Your Observer

Join Children First, Inc. at Sharky's on the Pier for two beachside events with one mission! Flip Flops & Fashion, presented by Bealls Inc. takes place on November 4, and Rockin' Lobster Beach Party kicks off on November 7.

Tickets and sponsorships available at: https://childrenfirst.org/fundraising-events/

Homecoming at The Out-of-Door Academy spells a good time for current students, future students, staff and alumni alike.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/03/oda-homecoming/

Thinking about selling your Longboat Key home? You don’t need to be ready tomorrow, but your first conversation matters. That’s where The Addy Wittig Team's strategy matters: conversations about the homes worth, how should it be positioned, what buyers respond to and what can be done before it even hits the market. When you're ready to talk, Ian and Gail are here for you.

Take a look at their recent sellers here: longboatlife.com/sold-property/?sortBy=soldDate

It’s been about two years since hurricanes Helene and Milton dealt a one-two blow to the Gulf Coast, and one result can still be seen today on North Shore Road on Longboat Key.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/04/north-shore-condo-future-in-question/

Overnight traffic on Interstate 75 south of the immediate Sarasota area could be slowed throughout the work week by bridge examinations.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/03/traffic-slow-overnights-next-week/

A circuit court judge ruled Sarasota County commissioners are shielded from personal litigation when acting in their official capacities but offered no opinion on the merits of developers' Live Local lawsuits against the county.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/01/live-local-county-lawsuits/

By the end of October, parking enforcement in Sarasota will be the job of the police department.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/03/sarasota-police-parking-enforcement/

Riverview High's volleyball team started 1-2 this season and were ranked well outside the state's top 100. Then their coach encouraged them to chase teams ranked above them.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/oct/01/riverview-girls-volleyball-embraces-chase/

Alamea has been creating island-inspired jewelry since 1991. Today, those same coastal influences have found a home right here at Bartlett Jewelers. From rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, each piece captures the spirit of the sea. Stop by Bartlett Jewelers and explore the Alamea collection, along with so much more, right here in your neighborhood.

Start shopping now: bartlettjewelers.com

The town will see an estimated $799,338 increase in property tax revenue with the introduction of a canal millage and an increased property tax rate.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2026/sep/30/longboat-budget-property-tax-hike/