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Your Observer | All

Carlson Studio Architecture designed the proposed nature center for the Sarasota Audubon Society.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 18, 2013
Nature center and industrial complex provide similar boons

The Audubon Society and Benderson Development will work together to create friendly boundaries on dual projects east of Interstate 75.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Otus
  • December 18, 2013
Ask Otus: The Sarasota Audubon's Christmas Bird Count

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otus.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Chuck and Gayle Sobieck with Mike Plunkett and Kathy Mathews
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The Sanctuary Holiday Party

Residents of the Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club gathered to celebrate the holidays over cocktails and finger food on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Calista Hidalgo as Snow White
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Gullett Elementary's 'A Snow White Christmas'

B.D. Gullett Elementary School fifth grade students performed their version of "A Snow White Christmas", Dec. 17. Student actors and actresses performed seven scenes, and choir members sang songs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Beth Waldman and Joyce Mazurek
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Harbourettes Holiday Brunch

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Longboat Harbourettes enjoyed a holiday brunch and raffle at the Lazy Lobster.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Engineers from the Florida Department of Transportation are evaluating damage to the overpass.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2013
UPDATE: Interstate reopens after closure

Southbound Interstate 75, around mile marker 184, reopened after 4:10 p.m. Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Co-Chairs of the luncheon Graci and Denis McGillicuddy with Carol Buchanan.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Embracing Our Differences annual luncheon

Embracing Our Differences held its annual luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Michael's on East. The event, co-chaired by Carol Buchanan and Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy, celebrated the non-profits impact on the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The estate at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive has nearly 10,000 square feet of living space in three separate pavilions. (Courtesy Michael Saunders & Co.)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 18, 2013
Longboat estate listed for $22 million

The $22 million price tag is a record in the Sarasota, according to listing agent Deborah Beacham.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Activities offered to students and their families Dec. 18 at Party in the Park include face painting and crafts.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 18, 2013
Freedom Elementary hosts annual park party

Freedom Elementary faculty, students and their families, will converge from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at Freedom Elementary, for the annual Party in the Park event.

  • East County
  • News
A water main leak has reduced the southbound convergence of U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 to one lane until this afternoon, according to a city press release.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 18, 2013
Water main leak causes U.S. 41/U.S. 301 lane closures

Although a water main leak under the pavement has been repaired, southbound traffic at the convergence of U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 is limited to one lane.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Aultman and her class of 18, along with the help of volunteer Susan Garrett, built a galactic-themed gingerbread house.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
Fifth annual Gingerbread Festival announces winners

Erica Aultman and her third grade class from Ashton Elementary won first place in their category Saturday, Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools both received an “A” for the second year in a row.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
East County high schools get 'A' grades

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools earned 'A' grades from the state in the 2013 High School Accountability Grades released today by the Florida Department of Education.

  • East County
  • Schools
After the workshop, Superintendent Rick Mills will post his action plan to the district’s website for public viewing, based on his staff’s findings.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
School board to discuss response to audits

The Manatee County School Board will discuss corrective actions related to two state audits from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, during a special workshop.

  • East County
  • Schools
The bananas foster is a Cafe L'Europe classic dessert prepared tableside en flambe.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Cafe L'Europe

This week we went in the kitchen at Cafe L'Europe, with owner Betsie Coolidge, while servers prepare two signature tableside dishes, shrimp Pernod and bananas foster. Get the recipes and watch an instructional video in this week's 'In the Kitchen.'

  • Siesta Key
  • News
City Commissioner Susan Atwell swears in Dream Harbor’s new commissioners, Gloria Macias and Alondra Martinez.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
Leading Ladies

For the last six years, mayors have led Girls Inc.'s Dream Harbor Community. But, this year, the girls decided to undergo a political change.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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1
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
2
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
3
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
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Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
  • December 18, 2025
Citrus County woman held in shooting death of Manatee man
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