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Results for:

Vern Buchanan has announced his retirement following 20 years in Congress.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • January 27, 2026
Longtime local legislator announces retirement from Congress

Vern Buchanan, who represents Florida's 16th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced his retirement following 20 years in Washington.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks

Following a six-month delay, the Sarasota County Commission approved a one-year pilot program to require charter captains to bid for permits to operate out of county-owned boat ramps and seawalls.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kelly Gilliland grew up in Sarasota and has now lived in Lakewood Ranch for 25 years.
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 16, 2026
Resident's long-lasting heart for Lakewood Ranch stems from a mother's love

Kelly Gilliland wears many hats, but giving back to those in need is the one that fits her best.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Gardner Park offers a mile of trails, sports courts, frisbee golf, pavilions, a kids’ gravity rail and dog parks, all set against peaceful wetland preserves.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 19, 2026
A few of our favorite (Lakewood Ranch) things

Here is a short list of cool pleasures, delightful encounters and only-in-the-Ranch moments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota city commissioners adopted an ordinance in 2021 to register and regulate vacation rentals in coastal communities.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • December 11, 2025
Are complaints worth additional vacation rental oversight?

The city of Sarasota investigates the costs of expanding its short-term rental rules to areas encompassing 82 known vacation rental units.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, SPD officers Anthony Zappone, Nick Bernier and Daniel Stevens were the first responders to a house fire on Feb. 20.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • March 4, 2026
Nighttime fire rescue just another day on the job for officers

Sarasota police officers didn't wake up "expecting to be a hero" on Feb. 20, but a house fire pressed them into action.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Only commercial properties will be assessed if House Bill 4091 passes.
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • January 27, 2026
Legislators to decide if a taxing district could solve UTC's stormwater problems

If passed, House Bill 4091 will make the University Town Center area a special district that can pay for infrastructure using bonds.

  • East County
  • News
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
  • By Marty Fugate |
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub Executive Chef Justin Kurtz shares how he reinvents the classics at the iconic Longboat Key restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Violinist and pianist Donna Smith performs with singer Johanna Davis at a special Christmas concert for attendees at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on Dec. 6.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • December 8, 2025
Angelic voices ring throughout All Angels for Christmas concert

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church invited musicians Johanna Davis and Donna Smith to perform holiday tunes for attendees.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff |
  • December 4, 2025
Sarasota City Y is a Vital Part of the Community

It’s that kind of lifelong connection—the feeling that the Y is home—that Raker hopes every Sarasota resident can experience.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
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
Braden River girls weightlifting brought home the FHSAA Class 2A state championship in Olympic style Feb. 12 at Lakeland's RP Funding Center. It marks the first in program history.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • February 18, 2026
Braden River High raises the bar at girls weightlifting state championships

The Pirates captured their first team title behind Payton Mangay-Ayam's twin individual titles.

  • East County
  • Sports
Nate Jacobs directs the gospel revue, "How I Got Over," for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe from Feb. 19 to March 29.
  • By Observer Staff |
  • February 17, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 19-25

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Florian Blummel shows off his artistic bicycle moves that you should not try at home in your driveway.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • February 25, 2026
Circus Sarasota is still the one

This year's edition features stars with awards, TV appearances and Guinness World Records.

  • Arts + Culture
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
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • February 13, 2026
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together

Every couple has their own journey to finding love. Members of Sarasota's community share what brought them together and sparked romance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Al Piemonte Lincoln |
  • February 12, 2026
A Better Way to Buy a Car - Right Here in Our Community

How one leader changed the car-buying experience.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Ellenton Landings |
  • September 4, 2025
The Rise of Niche Active Adult Living

The unique needs of the Baby Boomer generation reveal a new trend in real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
An e-biker rides south on the sidewalk parallel to Gulf of Mexico Drive. The town of Longboat Key is having initial discussions about writing a new ordinance to regulate the use of e-bikes to increase public safety.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • December 3, 2025
E-bike regulation considered by Longboat Key

With the rise in popularity of e-bikes, Longboat Key is mulling an ordinance to manage the rising mode of transportation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County has allocated $10 million in Resilient SRQ funds to remove 118,000 cubic yards of sediment from Whitaker Bayou in Sarasota.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • November 27, 2025
Requests to fund and dredge bayous approved by Sarasota County

Sarasota County approves nearly $24 million in Resilient SRQ funds for Whitaker Bayou and Hudson Bayou, which will improve stormwater drainage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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