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News

    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 29, 2012
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: George Heitler

George Heitler is a retired lawyer living on Longboat Key. Read more about him in this week's candid Q&A.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota city commissioner Shannon Snyder isn't sure if the city can afford the Sarasota Police Department any longer.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 29, 2012
City discusses budget cuts

A budget workshop led Sarasota City commissioners to debate whether major decisions need to be made to stop the financial bleeding, including getting rid of the city's police department.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ray Rajewski has served as president of the Bayou Association and is a member of the Citizens’ Oversight Tax Committee.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Election Q&A: Ray Rajewski

Ray Rajewski is seeking the District 3 Commission seat because he believes residents need an alternative.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
David Brenner is the Vice Mayor of Longboat Key
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Election Q&A: David Brenner

Vice Mayor David Brenner believes Longboat Key is a residential community that needs a mix of tourism.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Island home burglaries fall, vehicle larcenies rise in '11

Statistics released by the Longboat Key Police Department showed that total crime fell slightly in 2011.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Firefighter/paramedic Matt Taylor made a presentation at the Feb. 22 Firefighters Pension Board meeting. Photo by Robin Hartill.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Firefighter alleges collusion in handling of pension plan

Board members agreed that problems exist with the pension plan, but they weren't convinced that a crime occurred.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The conceptual master plan diagram shows the entire 18-acre property, although the board and Club Holdings Ventures have said they will proceed with 15 acres if necessary. Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Colony Association drafts site plan

The Colony Beach & Tennis Association outlined a draft site plan in a letter to unit owners.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
County agrees to one-time Longboat library grant

The Sarasota County Commission agreed to give the Longboat Library a one-time grant of $20,000 for capital improvements.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
News Briefs

Early voting begins March 10; Bay Partner grant applications due March 1; IPOC, associations file their responses; Longboat Key building inspector to retire

  • Longboat Key
  • News
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan showed the audience two charts depicting federal debt and the budget.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 29, 2012
Congressman Buchanan warns against rising debt

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan kicked off a Longboat Key Town Hall meeting by warning against the 'Tidal Wave of Debt.'

  • Longboat Key
  • News
George Heitler performed in Don Wallace’s “The Scam on the 17th Floor” Tuesday, Feb. 28 and Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Plymouth Harbor. Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 29, 2012
Neighbors: George Heitler

This 'ham' knows how to charm any audience.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Matt Diaz is a 2007 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 29, 2012
Ranch alum tackles capital

As the University of South Florida's student body president, Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Matt Diaz is serving as the voice for college students statewide.

  • East County
  • News
Developer Wayne Ruben said Bennett Park serves as the perfect amenity for his company’s new apartment project off State Road 64.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 29, 2012
Apartments planned near Bennett Park

Ruben Holland is gearing up to start The Landings at Parkview.

  • East County
  • News
The front elevation of Westwater Construction’s Lake Club mansion features a variety of textures and heights.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 29, 2012
The blueprint to living large

In the Lake Club, Lakewood Ranch's most private and upscale gated community, five ultra-luxury homes are planned this year or under construction. The largest is a 19,926-square-foot home being built by Westwater Construction.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
News Briefs

Teen on scooter injured in crash; Miracle League celebrates field opening; Expert panel discusses presidential leadership

  • East County
  • News
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