• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Results for:

Jazmin Ortega, Alora Parcells and Suri Bui reminisce on their time at Braden River High School prior to the commencement ceremony at LECOM Park May 19.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 20, 2026
Braden River High grads know there is 'a lot to be discovered'

Four-hundred and twenty graduates receive diplomas and now will chase their dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
Vance Freeman became the 10th different state champion in Sarasota boys weightlifting program history May 7. The senior hit all three of his lifts in the bench press to secure gold.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 14, 2026
Sarasota High lifter crowned at state championship

Vance Freeman won an individual state title to conclude his high school weightlifting career with the Sailors.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Zach Zeller co-owns three restaurants in Lakewood Ranch.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • May 22, 2026
A high-flying spirit has led Lakewood Rancher to adventure, in business and life

Lakewood Ranch restaurant owner Zach Zeller, be it on the ground or in the sky, emphasizes hard work — and helping others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Midfielder/attacker Kaitlin Carolan (right) speeds past a Saint Stephen's Episcopal player during the FHSAA Class 1A-District 10 semifinals on April 10. She's one of three sophomores who lead the Cougars in scoring this season.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 16, 2026
Led by sophomores, Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse hunts history

The Cougars boast their most single-season wins ever as the postseason begins.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Carol Erker and Terri and Jeff Driver, board members with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, gave an overview of the leadership positions they hope to fill next year at the May 5 meeting.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 12, 2026
Longboat Rotary welcomes new board members

The community service organization is welcoming back its president and hopes to involve new board members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bernhard Langer hits a drive on the third hole during the first round of the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship. He's won an all-time record 12 senior majors in his storied career.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • April 13, 2026
Who to root for at the Senior PGA Championship

Plenty of major champions will be at The Concession, but which golfers should you get behind?

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff |
  • April 21, 2026
Our Lady of Guadalupe Wine Dinner

Each course is crafted to complement the character of every pour, creating a refined and memorable dinner from start to finish.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
The town of Longboat Key is taking steps to condemn and demolish the house at 6541 Gulfside Road, nicknamed the Half Moon House.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • April 20, 2026
Town sends compliance agreement to Half Moon house owner

The town of Longboat Key proposed a June 1 deadline for repairs to avoid forced demolition.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

From the rolling hills of Washington state to the close-up gaze of a cheetah, images captured by this group of photographers impressed viewers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Daryl Cherry (left) and Jamar Byrd (right) battle with a medicine ball during practice. Byrd, at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, was an offensive/defensive lineman as a sophomore in 2025.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 13, 2026
Uphill climb coming for Booker football

After graduating the most talented class in program history, the Tornadoes will have to build back this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Nevriye Yesil, the founder of the Lakewood Ranch Happiness Circle, is glad to share her wisdom with friends and strangers alike, including Lisa Lieberman-Wang.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 21, 2026
Happiness Circle helps find light at the end of the tunnel

The newly formed club is led by Nevriye Yesil, who has a Master's degree in happiness studies. It is meant to help members embrace what life has to offer every day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Thomas H Wentz
  • In Memoriam |
  • April 9, 2026
Thomas H Wentz

Thomas H Wentz, III, 82, passed away on February 6, 2026. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1943, to Thomas H Wentz and Mary Jane Miller Wentz.

  • Sarasota
  • Tributes & Obituaries
Skyler Betts is the CEO of All 4 the Members, a nonprofit that serves residents, 65 and older, living in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • April 29, 2026
Nonprofit supports seniors and caregivers in Sarasota, Manatee counties

All 4 the Members offers resources and financial support to residents who are 65 and older.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

The store will span 48,000 square feet off Cattlemen Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Commissioner George Kruse proved you can govern without letting special interests influence your decisions after substantial campaign donations.
  • By Jay Heater |
  • May 6, 2026
Don't judge Manatee County candidates solely on campaign contributions

Developers and builders have every right to contribute to candidates that represent their best interests.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Tammy King talks with fourth graders Dylan Amador-Guerra and Knox Smith about their journals.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • May 7, 2026
Program helps elementary students explore who they want to be when they grow up

The Students With Amazing Goals (SWAG) program at Alta Vista Elementary serves fourth and fifth graders, and soon middle school students, in goals that include career aspirations.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 17, 2026
It's time for tea on Longboat Key

The Paradise Center helped residents embrace the easygoing pace of summer with a relaxing social afternoon of tea and coloring.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 129 applicants who applied for grants this year, 23 were represented at the Grant Expo May 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • March 19, 2026
'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

Ten Broadway shows are making their way to Sarasota's Purple Palace.

  • Arts + Culture
Pastitsio ($25) made with Greek macaroni with ground beef, fresh herbs topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
  • By Emma Burke |
  • May 11, 2026
Make it a Mediterranean (meal) May

These local dishes remind us that eating well doesn’t have to feel restrictive.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free