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Your Observer | All

Kelly, Olivia and Callum Gessner hold their ferrets: Rufus, Shirley, Teddy and Flatso. All four ferrets escaped, but Teddy survived two days outside in the rain and cold alone, before returning home. Photos by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2014
Lost ferret returns home after scare

The Gessner family says they are lucky their ferret, Teddy, survived two cold nights and some rainy weather.

  • East County
  • News
This is Cheryl Lee's first year as a Salvation Army bell ringer. Her post is the Publix at the intersection of State Road 64 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 16, 2014
Salvation Army volunteer rings for bigger picture

A former child abuse investigator, Cheryl Lee is now having 'the time of her life' ringing her bell in retirement while helping kids.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Manager Wayne Piazza stands among its Toys for Tots donations. The club collected more than $15,000 worth of toys this year. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2014
Presents break record

After a golf outing one day, Rick Shaw and more than 20 other men were sitting around at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club when manager Wayne Piazza approached them about helping with the club's annual Toys for Tots toy drive.

  • East County
  • News
AIPRC Executive Director Donna Dunio, Arnold Simonsen, Patty Sabow and Barbara Koetsier. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2014
News Briefs

Town to hold first town center public workshop; Arnold Simonsen donates $13,000 to Aging in Paradise; Town hires special counsel for bridge damages claim; Town issues permit for $2 million home

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Foundation Chairman Bob Simmons with Vice Mayor David Brenner, board members Warren Simonds and Jeff Mayers, Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown and Tom Aposporos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2014
LBK Foundation to kick off $1 million campaign

The nonprofit organization's first priority is to generate funds to assist a future medical facility with startup costs.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Riana Rawson (second from left) accepts the $20,000 check from Lawn Party Chairman Michael Garey (left), Kiwanis Club Secretary John Wild and President Armando Linde. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 16, 2014
Kids win big at this year's Gourmet Lawn Party

Longboat Key Kiwanis Club members discussed the records it shattered at the Dec. 6 event, which raised at least $65,000 for children's charities and scholarships.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • December 16, 2014
Home for the Holidays

We took a tour of two local Sarasota families' homes to admire the holiday decor, hear about their family traditions and find out why Christmas starts early in their homes.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Opera's Co-Producers Dinner took place on the set of this upcoming season’s production of "The Golden Cockerel." Photo by Cliff Roles.
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2014
Black Tie & Tales

Singing for their supper; A votre sante; Magical musicale; and Tidbits.

  • Arts + Culture
Ania Adderley and Carolyn Robinson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2014
Signature Chef's Auction

Signature Chef's Auction

  • Black Tie
taps
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 16, 2014
Paddy Wagon Irish Pub plans Main Street location

Paddy Wagon Irish Pub plans Main Street location

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Students performed holiday songs for residents at the Jefferson Center.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bay Haven Broadway Club performs

Students of the Bay Haven Broadway Club spread holiday cheer by performing at the Jefferson Center of Sarasota the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 16.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mary Czernyk, of St. Armands Circle Association and Executive Director Diana Corrigan
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Armands Circle Association's annual holiday party

St. Armands business owners, workers and residents gathered at Crab & Fin restaurant on Dec. 16 for the St. Armands Circle Association's annual holiday party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Freshmen and juniors compete on the football field.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Filly Football

Dec. 16, the ladies of Lakewood Ranch High School hit the school's football field for the annual Filly Football game. Freshmen through seniors battled throughout the evening, as teenage boys coached the girls through the football games from the sidelines.

  • East County
  • News
Mar Vista owner Ed Chiles, pictured in 2010, plans to begin construction in fall 2015.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 15, 2014
Mar Vista deck receives approval

The Planning and Zoning Board approved two applications for a second-story deck at the Longbeach Village restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County will designate a portion of the $7.5 million toward the design of the overpass.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2014
Sarasota moves forward with I-75 overpass idea

SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen said he is preparing to hire an engineer for the project.

  • East County
  • News
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Reported kidnapping debunked by video evidence
  • April 22, 2026
Reported kidnapping debunked by video evidence
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Nearly every member of the Sarasota Ballet will be on stage for “Checkmate” May 1-2 at the Sarasota Opera House.
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Lakewood Ranch's Mateo Orlandini and East Bradenton's Alex Molina both have a passion for soccer and love to play with new people at the Lakewood Ranch Residents Soccer Club.
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Terri Driver is a long-time volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, seen here caring for a nest in 2016.
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5
An aerial view of Coquina Beach.
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Coquina Beach parking egress reintroduced as idea to fix congestion

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