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Results for:

Laurie Swink, co-founder of Selah Freedom, speaks to members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild on Nov. 18 about how the program helps survivors of human trafficking find a path forward.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • November 22, 2025
Anti-human trafficking survivors share stories to Longboat group

Representatives from Selah Freedom disclosed their experiences with St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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
Man finds neighbor in home after hardware store run
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • January 13, 2026
Man finds neighbor in home after hardware store run

A trespassing neighbor and a woman being illuminated without her permisson. This and other Longboat Key police reports in this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Lakewood Ranch's Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • December 24, 2025
After five decades, this Lakewood Ranch Santa continues to spread joy and more

Rich Vannucci, who still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago, isn't ready to put a wrap on his career.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paisley Binswanger poses for a photo. The four-year varsity player hopes to reach 1,500 points and 300 assists by the time her career with Sarasota High girls basketball concludes in February 2026.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 10, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Paisley Binswanger

The senior guard leads the Sailors in several statistical categories and signed with Samford in November.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Helen Rhodes Woodward Searle (1946-2025)
  • In Memoriam |
  • January 2, 2026
Helen Rhodes Woodward Searle

Helen Rhodes Woodward Searle, 79, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, surrounded by her family.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
A 10-foot sidewalk runs along the west side of Bourneside Boulevard from State Road 64 to University Parkway. A 15-foot trail for the east side of Bourneside Boulevard between State Road 70 and University Parkway is being negotiated between Manatee County and Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • September 10, 2025
Roads take back seat to trails in Manatee transportation priorities

It costs four times more to build a road than a shared-use path.

  • East County
  • News
Town Manager Howard Tipton started with the Town of Longboat Key in 2023, leading town staff through the response and rebuild of dual hurricanes in 2024.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • November 4, 2025
Town manager, attorney get solid reviews from commissioners

Longboat Key Town Commission agreed to give Howard Tipton a 3% raise while Maggie Mooney’s firm may see an amended contract.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Todd Mathes of Benderson Development explains the company's plans for reimagining of the former Sarasota County Administration Center site during a December 2025 community meeting.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • December 23, 2025
Laurel Park residents question plans for Sarasota County's former base

A community meeting brought many questions about Benderson Development's upcoming request to rezone 1 acre of the Ringling Boulevard property downtown.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senior Taylor Ford competes at the FHSAA Class 2A-District 12 Championship Jan. 24 at Braden River High School. She won silver in Olympic style for the 139-pound weight class as the Pirates claimed their fourth straight district title.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • January 27, 2026
Braden River High girls weightlifting team builds with belief

By undergoing a culture reset, the Pirates have become a powerhouse.

  • East County
  • Sports
Marc Dobson, the "One Man Band," roamed around the Manatee County Fairgrounds while playing a variety of instruments Jan. 18, 2025.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • January 13, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 15-21

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
From left, Sarasota Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler, Hermitage Board of Trustees President Carole Crosby and Hermitage attorney Steven Solowsky address the county commission.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • October 15, 2025
County proposes take-or-leave-it offer to Hermitage Artist Retreat

The Sarasota County Commission offers a lump sum to help hurricane restoration at the Hermitage providing it assumes responsibility for repairs going forward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota

Before Marie Selby Botanical Gardens came calling, Jennifer Rominiecki never considered uprooting her family from New York City. A decade later, she says it was all worth it.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Community Action Group protests a possible gas station on the corner of 44th Avenue East and White Eagle Boulevard Nov. 1.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • November 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch-area residents protest possible gas station

A pre-application was submitted for a 24-hour convenience store and gas station on 44th Avenue and White Eagle Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Cardinal Mooney football players gather for photos after winning the 2025 FHSAA Class 2A state championship over Jacksonville Bolles. On Dec. 10, the Cougars became champions of Florida for the second time in three years.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 30, 2025
The top 10 Sarasota sports moments of 2025

Reflecting on a year of championships, standout athletes and more across the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Yvette Brown poses for a photo on Dec. 11 next to the trophy case by Booker's gym. Through the first six games of the Tornadoes' season, she led in points, rebounds and steals.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 23, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Yvette Brown

The senior guard has put her stamp on a winning start for Booker girls basketball.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The Longboat Key Town Commission and Sarasota County Commission met at Longboat Key Town Hall Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • November 11, 2025
Town Green Library remains on path to completion

Community leaders from St. Armands Key also shared concerns about stormwater drainage during a joint meeting of Longboat Key and Sarasota County leaders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kindergartener Santiago Perez checks out the crochet items.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • December 16, 2025
Holiday House SRQ now serves a fifth school, but holiday shopping costs rise

This year, the nonprofit provided its free holiday shopping experiences to five elementary schools, but rising prices for gifts pose a challenge.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Gabriella Rawles holds a Fighting Irish tennis ball and poses for a photo at Notre Dame Stadium. The senior at ICL Academy online is headed to South Bend, Indiana, in January as an early enrollee.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • December 10, 2025
Notre Dame commit rekindles love for tennis after recovery from a shoulder injury

Gabriella Rawles was once unsure if she'd ever return to the sport after the injury caused her passion to fade.

  • East County
  • Sports
Katherine Pike (on the left) salsa dances with the cast of "Casa Havana:" Dairon Batista, Isabella Serrano and Jack Gaudreau.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • December 13, 2025
Palm Aire Women's Club members learn to salsa

Club members were treated to a performance and dance lessons from the Tania Vergara Dance-Theater.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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