Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer

Overview

Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer is a free weekly newspaper covering downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key and the surrounding bayfront communities of Florida, published by Observer Media Group.

History

The Sarasota Observer was established in 2004 by Matt and Lisa Walsh as part of Observer Media Group (known as The Observer Group until 2012), which the Walshes formed in 1995 with their acquisition of the Longboat Observer. Siesta Key coverage traces separately to The Key News to the Key, launched in March 1971 by John and Elizabeth Davidson, later renamed the Siesta Key Pelican and then Pelican Press; Observer Media Group acquired the Pelican Press from Wisconsin-based Journal Media Group in 2011 and renamed it the Siesta Key Observer in 2015, at which point it was integrated with the Sarasota Observer as the combined Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Co-founder and longtime executive editor Lisa Walsh died Sept. 14, 2023, at age 69 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Notable works

As of 2024, circulation of 24,175, distributed weekly on Thursdays. Its sister brand YourObserver.com won Local Media Association first-place honors for website architecture and design starting in 2010.

Key personnel

President and Publisher, Observer Media Group: Emily Walsh
Founder and CEO, Observer Media Group: Matt Walsh

Audience

Residents of downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key and surrounding bayfront neighborhoods, Florida.

Location and contact info

Address
1970 Main St., Floor 3
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone
941-366-3468
Website
https://www.yourobserver.com