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News

Anyone who feels unsafe should call the Sheriff’s Office immediately, so deputies can contact the individuals and verify the nature of their business. Residents may call 911 or the non-emergency number, 316-1201.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Residents warned about seasonal, door-to-door scams

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about seasonal door-to-door scams, most recently a scheme in which people pose as students involved in a fundraiser.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joshua Stott got an iPod, Lego games and more from Santa.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Vitale Holiday Party

Legendary ESPN Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Dick Vitale and his family welcomed a dozen children from the Sarasota County Boys & Girls Clubs Dec. 15, to the Vitale home for their annual Holiday Party.

  • East County
  • News
Stock image. Not the bones found along Lena Road.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2011
Bones found by Lena Road

Authorities have concluded the remains are not from a human.

  • East County
  • News
The workshop will take place at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 15, 2011
Proposed bill could terminate town's business tax receipt program

The Longboat Key Town Commission will discuss Florida House Bill 4025 and Florida Senate Bill 760 at today's workshop.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A tense debate between District 1 Commissioner Willie Shaw and the rest of the commissioners ensued when the commission began to discuss the goals for the city over the next two years.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2011
North Sarasota crime top priority

Sarasota city commissioners will work toward reducing the crime and number of homicides in North Sarasota by enlisting the help of a criminologist who has reduced crime in cities nationwide.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A sign announcing Siesta Key's ranking as the top beach in the United States should be erected soon near the beach pavilion.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Beach sign unanimously approved

The County Commission Wednesday unanimously approved a two-sided sign proclaiming Siesta Key Public Beach No. 1 in the United States.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Meetings this week were held at the Sarasota County Administration center, 1616 Ringling Blvd.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Barrier island height restrictions back on track

The County Commission Tuesday started a process to impose maximum construction height restrictions once again on the barrier islands.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Denise Kowal emailed commission Chairwoman Nora Patterson Dec. 2 to explain details of the grant and to ask for the assistance.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Chalk Fest seeks partnership

Sarasota Chalk Festival founder Denise Kowal has asked the County Commission to partner with her on an application for an arts grant.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Yard debris a violation on streets, in canals

Code enforcement said Sarasota staff can use photos of violations to cite offenders.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Wiki work mostly earns commission praise

The County Commission agreed for now to focus on state mandates in revising the county's ordinance on water-efficient landscaping.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Commission approves stricter metals ordinance

A 30-day holding period and restriction of cash payments to $100 are part of a new county ordinance for secondhand metals dealers.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A Sarasota County-owned site at 1301 Cattlemen Road remains one of two options approved Tuesday as potential sites for the new Emergency Operations Center. Courtesy Sarasota County Government.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 15, 2011
Emergency Operations Center sites eliminated

The County Commission asked staff Wednesday to pursue a thorough vetting of two sites for the location of the new EOC.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2011
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The wheelchair, which disappeared from Lido Beach the same day they last rented it, turned up the afternoon of Dec. 11 at Access 5 on Siesta Key, Sheila Lewis said.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2011
News Briefs

Florida Supreme Court accepts term-limits case; Business seeking missing wheelchair

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Three years ago, the Neighborhood Development and Services had more than 100 employees. Today, the department has 56.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2011
Building director defends department

Director of Neighborhood Development and Services Tim Litchett said his building department and its divisions are offering exemplary service while performing the same level of work with fewer employees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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