Observer Media relaunches ThisWeekinSarasota.com

The Observer Media Group has added to its digital footprint with the relaunching of ThisWeekinSarasota.com, a local entertainment and events guide.

Started in 2006 by Matt Orr, then a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Co., ThisWeekinSarasota.com was an events calendar designed to help his clients discover what to do in Sarasota.

Orr sold the website this summer to the Observer Media Group, which spent the fall redesigning the website.

“Matt and I have always wanted to combine the powers of the Observer and ThisWeekinSarasota.com,” says Emily Walsh, chief digital officer of the Observer Media Group. “I’m thrilled that he’s entrusted us to help grow this amazing product he began.”

A daily, alternative digital publication, ThisWeekinSarasota.com is designed to help readers stay up to date on what’s happening — you guessed it — this week in Sarasota. With its new design and contributors, ThisWeekinSararsota.com includes a mix of calendar listings, blogs, profiles, video stories and local event coverage.

Its content will help readers navigate the ever-growing list of activities and events while introducing them to local artists, musicians and newsmakers.

ThisWeekinSarasota.com’s staff consists of professional journalists and a group of contributors who are plugged into their respective beats. Editor of ThisWeekinSarasota.com is Nick Friedman, former community editor with the Sarasota Observer. The site also features Zara Barrie, who produces the “Factory Girl” video blog. Community contributors will generate content about fashion, food, music, art and general community coverage.

Walsh and Friedman said they are encouraging readers to participate and be interactive with ThisWeekinSarasota.com.

“Keep in touch, sign up for our e-newsletter, Facebook and Twitter, and apply to be one of our contributors at ObserveandConnect.com to help contribute,” Walsh said.