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News

The benches were pulled out of the park last summer after residents and business owners complained they attracted transients and panhandlers who intimidated them and didn't allow them to stroll into nearby shops
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Five Points benches will remain removed

Sarasota city commissioners agreed Monday that putting benches back in Selby Five Points Park will only recreate a problem that has disappeared.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Culverhouse Nature Park community garden organizer Catherine Dente took this picture just outside the park's fence. T Photo courtesy of Catherine Dente
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Culverhouse park fence questioned

Stonebridge residents are upset with a chain-link fence that was placed around a community garden at the Culverhouse Nature Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Downtown walking beat praised

The Police Department's Downtown Walking Beat Program encourages officers to work closely with downtown merchants and residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 5, 2012
News Briefs

Jebco plans apartments on Ringling Boulevard

  • Sarasota
  • News
A free valet service could use the garage that sits under the 100 Central condominium tower on First Street or other parking lots or garages downtown.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Free downtown valet service proposed

A proposed free valet service for downtown residents and visitors that would run for three nights a week could cost DID taxpayers $10,000.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 5, 2012
April Fools' stories elicit community responses

The Sarasota Observer's April Fools' edition seemed to have resonated with many readers this year, based on the feedback we have received.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Siesta Key No. 1 Beach sign was restored Tuesday, April 3, after being stolen.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 5, 2012
Vandalised sign restored

The front of the Siesta Key No. 1 Beach sign was stolen earlier this month, but a new sign was reinstalled Tuesday morning.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Despite the outcry from some members of the community seeking the alcohol ban, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and county commissioners aren’t making any major changes to the ways in which they’ve been addressing the issue.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 5, 2012
No action taken on beach alcohol issue

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office officials said they will work to enforce existing ordinances.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 5, 2012
Village Association wants continued success

After a busy season, the Siesta Key Village Association searches for the best ways to advertise and keep people coming back.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
These early designs for the new Gulf Gate Library show the building’s new centralized location and two-story design, complete with new features. Renderings courtesy of Harvard Jolly
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 5, 2012
Library design echoes community center

The new Gulf Gate Library preliminary designs reflect the changing nature of libraries today and incorporate citizens' input.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Community's plan to end homelessness debated

A plan that involves the help of the entire Sarasota community to eliminate homelessness was accepted by the Sarasota County Commission last week.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The following water facilities are either in operation or proposed to provide water to Sarasota County residents.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 5, 2012
Sarasota County: $380 million in water-service debt

County staff provided commissioners with an update last week of the county's water system as a facility expansion is planned.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 5, 2012
Letters to the Editor

Alcohol on beach should be banned; Banning alcohol will not prevent drinking; Banning alcohol on beach is a no-brainer

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 5, 2012
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ana Lucic
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 4, 2012
Meet the Musicians

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

  • Black Tie
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Latest News

1
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office
2
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
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Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
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Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
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Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
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The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library

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