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Sarasota | News

Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • May 3, 2026
Sarasota's youngest mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat

Kelly Kirschner, 51, was elected to the City Commission in 2007.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio, 38, has been arrested and terminated by the Sarasota Police Department after investigation of simple battery against a 16-year-old girl.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is preparing its 5-year Transportation Improvement Program to submit to FDOT.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
MPO accepting public input for transportation improvement program

The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is accepting public input as it prepares its five-year project priority list for submission to FDOT this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Damage to the shoreline of Ken Thompson Park at City Island following the 2024 hurricane season.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Waterfront park to receive $3 million in hurricane repairs and resilience

The money will help make 2024 storm-related repairs and shore up the shoreline at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Analysts at SPD's Real Time Operations Center monitor multiple cameras, sensors and other devices spread throughout the city.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 30, 2026
Annual crime rates in Sarasota continue to decline

In presenting the annual Sarasota Police Department crime report, Chief Rex Troche said the department is "just right" to be effective.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Hurricane Milton at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9, 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 29, 2026
Climate Adaptation Center predicts fewer storms this hurricane season

The annual forecast by the local nonprofit predicted a total of two major hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley makes his case to the Sarasota County Commission for funding Phase 3 work at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 29, 2026
Sarasota County takes cautious approach to The Bay park funding

Rather than commit to a funding its portion of the The Bay Phase 3 project, the Sarasota County Commission approved half its share of the fiscal year 2027 debt service payment from TIF funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In is back at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 25, 2026
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens in Sarasota

The open-air restaurant on Washington Boulevard has returned and has future plans to offer online ordering.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Boat, pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be unaffected by a $4.3 million maintenance project on Siesta Key's north bridge.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 25, 2026
Siesta Key's north bridge undergoes maintenance project

Most work will take place below the deck of the 50-year-old drawbridge.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Workers carry one of two storm surge poles Sarasota County has installed at Siesta Beach and Manasota Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 23, 2026
Storm surge poles installed at Sarasota County beaches

Colorful poles to educate the public about the dangers of storm surge have been installed at two Sarasota County beaches.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents of some buildings in the redeveloped Bath + Racquet Residences & Club will have views of the courts and members' pool.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 23, 2026
Reimagined Bath + Racquet club expects condo occupation by fall

Bath + Racquet Residences & Club expects to move in its first residences and have the club partially opened by early fall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
1000 North will feature a floating staircase connecting the downsairs dining room with the walnut-lined second-floor lounges.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 23, 2026
Exclusive club complements developer's Sarasota evolution vision

Already expanding before it opens, 1000 North augments the vision of developer Kevin Daves to make Sarasota among the country's "most refined" cities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alderman Oaks currently has 60 assisted living units. It is seeking to add kitchens to convert them to independent living.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 22, 2026
Assisted-living facility near downtown wins rezoning approval

On second reading, a divided Sarasota City Commission approves Alderman Oaks rezoning without a site plan, opening the door for proposed renovation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Patrick Robinson at the dais with Interim City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen during a recent City Commission meeting.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 20, 2026
Sarasota deputy city manager announces retirement

Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson has informed the City Commission and senior staff of his retirement effective May 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
  • May 3, 2026
Sarasota's youngest mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat
2
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance
3
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening
4
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s
5
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

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