All | Your Observer | Your Observer

Your Observer | All

Josh Siegel
June 5, 2013

Early voting for Manatee special election begins June 8

The special election ballot features two items: A vote on a half-percent sales tax increase, from 6.5% to 7%; And a vote that would allow the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to give new or expanding businesses ad valorem tax exemptions.

East County
News

Josh Siegel
June 5, 2013

Manatee County to allow backyard chickens

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-2 yesterday to approve a new ordinance and changes to the county Land Development Code, allowing residents to keep four female chickens.

East County
News

Observer Staff
June 5, 2013

Hats off: East County students graduate

East County high school seniors celebrated the end of their high school careers last week, during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2013.

East County
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
June 5, 2013

Sarasota County approves UF lease

Sarasota County commissioners approved a 20-year lease with the University of Florida Board of Trustees for a county-owned building on Orange Avenue.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
June 5, 2013

Patron Saint: Maggi Taylor

Maggi Taylor has spent her life as a trained actress in professional and community theater, and to Taylor, "Theatre is in my DNA - it sounds kind of corny, but it's just what I have to do."

Arts + Culture

Pam Eubanks
June 5, 2013

Man killed in accident in Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park

Randy Hedrick, of Bradenton, died in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday night.

East County
News

Alex Mahadevan
June 5, 2013

Woman charged in hit-and-run death

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested Leslie Williams Wednesday, June 5, in connection with her husband's death.

Sarasota
News

Alex Mahadevan
June 5, 2013

Visit Sarasota County pitches ambitious vision

Sarasota County commissioners approved the local marketing organization's plan to double its budget to $10 million by 2020.

Sarasota
News

Yaryna Klimchak
June 5, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Lou Newman's Wildlife Action Photography Exhibit

Community members flocked to the opening of Lou Newman's Wildlife Action Photography Exhibit Tuesday, June 4 at Plymouth Harbor to see his work from the last 10 months. Approximately 200 people attended to see his photography work from places like Tanzania, New Mexico and Costa Rica.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 5, 2013

Our View: D-Day: Memorial Day cont'd

There are 25 million living American veterans. Since Gen. George Washington commanded the Continental Army, 42 million Americans have served the colors. A million have been killed in its defense. Another million and a half wounded.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Robin Hartill
June 5, 2013

Chiles nixes plan, annual events

Owner Ed Chiles won't restore the Jordan House or hold events at Mar Vista because of residents' concerns.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
June 5, 2013

Cell tower debate echoes through Town Hall

Residents and town commissioners got hung up on language in Comprehensive Plan changes and turned a discussion into a two-hour cell tower debate Monday night.