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Results for:

Karen Medford has moved up the ladder with her Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Med Spa business by opening a location in Waterside. The new location will include a boutique.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • January 27, 2026
Sirius Day Spa opens new location in Lakewood Ranch entertainment hub

Owner Karen Medford says it has been a dream for her to own a spa at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Howard Tipton, Irwin Pastor and Susan Goldfarb stand beside the newly installed sign for The Education Center on Bay Isles Road. The center starts its winter term of programs Jan. 5.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • December 24, 2025
Explore French art, cinematic history and more this winter

The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel's upcoming term promises plenty of exciting new programs at classes starting Jan. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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
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
Kensington Kotuby has etched her name into the Kids World Records book for the longest time doing Skip-It jumps in the girls' 10-12 year old division.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • January 15, 2026
Local 10-year-old becomes Kids World Record holder

Kensington Kotuby accomplished an unprecedented feat with 1,154 Skip-It jumps in 15 minutes and 29 seconds.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch's Amanda Rigby, who is well versed in using artificial intelligence, is grateful to have a place to collaborate and learn more about it through A.I Creator's Collective.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • January 28, 2026
Finding new intelligence is an artificial ingredient for Lakewood Ranch club

AI Creator's Collective was founded by David Perkowski and Tony Fitzgerald to explore artificial intelligence.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lido Island Grill's lobster roll, filled with chilled Maine lobster and served with tortilla chips and lemon.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 5, 2026
Meet the island kitchens setting the standard for a seriously good lobster roll

Although it's not a local, lobster remains a much-loved treat — especially on a roll.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
David Crawford is 2026 president of Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 29, 2026
Real estate market conditions show signs of a more robust 2026

As memories of 2024 storms fade, insurance and mortgage rates stabilize and in-migration continues, the Sarasota-Manatee region's real estate organization points to a growth in sales.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • December 18, 2025
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence

The Sarasota County Schools Board will gather public comment Jan. 20 on a new policy that will make the window to excuse an absence consistent across schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
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
Devin Mignery (center) prepares to take the snap during the FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal between Cardinal Mooney and Cocoa. The senior quarterback was inserted for junior Davin Davidson and helped usher the Cougars into the state championship.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 6, 2025
Cardinal Mooney football headed to state championship

In a feat of vengeance, the Cougars shut out the Tigers, continuing their hunt for a third state title.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
AG Lafley is Founding CEO of Bay Park Conservancy.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 19, 2026
Conservancy assumes management over more buildings in The Bay

Sarasota turns over management, rental and maintenance control to the bayside park's operators.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • October 13, 2025
Attendees get into Oktoberfest spirit during Park-toberfest

The event at The Bay in Sarasota featured live music, German food and beers, and a stein holding contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
One Stop Housing CEO and Managing Partner Mark Vengroff speaks with supporters at the groundbreaking of Sarasota Station.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • January 20, 2026
Affordable housing development finally leaves the station

Groundbreaking puts on track Mark Vengroff's fulfillment of his late father's vision to convert a Park East industrial site into affordable housing called Sarasota Station.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

Involved for nearly 50 years, Dave and Erma Miller have impacted the sport locally and beyond.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
This year's New to You art sale promises some unique, larger finds for art enthusiasts, according to Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator. Torres showcases a Grecian-style, three-dimensional piece of art.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • January 27, 2026
Big surprises await at New to You art sale

The popular Longboat Key art sale begins Feb. 2 at All Angels by the Sea and benefits Turning Points of Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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
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
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
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