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Your Observer | All

Some residents have seen traffic backups at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club that are backed up almost to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Gate policies irk residents

Guards at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club gates are trained to ask questions and record data on those entering. But residents say the practice creates annoying backups.

  • East County
  • News
With two weeks to go until The Mall at University Town Center opens Oct. 16, mall businesses are interviewing prospective employees and going through extensive training. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
UTC attracts diverse workforce

The Cheesecake Factory has team members transferring from cities more than a 30-mile radius away to come work at the mall. Others are coming from out of state.

  • East County
  • News
McKitrick, second from left
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Golfer sees swinging success

Longboat Key resident Arlene McKitrick celebrated her 200th golf championship win this week at Sara Bay Country Club in an FSGA event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Mote receives NOAA grant

Mote Marine Laboratory recently received a $99,615 grand for its dolphin and whale rehabilitation efforts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Yvonne Schloss, owner of Sunglass Express Optical, fits a customer with new glasses Monday, at her St. Armands Circle store. Schloss believes the mall will draw more potential shoppers to the area. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Circle spotlight

As the new Mall at University Town Center generates buzz, Circle merchants focus on what makes the shopping district unique.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The 31-unit Arbomar condominium is located at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive. File photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Arbomar dispute continues through calls, court

The condo dispute rages on, according to police reports and court records.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manfred Welfonder stands in front of the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, where he used to play tennis. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
After seven years, Welfonder still pursues the Colony plan

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder still believes he can solve the legal warfare over the shuttered resort through a business resolution.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Scammers dial Key residents

Has the IRS called you to say you owe money? It's probably part of a growing scam.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photo courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
News Briefs

Longboat home sells for $3.45 million; Town, Sarasota County commissioners to meet; ZBA to hear setback petition

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Former Longboat Key resident Tana Sandefur was a philanthropic tour de force.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • October 1, 2014
Tana Sandefur: ringmaster of Sarasota

The late philanthropist dedicated her life to connecting the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A new solar irrigation pump constructed by maintenance crews waters new trees and shrubbery in spots around the Ranch that aren't close to irrigation wells. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
Lakewood Ranch continues green practices

Town Hall utilizes solar technology to irrigate plants and finds creative ways to save the Ranch cash.

  • East County
  • News
Like in the Chicago location, guests who choose to sit at the bar can see into the kitchen through a specially designed linen glass, which allows them to watch chefs in action.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Saks' restaurant only second in nation

Although it's located inside the store, Sophie's Sarasota is designed to draw in dine-in only customers to the new Saks Fifth Avenue store.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
News Briefs

Mall makes a splash with water-themed amenities; School District sued over security officer decision; Florida Balloon Festival canceled due to weather

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says some East County residents are upset about the height of The Venue and the proximity of the buildings to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Venue appearance, location concerns neighbors

The Venue apartment complex already is 15% leased but some residents worry if it fits in with the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Ranch man tackles Appalachian Trail

After five months of hiking, Ken Knowles can't believe his 2,183-mile venture is over after hiking the trail for the third time. He finished the route with his brother, Sean.

  • East County
  • News
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Maxim Chlumecky is at the center of the action in this scene from Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
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Murder suspect arrested on Longboat Key
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At least 60 community members of all faiths joined in a clean-up of the island on April 18, celebrating the anniversary of Paul Revere's famed ride. Volunteers collected approximately 140 pounds of trash before coming back together for a breakfast and morning service hosted by Temple Beth Israel.
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Togetherness at heart of Faith 250 community cleanup
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