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Results for:

Mark Akerman, Jay Plager and Past Commodore Michael Landis carry away the colors at the conclusion of Bird Key Yacht Club's Memorial Day ceremony on May 25.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 28, 2026
Dedication to service celebrated at Bird Key's Memorial Day ceremony

Veterans, family members of service men and women, and community members united to recognize those who sacrificed for their country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Out-of-Door Academy's Chase Smith, Hays Wilson, Zachary Papper and Mason Chase are all National Merit Finalists after earning high test scores and going through the application process.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 26, 2026
Five Lakewood Ranch-area students earn National Merit Finalist status

Four students from the Out-of-Door Academy and one from Braden River High School have the opportunity to earn exclusive scholarships.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kallista Schneiderman and Kelly Haramis rehearse for their upcoming performance of "Grease is the Word" at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, which runs from June 2-7.
  • By Monica Roman Gagnier |
  • May 27, 2026
Sarasota's Squeaky Wheel Fringe keeps making noise

The funky festival returns for its fourth edition from June 2-7 at the Jane B. Cook Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explains how robust community education contributes to the island's success in responding to cardiac distress calls. He touched on response times, disaster response and more at the April 30 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 30, 2026
Fire chief explains Longboat's high cardiac rescue success rates

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi spoke about how vital it is for community members to learn CPR and be ready to act.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Silas and Josh Stacy stand amid their collection.
  • By Ian Swaby |
  • June 4, 2026
Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards

Josh Stacy turned part of his used car dealership into a shop for a different asset, Pokémon cards, after his son Silas helped inspire his interest.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sarasota man charged with sexual battery of a minor
  • By Observer Staff |
  • May 27, 2026
Sarasota man charged with sexual battery of a minor

Carson Smith, 23, was arrested last week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield
  • By Lori Sax |
  • April 26, 2026
Selby Gardens welcomes famed floral designer Ian Prosser for Lunch in the Gardens

Lunch in the Gardens celebrates the 2026 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which was inspired by Alexander Calder's work.

  • Black Tie
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida

Although it's the only sport allowed to have two separate seasons, coaches say it is an important developmental tool.

  • East County
  • Sports
An artistic rendering by Hoyt Architects of the street level of the proposed Obsidian at 126 N. Palm Ave.
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • April 27, 2026
Controversial downtown tower comes back before City Commission

A mediated agreement between city staff and the developer of the previously rejected Obsidian tower will be considered by the Sarasota City Commission on May 4.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Surrounded by members of the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026, staff from Save Our Seabirds and a cloud of confetti, Lisa Charles cuts the ribbon at the unveiling of an updated outdoor space at the bird sanctuary.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 27, 2026
Leadership Sarasota spruces up Save Our Seabirds space

With the sponsorship and hands-on work of local leaders, the bird sanctuary has a new look for its outdoor education center and landscaping.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
  • By S.T. Cardinal |
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

The aging building donated by Murf Klauber and moved to Bayfront Park may be replaced with a private-public fundraising effort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Condos and single-family homes for sale dot the map of downtown Sarasota and its adjacent neighborhoods.
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • March 18, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee real estate market a mixed bag

Prices are up but not everywhere.

  • Sarasota
  • News
School district demands repayment of tax fees
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • May 8, 2026
School district demands repayment of tax fees

The Sarasota County Commission votes to resume paying the tax collector's 2% commission fee and questions the fee itself.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Team members at Longboat Harbour Condominiums and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program are working together to show how residents and researchers can all contribute to building a stronger ecosystem. Coordinators recently put up new signs recognizing the work volunteers are doing to remove invasive plants and add Florida-friendly flora. Pictured are Mary and Rob Dice, Kakali Banerjee and Ken Stewart.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota Bay Estuary works with residents on native planting projects

Longboat Harbour Condominiums residents and volunteers celebrated receiving a grant to remove invasive plants on the property.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Florida Statute 1001.42(4)(f)2 will require high schools, including Braden River High (pictured) and Lakewood Ranch High, to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork and gets accepted to keep the current start times.
  • By Madison Bierl |
  • April 7, 2026
Manatee County School District might fight starting time mandate

A 2025 Florida Statute states high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. unless the district submits paperwork to prove such a change causes disruption.

  • East County
  • Schools
Gia DePastino was one of five seniors on the Sailors' 13-person roster in 2026. She'll play for Warner University at the NAIA level this fall.
  • By Jack Nelson |
  • May 20, 2026
Despite regional final defeat, Sarasota High softball succeeded

The Sailors posted their most wins in over a decade and were district champions this season under a new coach.

  • 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
Alexandra Melrose, Hailie Lucille and Hannah Taylor star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Honky Tonk Angels."
  • By Observer Staff |
  • June 9, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 11-17

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women Inc. awarded the 2026 winners of the Launching Leaders in the Arts program at an April 15 luncheon at the Prestancia Country Club.
  • By Dana Kampa |
  • April 21, 2026
Pen Women awards Launching Leaders winners

The local chapter of Pen Women recognized this year's scholarship winners on April 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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