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Your Observer | All

Kids in line watch Blythe Snyder, 7, scream with delight as she flies down the Snow Slide, Friday, November 9, during Southside Stroll.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Stroll

Hundreds of families enjoyed themselves Friday, Dec. 9, as they participated in Southside Stroll. There were crafts to make, places to write letters to Santa, a Snow Slide and Santa Claus himself even made an appearance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The judges try and figure out what pie will get first place in the fruit pie category, during the 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 at Everence Federal Credit Union.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Pie Contest

Everence Federal Credit Union held their 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 in the parking lot of their store front. There were 21 pies entered into three different categories and over 40 different pies for people to taste following the judging.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Precious Modupe, 14, Amelia Rupan, 13, and Abrielle Leeder, 12, served bowls of soup to guests.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Middle School's Empty Bowls Luncheon

Braden River Middle School and the community showed their support for the fight against hunger during the school's 12th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon Dec. 8. During the event, which the school's National Junior Honor Society hosted, enjoyed a bowl of soup, bread and dessert while listening to members of the school's orchestra perform. Guests received a handcrafted bowl to take home and proceeds from the event will benefit Our Daily Bread.

  • East County
  • Schools
Two-year-old Natasha Caro couldn’t wait to meet Santa Claus and ask him for something purple.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Party with a Purpose

East County children enjoyed an afternoon of holiday fun and games during the Holiday Party with a Purpose Dec. 10 at Greenbrook Adventure Park. The event, hosted by local Keller Williams Realty Realtor Holly Pascarella, served as a benefit for the local Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. During the party, children and their families enjoyed pictures with Santa Claus, games, arts and crafts, a bounce house and slides and food and Christmas cookies, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Madeline Dolleman, Mackenzie Downs and Patricia Maroszek
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Achieva Credit Union Reindeer Trot

Achieva Credit Union held its first Reindeer Trot Saturday, Dec. 10, at Payne Park. The 5K/10K community event benefited classroom grants administered by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two-year-old Aiden Torres asked Santa Claus for a choo choo train this year.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the Ranch

East County families celebrated the holiday season during Holidays Around the Ranch Dec. 9 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Children and their families decorated Christmas cookies, made arts and crafts and enjoyed games, musical entertainment and a visit with Santa, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Rainbow surprise

A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The town is eligible for an additional $5 million pending Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approval of the Port Dolphin project.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 9, 2011
Town receives $500k from Port Dolphin agreement

The town has received a $500,000 check as part of the Port Dolphin gas pipeline agreement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Individuals can nominate candidates who live in either Sarasota or Manatee county online at www.home-tech.com/index.php/santasuds.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Local business to give away three $1,700 washer and dryer sets

Home-Tech is giving away three new Whirlpool washer and dryer sets to three local families. Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 12.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 9, 2011
East Manatee Wrestling Club set to kickoff season

The East Manatee Wrestling Club will kick off its season from 5:45 to 7 p.m., Jan. 3 in the wrestling room at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

  • East County
  • Sports
Joelle Daniels, Claudiu Retean and Sandy Schonhoff
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Observer Challenge Cocktail Party

Those participating in the annual Observer Challenge this weekend attended a cocktail party, Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barb Kerwin, Gail Wyer, Susan Tome, Barbara Gurchiek, Terri Noyes, Jinny Johnson, Jane Boehme and Judy Williams were the committee for the holiday party.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club's Candy Cane Lane

The Longboat Key Garden Club members got together Thursday, Dec. 8 at All Angels by the Sea to celebrate the holidays with a buffet dinner and a 50/50 raffle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Julianna Cunningham, right, stayed focused on singing, even as her classmates turned to catch falling snow.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis 'Christmas Around the World'

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary shared the sounds and history of holiday season with fellow students and family members during their "Christmas Around the World" show Dec. 8-9.

  • East County
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner cases from East County, Sarasota, Longboat Key and Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 9, 2011
TOP COPS: Horses gone wild!

Enjoy the top Cops Corner cases featured in all Observers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
...
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Back to the 80s' Musical

Theater students at Lakewood Ranch High School brought back the music and style of a decade past during performances of 'Back to the 80's - The Totally Awesome Musical" Thursday night. Shows continue through Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
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From left to right: Avery Mathis, Charlie Mathis, Michael Mathis and Jessica Mathis grin at a badge pinning ceremony where Michael Mathis was promoted to sergeant of the Longboat Key Police Department.
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Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment
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