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Elections

John Harshman has announced his candidacy for Sarasota City Commission.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 20, 2026
Longtime businessman files for Sarasota City Commission

Commercial real estate broker John Harshman has joined the race for the two Sarasota City Commission at-large seats.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Retired Sarasota Police Sergeant Jim DeNiro is challenging incumbent Joe Neunder for the Sarasota County Commission District 4 seat.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 16, 2026
Incumbent faces early challenge for County Commission District 4

Joe Neunder will face retired Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Jim DeNiro in the Aug. 18 preliminary election.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Neighborhood advocate enters race for Sarasota City Commission
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 6, 2026
Neighborhood advocate enters race for Sarasota City Commission

Arlington Park Neighborhood Association President Flo Entler joins the field of candidates for two Sarasota City Commission at-large seats.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Republican Party of Sarasota County Chairman Jack Brill introduced four Republican Hospital Board winners. From left to right: Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Pam Beitlich, Sarah Lodge and Kevin Cooper.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 6, 2024
GOP dominates Election Day in Sarasota

A near-record 84% of registered voters in Sarasota County cast ballots Tuesday, preliminary data shows.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota, Manatee county 2024 general election results
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota, Manatee county 2024 general election results

The 2024 general election was held Nov. 5. The voter turnout was high in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Elections
2024 Election Candidates
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 22, 2024
2024 Election Candidates

Meet the candidates for Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

  • Elections
Sequoia Felton
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 23, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 1: Sequoia Felton

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Kyle Battie.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 23, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 1: Kyle Battie

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Ron Kashden
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 14, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 2: Ron Kashden

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Liz Alpert
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 14, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 2: Liz Alpert

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
At-large District 7 candidate Sari Lindroos-Valimaki lives in Palmetto with her husband, Jarmo Valimaki, and their four rescue dogs.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 14, 2024
Palmetto resident is one of the few Democrats on November's ballot

Sari Lindroos-Valimaki wants to give citizens a Democratic option in the race for District 7.

  • East County
  • News
Erik Arroyo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 3: Erik Arroyo

Meet the candidate

  • Elections
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2024
Sarasota City Commission District 3: Kathy Kelley Ohlrich

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
Diana Shoemaker
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 2, 2024
Manatee County Commission District 3: Diana Shoemaker

Meet the candidate:

  • Elections
Nancy Ceci
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 24, 2024
Charter Review Board District 5: Nancy Ceci

Meet the candidate.

  • Elections
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
Harlan Coben and Emily Walsh
  • February 7, 2026
Harlan Coben leads with laughter at Love Our Libraries Luncheon
2
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return
3
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety
4
Candace Copeland, Julie Rania and America Jones
  • February 6, 2026
Taste of Thunder rolls into Lakewood Ranch
5
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

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