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News

The item notes that Legoman "washed ashore on Florida’s Siesta Key in October," with the words, "No Real Than You Are," printed on its front.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 9, 2011
Legoman ranks No. 2 in Time's 'Odd-ball News Stories'

Siesta Key's Legoman has made Time magazine's list for Top 10 Oddball-News Stories of 2011.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Caroline Pope enjoyed dinner with her mom, Denise, and brothers, Wiliam and Andrew, not pictured, while her dad took Santa pictures.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE Supper with Santa

Families at Braden River Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special Supper with Santa event and musical performance Dec. 8.

  • East County
  • News
Judge Thomas Gallen said he found no issues with the Auditor and Clerk's Office, describing the staff at City Hall as "proficient, professional, and dedicated."
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 9, 2011
Judge calls claim of auditing issues 'meritless'

An independent investigation of City Hall and the Auditor and Clerk's Office has revealed no issues with employees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Each child who attends the event will receive gifts and also will be able to participate in activities such as making ornaments.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Manatee students treat foster families to holiday party

The Manatee County School District will host the second annual TSA Holiday Community Party Dec. 9, at Haile Middle School.

  • East County
  • News
File photo. To prepare the shoebox, wrap the top and bottom of a shoebox separately in Christmas wrapping paper.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Shoebox drive to help local seniors in need

Organizers of the Community Shoebox Reception are asking individuals to fill shoeboxes with goodies for senior citizens.

  • East County
  • News
Grants are awarded to projects that benefit Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 8, 2011
Key condo associations complete Bay Partner projects

The Windward Bay and Beachplace associations recently completed projects funded by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program grants.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Community members also can participate in the program by sending a Christmas card, thanking a soldier, to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capital Heights, MD 20791-5456.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
Braden River students bring 'a touch of home' to military servicemen

Students at Braden River High School are participating in the American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes program

  • East County
  • News
Participating students were recognized by Manatee County commissioners at Tuesday's meeting.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
High school students experience government in process

Students participated Tuesday in 'Youth in Government Day' at Manatee County's administrative building.

  • East County
  • News
Tom Roberts, of A New Approach, with Christine Koch and Steve Boris, both of Boost Studio
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Business Alliance Holiday Social

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance celebrated the holiday season with their fourth annual holiday social held Dec. 7, at The Lake Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Victoria Erquiaga, Diana Durand, Wendy Lee Goldberg, John Dickinson, Jason Elden, Marina Eckert, Valerie Coyle and Richard Light, Gillespie Village merchants, pose on the porch of Sarasota Marche. Photos by Rachel S. O'Hara and Kurt Schultheis.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Retail village highlights Gillespie Park's revitalization

A block of 1920s cottages along a stretch of Fruitville Road is being converted into a retail village that also highlights Gillespie Park's revitalization.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Neighbors do not show 'goodwill' toward project

The Sarasota City Commission will review an appeal by a group of North Trail residents that is upset with the Sarasota Planning Board's decision to approve a Goodwill Superstore. on the North Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This circus-themed Payne Park playground was approved by the city Monday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Payne Park playground approved

On Monday, the Sarasota City Commission approved a colorful circus-themed playground for the park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
DSA shines light on tree issue

The city of Sarasota and the Downtown Sarasota Alliance are both frustrated that a tree donated to Selby Five Points Park last year remains unlit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
News Briefs

Overhead: 'Never, ever again!'; Costco construction schedule announced

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gary Amig, access management/safety program manager for District One of the Florida Department of Transportation, talks Tuesday evening with Kathy Bell, a resident of the Excelsior condominium complex.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 8, 2011
Poll shows opposition to pedestrian islands plan

The majority of Key residents attending a public meeting Tuesday indicated they preferred no action out of five options for improved pedestrian safety on Midnight Pass Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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Lakewood Ranch's Rich Vannucci still wears the Santa suit his mother made for him 50 years ago.
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Livia Zamperlini-Ramos (left), Anna Chop (center) and Bailey Loring (right) share some joy while singing "Last Christmas."
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Lakewood Ranch wrestlers give back to their community through caroling

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