28, 2025
YourObserver.com's most-read stories of 2025 typically connected with deeper issues

Big-picture issues, such as new trash cans and disappearing art, strike a chord with readers. But there were exceptions in this year's top headlines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Navigator Gary Yeager balances the cart as driver Kami Landy goes into a turn during the Combined Driving at TerraNova marathon event Jan. 24.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 25, 2026
World champ among competitors at TerraNova's Combined Driving event

A field of 111 competitors came to Myakka in an event expected to grow in prestige.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hosting Avant-Garde for the 27th year are Larry Thompson and his wife, Pat. This year's theme is Dancing Through the Decades and the attire did not disappoint.
  • By Janet Combs |
  • March 1, 2026
Ringling College's Avant-Garde dances through the decades

Ringling College of Art and Design's annual costumed gala celebrated its 30th year and the legacy of its leader, Larry Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

  • Black Tie
Bella Grace, a 3-year-old Weimaraner, is a German hunting dog who works for Manatee County Search & Rescue. Kevin Vreeland, her owner and K-9 handler, described her as a "scent monster."
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • January 25, 2026
Search and rescue dogs attract a crowd at free Lakewood Ranch presentation

K-9 team members show what they can do during an event presented by Lakewood Ranch CERT.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Garden Club members Bethy Bacon, Cheryl Scheid, Brenda Rooks (back), Brenda Webb, Sylvia Abdelsalam and Penny Kress (front) are eager to welcome community members to Garden Fest March 14.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • March 10, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Garden Club to host Garden Fest

On March 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members will have the opportunity to learn about gardening and nature from experts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Norma Fox shows her enthusiasm.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • February 12, 2026
Aerialist and trapeze artist La Norma celebrates 100th birthday

Visitors gather at Showfolks of Sarasota to celebrate the 100th birthday of Norma Fox, whose career includes performing with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and in the film "The Greatest Show on Earth."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A theater critic's top picks of the season
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • January 18, 2026
A theater critic's top picks of the season

Productions on Sarasota stages slyly snoop on the human condition.

  • Arts + Culture
Longboat Key Garden Club members considered what improvements they may be able to help further at the island's parks, including Joan Durante Park, during a recent meeting with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Ryan Gandy.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • February 16, 2026
What's to come at Longboat Key's parks?

Longboat Key Garden Club members recently evaluated the future of the island's parks and how to improve them.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
University Park Women’s Club members Kristy Schubert and Fifi Queen co-chaired the “An Evening at SEA” fundraiser that raised $22,300. The funds will benefit two nonprofits — Women's Resource Center and Feeding Empty Little Tummies.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • February 21, 2026
University Park Women's Club raises $22,300 for local nonprofits

The two nonprofits, Women’s Resource Center and Feeding Empty Little Tummies, will each receive $11,150.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Aurora Pena and Theo Light, second graders at Tara Elementary School, appreciate the new and improved classrooms and cafeteria.They are also looking forward to using the new field and playground when they are complete.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • February 18, 2026
Final month of $31.4 million renovation at Tara Elementary

The project began in June 2023 and has included increased security, technology and flexibility of space.

  • East County
  • Schools
Junior Freedom McDaniel of the 215-pound weight class is one of eight Braden River wrestlers headed to the FHSAA individual state championships. He's also one of three who have won both regional and district crowns this postseason.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • March 4, 2026
Braden River High wrestling qualifies eight for state championships

The Pirates matched their all-time program record, which was set last season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ava Donoghue is sophomore class president at Booker High School.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • January 28, 2026
Booker High School student breaks stigma and barriers with Booker Basics

The initiative by Sophomore Class President Ava Donoghue provides free feminine products in girls' bathrooms throughout the school.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Vito Bavaro underwent knee surgery in December 2025, but despite months of pain and physical limitations, has made his signature impact on the Mustangs' stellar season.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 10, 2026
Knee replacement can't keep Lakewood Ranch High coach from his job

Vito Bavaro endures constant paint while his Mustangs boys soccer team make a run at a state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Japanese violin prodigy lives up to the hype in Sarasota Orchestra debut
  • By Gayle Williams |
  • January 17, 2026
Japanese violin prodigy lives up to the hype in Sarasota Orchestra debut

Her musicality seems to emanate from a heart and soul deeply connected to a universal truth.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Clayton McCurry is a senior ranger at Duette Preserve.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • January 14, 2026
Prescribed burns are a hot topic in Manatee County

The county's burn team set fire to 13,950 acres of preserves last year to safeguard residents and wildlife.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork

The Pirates recorded 20 wins in the regular season and hope to continue that success in the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
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