News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 17, 2014

Your Neighbor: Amy Webber

When Amy Webber isn't teaching adult ceramics at Sarasota County Technical Institute, she is designing teapots.

Sarasota
News

Alex Mahadevan
April 16, 2014

Alleged drunk driver kills pedestrian

Sarasota Police responded to the report of a traffic fatality at the intersection of Irving Street and U.S. 41 before 12:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Sarasota
News

David Conway
April 16, 2014

Shelter site could become available

The city has identified a possible alternate staging area for a deep-injection well project, which would free up a potential homeless shelter site on city property.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
April 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-District 10 Semifinal Softball- Lakewood Ranch vs. Sarasota

The No. 2 seed Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated No. 3 seed Sarasota 9-1 in the Class 7A-District 10 semifinals April 15. Freshman Logan Newton allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings of work to earn the win on the mound. Junior Amanda Rak pitched the final two innings in relief, striking out five, to earn the save. Jackie Schoff went 1-for-1 with a double, three walks, a stolen base, a RBI and three runs scored to lead the way for Lakewood at the plate. Maddie Biggs went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Kaylee Misiti went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. SaraBeth Wengerd went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored to lead the way for Sarasota at the plate. Clarissa Lynch pitched 1/3 of an inning before turning the ball over to Brittany Bendel. Lakewood Ranch will travel to rival Braden River for the district championship April 17.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 16, 2014

School Board pushes to leave Todd's seat vacant

The selection of former board member Carol Todd's replacement should wait until the Aug. 26 primary election, the Sarasota School Board said Tuesday.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
April 16, 2014

The Good News: Terry Stottlemyer and Madeline Brogan

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization provides assistance for struggling mothers through community donations.

Siesta Key
News

Amanda Sebastiano
April 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Breakfast of Champions

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosted a morning of bacon, eggs, orange juice and an optimistic message April 16. Attendees of Breakfast of Champions, an event sponsored by The Observer Group, enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker Justin Su'a, IMG Academy's mental conditioning coach. Su'a focused on themes of having a positive attitude and "flexing optimistic muscles," while leading group activities and playing audio clips of his favorite inspirational speakers, at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

East County
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
April 16, 2014

CVS customer thwarts armed robbery

Sarasota Police arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly attempting to rob the CVS pharmacy at 2773 Fruitville Road Sunday.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
April 16, 2014

IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Duval's New World Cafe

This week we went in the kitchen at Duval's New World Cafe with executive chef Nils Tarantik while he prepares their signature Spice Rubbed Grilled Goldentile, with sauteed shoestring vegetables, sweet soy glaze and crispy cellophane noodles

Arts + Culture

Kurt Schultheis
April 16, 2014

ZBA approves controversial variance

North Shore Road neighbors urged Zoning Board of Adjustment members to deny a variance for a vacant single-family lot.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 16, 2014

Nun, St. Armands merchants clash

Sister Chidiebere Onyewuchi says criticism does not affect her as she seeks to collect donations on the Circle to grow her charity.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 16, 2014

Villa Am Meer nears new era

With the restoration of the 79-year-old Villa Am Meer residence almost complete, developers prepare to begin construction of the new Aria project, developers prepare to begin construction of the luxury 16-unit Aria project.