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Your Observer | All

    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Mary Bailes

Air Force flight nurse has sky-high views of women's rights

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Erica Gregory
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Erica Gregory

Retired Air Force officer grew up with a military father and an immigrant mother. She learned quickly to appreciate America's freedoms.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Bill Sterbinsky

For this Marine Corps veteran, the events of 9/11 put his desire to serve his country in perspective.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alexander Figueroa is a retired Army sergeant Major who now is an Army instructor at Braden River High School.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Alexander Figueroa

Army sergeant major and JROTC instructor helps young people understand their freedoms.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms Max and Shirley Corley

The couple met while working in the Marine Corps, and they have traveled all over the globe.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Retired U.S. Army Col. Gill Ruderman graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1966. In 1967, he was deployed to the 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi during the Vietnam War.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Gill Ruderman

Army veteran came to America from Palestine in 1948 as a Hebrew-speaking child.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Ann White fills out paperwork to be a bus aide. She says she is excited to work with children.
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 21, 2019
Busload of applicants AND District loves saying, 'You're hired'

The School District of Manatee County asked for new employees — and local residents answered. Read our story on the district's support staff job fair!

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Ernest Freedman

The Navy veteran said he learned what American freedoms mean after spending time overseas during the Vietnam War.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Ogren was sent to an underground missile base in Germany to protect the Spangdahlem Air Force Base.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Jack Ogren

Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Army veteran has always had protecting freedoms on his mind.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River High graduate Paige Krumwiede holds her U.S. Naval Academy diploma on graduation day May 24.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Paige Krumwiede

The Naval Academy graduate is now heading to flight school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 21, 2019
Our Precious Freedoms: Gene Jones

Air Force veteran formed a non-profit group with other Vietnam vets to oppose the Iraq war.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The bald eagle — this one lives in Lakewood Ranch — is the national bird. But one of our founding fathers thought it was a bad choice. Do you know who? PHOTO BY JAY HEATER
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 21, 2019
Think you know America? Try this Fourth of July quiz

Did you know . . .

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Samantha Chaney
  • June 21, 2019
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July? Sarasota kids answer

From the eyes of a child, the Fourth of July is all hotdogs and fireworks. But what more might be behind the day?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • June 20, 2019
Sisterhood for Good forms bonds at Oak & Stone

The ever-expanding Sisterhood For Good celebrated new members with a mixer Thursday night - check out our gallery from the night!

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 20, 2019
East County weather page photo: June 20

East County weather page photo: June 20

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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1
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
2
Artist JC Wayne hangs the ninth and final piece in her series "Atomic Universe," the latest installation at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. The display will be up throughout the holiday season.
  • December 19, 2025
Artist delves into ideas of existence at Longboat exhibition
3
Charlie Shachat, a co-founder of the Foolishly Festive Christmas Parade, decided to be part of the show for the "Jaws" 50th anniversary.
  • December 19, 2025
Esplanade continues tradition of being 'foolishly festive' for parade
4
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
5
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables

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