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Jen Blanco
November 13, 2011

End of the road

The Lakewood Ranch High volleyball team saw its historic season come to a close with a 3-0 loss to Tarpon Springs in the Class 3A-Region 3 finals Nov. 12.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
November 13, 2011

Ortiz wins regional title

Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Ortiz captured her first regional title, finishing in 17:49 at the Class 3A-Region 3 meet Nov. 11 at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte.

East County
Sports

Mallory Gnaegy
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Stone Crab Celebration

The week closed with the Stone Crab Celebration and Winemaker Auction. Tasting stations manned by guest chefs and culinary chefs prepared dishes showcasing the area, like stone crab claws. Entertainment was provided by live art from artists at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design and the Ringling College of Art and Design and music from members of the Sarasota Orchestra.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Mallory Gnaegy
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Cooking Idol

One of the Bacchus on the Beach demonstrations was ''Cooking Idol' - The Healthy Cooking Challenge' where attendees were selected to participate in their own cooking competition. They were judged by Bravo's Top Chef Dave Martin, Adam LaZarre of Villa San-Juliette, 'American Idol' producer, Ken Warwick and Adam Alvarez executive chef from Tampas' Cafe DuFrain.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: 23rd Annual St. Armands Art Festival

Over 175 artists and craftsman displayed their original artwork out on the circle this past Saturday and Sunday.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Pioneer Day

The Sarasota Historical Society held their third annual Pioneer Day, Saturday, Nov. 12, at Crocker memorial church. The event included historic crafts, games and demonstrations as well as live music, a barbacue, a historical trolley ride, docent tours of the Bidwell-Wood House and the cemetery. People also sold a wide variety of crafts inside the church.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Golden Fest

The Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida held their 3rd annual Golden Fest, Saturday, Nov. 12, out at Historic Spanish Point Park. This was the first time that the festival was held in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Benny Kimsey's Bluegrass Picnic

Benny Kimsey's Bluegrass Picnic brought hundreds of people out to Turtle Beach's pavilion Saturday afternoon. Kimsey also invited the local chapter of the Red Cross to come out and accept donations from the crowd.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: 7th annual Sarasota Walk

The 7th annual Sarasota Walk, put on by the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation, had more than 100 people participate. Those who participated walked from JD Hamel park, over the Ringling Bridge and back.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Michael Eng
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Rocky Bottom Bluegrass Festival

Ten Florida-based bluegrass bands strummed into the East County for the first Rocky Bottom Bluegrass Festival Nov. 12, at Linger Lodge. The daylong event featured plenty of music, food and a variety of vendors. Performers included The Florida Mountain Boys, Passerine, Ernie Evans and the Florida State Bluegrass Band, Highway 41, Swinging Bright, Generations Bluegrass, Trail Dogs, Ramblegrass, Little Girl and the Dreadful Snakes and Sharla June and the Mayhaws.

Arts + Culture

Michael Eng
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Today's Women: Sophistication and Style

The Stoneybrook Dining Out Club, Helping Hands Committee and Harbour Hatties sponsored Heritage Harbour's seventh annual fashion show Nov. 12, at Stoneybrook Golf Club. The event's theme was "Today's Women: Sophistication and Style," and money raised will benefit Cancer Support Community.

East County
Neighbors

Michael Eng
November 12, 2011

PHOTO GALLERY: Bennett Park Grand Opening

Manatee County commissioners, county officials and Tom Bennett's extended family celebrated the completion of a dream during the Bennett Park grand opening celebration and festival Nov. 12. Former commissioner Jonathan Bruce spoke about the park's long history, and Lakewood Ranch High School's JROTC presented the colors during the ceremony. Commissioner and veteran Larry Bustle raised the American flag for the first time at the park.