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Your Observer | All

Debra Fortosis, Annette Gueli, Kathy Judkins and Nancy Feo
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Chamber members gather at Blu Smoke

Members and guests of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce gathered Aug. 5, at Blu Smoke Island Grill on Avenida Messina for a networking luncheon. The representatives of local companies enjoyed food, beverages and the opportunity to get acquainted in the main dining area with its distinctive low, blue lighting. The turnout was better than expected, given that August is typically a slow time of year on the Key, with many people out of town, Tess Herschman, manager of visitor services for the chamber, told the Pelican Press.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Dean Kalahar
  • August 11, 2011
My View: Recycling as religion

Every week in Sarasota a green army fans out to pick up 'recyclables.' Most residents never question the appropriateness of such an undertaking and work diligently to support the war against waste.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A line of boxcars stretches from Shade Avenue to the Publix supermarket at Ringling Boulevard and Lime Avenue. File photo.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 11, 2011
Trains stalled in neighborhood

More than four months after residents were told empty boxcars were to be moved from their neighborhood in a matter of days, they sit in the same place they've been since March.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Every morning and evening, operations officers such as Mike Schukraf inspect the airfield for debris and potholes and ensure the lighting and signage are functioning properly. The airport recently installed LED lights.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 11, 2011
An insider view of the airport

We spent the afternoon at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Its operations supervisor and operations officer shared what goes on behind the scenes at the busy airport.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 11, 2011
Sheriff's office warns again: Lock your cars

Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies often warn people to keep their vehicles locked on the Key. Open doors just tempt would-be burglars, they say.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
An ornate butterfly chair in the backyard is a special place for the owners to relax.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 11, 2011
Grant's Gardens and Lucas Lagoons transforms design into reality

Waterfalls and an outdoor pizza oven add distinctive touches to a Siesta landscape.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The large avocado tree is full of fresh avocados that will soon be ready to be picked.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 11, 2011
Sarasota garden captures zen feeling

This home on Bay Shore Road features landscaping with natural, zen-like touches and architectural nuances. In the front yard, there are two standout trees: a silk floss tree and a gumbo-limbo tree surrounded by white crinum lilies.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Seagrove Unit BH3 has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,071 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.3 million. Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 11, 2011
Seagrove condominium tops week's sales at $2.3 million

A condominium in Seagrove tops all transactions in this week's real estate. James and Jean Ball, of Orchard Park, N.Y., sold their Unit BH3 condominium at 1010 Seagrove Lane to Dennis and Sandra Martin, of Elma, N.Y., for $2.3 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Gulf Gate resident Stewart Green took this photo of skimboarders at sunset on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Weekly Winner: Skimming the Surface

Gulf Gate resident Stewart Green took this photo of skimboarders at sunset on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's Cops Corner

  • Sarasota
  • News
The control tower at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was built in the early 1980s. “It’s outlived its usefulness,” said airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 11, 2011
Sarasota International seeks funding for new control tower

With its existing control tower about 30 years old, SRQ airport is designing a new one. However, problems at the FAA threaten to throw a wrench into those plans.

  • Sarasota
  • News
From left, Mark Huey, CEO of the Economic Development Corp.; Allan Lane, economic-development manager for North Port; Randy Welker, economic-development coordinator for the city of Sarasota; and Allen Carlson, CEO of Sun Hydraulics.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 11, 2011
Business experts: Get the government out of the way

Three of Sarasota County's top economic-development officials and a local CEO have provided a road map for the county's economic recovery, including thoughts on government's role and local competition.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
“I joined Kiwanis when women were first allowed to join,” Jo Rita Stevens says. “They did a lot at Riley Hospital for Children, where I spent the first six months of my life.”
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 11, 2011
Neighbors: Jo Rita Stevens

There's not much than can slow Jo Rita Stevens down.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Unit 1004 at Beau Ciel, 990 Blvd. of the Arts, has two bedrooms, three baths and 3,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 11, 2011
Beau Ciel condominium sells for $1.2 million

Constance Thompkins, trustee, Sarasota, sold the Unit 1004 condominium at 990 Blvd. of the Arts to Bengal Holdings of Florida LLC for $1.2 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Arlene Fortsch submitted this sunrise photo taken on Siesta Key overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Weekly Winner: Rising Rowers

Arlene Fortsch submitted this sunrise photo taken on Siesta Key overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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The local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women Inc. awarded the 2026 winners of the Launching Leaders in the Arts program at an April 15 luncheon at the Prestancia Country Club.
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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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