Observe This: Today's Top Stories

The aftereffect of No. 1

→   For more than two decades, Dr. Stephen Leatherman has ranked America's top beaches. After the initial tourism boost, how do these top destination spots fare?

For 21 years, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, coastal expert and director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has ranked America’s finest beaches in his annual Top 10 Beach List.

Leatherman takes 50 criteria of physical features into account when judging each beach, including sand color and softness, wave size, water color, wildlife, beach cleanliness and beach facilities offered.

After climbing the ranks from third place in 2008 ... [click here to read on!]

 Parking problem still lingers

→   Some merchants and officials believe the paid parking program didn't last long enough to gauge whether its removal is best for the city.

Easter weekend has come and gone, and the merchants who begged the Sarasota City Commission to eliminate the paid parking meter program got their wish when the program was canceled. The last month of the season brought the return of free parking to Sarasota.

But a month after the paid parking program was eliminated and two-hour parking was restored, some merchants and area officials aren’t sure if the decision made much difference on Main Street. In fact, some merchants say business has dropped since...

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Scientists sample Sarasota centenarian's DNA for study

→  Sarasota resident Marion Koenig turned 100 in November. Now, she’s donating a sample of her DNA to be studied with the hopes that future generations can enjoy longer lives.

Living to be 100 years old is an accomplishment most don’t ever experience. But thanks to Sarasota resident Marion Koenig, who turned 100 in November, members of future generations may also be able to enjoy longer lives.

Koenig, along with many other centenarians across the country, has volunteered to donate a sample of her DNA to be studied with the hope of determining ...

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