Your Observer

01/05/2026

Join us for the Lakewood Ranch Mindful Triathlon on January 17th, presented by the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the ER at Fruitville. Unlike a traditional triathlon, this one focuses on mindfulness, movement, and connection.

The LWR Mindful Tri features three inspiring components:

A 5K run/walk through the scenic Waterside trails
A rejuvenating yoga session led by SHACK
A peaceful meditation practice guided by The Wellness Space
Whether you run, walk, stretch, or simply breathe, this experience is designed to promote wellness for all levels. REGISTER HERE! https://mylwr.com/calendar/event-details/68ff84ba3e4b73c95d575811

01/05/2026

The year that just ended wasn’t nearly as calamitous as 2024, so it’s back to Sarasota business as usual.

There were plenty of ups and downs in the past 12 months, and the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer was there to capture it all. Here are some of our...

01/04/2026

Hailed a "once in a generation talent," violin prodigy Himari stops here on a rare U.S. tour, performing Bruch's dramatic Violin Concerto No. 1 with Sarasota Orchestra. Led by conductor Peter Oundjian, this concert showcases "Pictures at an Exhibition," a musical stroll through an art gallery. January 16-18! Tickets: SarasotaOrchestra.org

01/04/2026

A rule governing redevelopment in flood-prone areas could come into play as a destination restaurant lays out plans to circle back to St. Armands.

The popular restaurant might be required to shore up flood resiliency as it pursues plans to return to St. Armands Circle.

01/04/2026

Your health deserves more than a quick checkup.

Our three-hour annual physical uses the best of modern medical technology - DEXA, VO₂ Max, expanded labs, genetic insights, and more - to understand exactly how your body is performing.

The result? A personalized plan built around you, your goals, and the way you want to live with Harper Health.

Better insight. Better care. Better outcomes.

Link Here: https://www.harperhealth.com/sarasota/observer

01/04/2026

A Longboat Key photo may end up on a statewide organization’s social media pages and its directory cover. Now, all you have to do is enter one. Soon.

Town aims to enter one image in statewide contest.

01/04/2026

Get ready for an action-packed afternoon on Lakewood Ranch Main Street! The Tampa Bay Lightning will host a Youth Ball Hockey Tournament on January 10 from 3–6 PM—come cheer on the teams as they take over Main Street. Then stick around for the official Lightning Watch Party at 6 PM as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers, with puck drop at 7 PM. Bring your chairs and enjoy the fun—plus, don’t miss your chance to win a pair of tickets at the event!⚡

Learn more at https://lakewoodranch.com/event/tampa-bay-lightning-youth-ball-hockey-tournament-and-watch-party/

01/04/2026

Co-owned by sports icons Michael Jordan, Serena Willams and others, the exclusive 1000 NORTH club is closer to city approval.

Co-founded by Michael Jordan in partnership with several pro athletes, 1000 NORTH is planning its second location in the BLVD Sarasota building.

01/03/2026

From political kerfuffles to heartwarming moments of community celebration, the Longboat Observer captured it all in 2025.

From political kerfuffles to heartwarming moments of community celebration, the Longboat Observer captured it all in the past year. Here are our...

01/03/2026

Three of 2025’s top 10 real estate transactions in Sarasota took place in the same neighborhood.

A Sarasota home sells for $9.5 million; Siesta Key home tops all sales at $10.35 million.

01/03/2026

Mark Gordon sits down with Ashley Ljesevic, host of the Endurance Diaries podcast, which spotlights stories of perseverance from athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and more.

In this episode, Ashley shares how she sets big goals and knows when it’s time to pivot, both professionally and personally. She also reflects on the powerful lessons she’s learned from the people she’s interviewed on Endurance Diaries and how those stories shape her work today.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about resilience, growth and the people behind the businesses that make our community strong. Listen now, thanks to Synovus: https://youtu.be/ycsjsk_hQrU

01/03/2026

The arts community cleaned up after the storms in 2025, faced changing political winds and broke ground on ambitious projects.

The arts community cleaned up after the storms, faced changing political winds and broke ground on ambitious new projects.