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News

The Suncoast Quad Squad takes its giant bat skate for a test drive in Sarasota.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 6, 2011
Roller derby divas prepare for takeoff

Sarasota's roller derby girls are putting the final touches on a giant roller skate that they hope to send soaring through the air Saturday at the 2011 Red Bull Flugtag Tampa.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Letter to the Editor Special: Recycling the right choice

A few weeks ago, the Pelican Press published an opinion column titled "Recycling as religion" in which the author expressed his view that recycling is a waste of valuable resources and that the county justifies its recycling program with arguments that don't "stand up to research."

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Our View: County cuts are right sizing

The Sarasota County Commission's freshly approved 2012 budget looks more like a bubble correction than Draconian cutbacks of critical services, at least when viewed through a 10-year lens.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A sign for a dog-bathing service, put up in the spring at the 17th Street Dog Park, drew complaints from users of the facility, even though the business was labeled a sponsor. Photo by Norman Schimmel.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Commission forgoes specific rules for park signs

Although wary of advertising in county parks, county commissioners declined to set guidelines for signage. The Friends of Sarasota County Parks Inc. will handle requests.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Ava Csiszar’s free beach yoga classes have been drawing steady participation on Siesta Key Public Beach. File photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Island Beat: Season brings a number of fundraisers back to the Key

Benny Kimsey's bluegrass picnics are back.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Energy Upgrade will enable residents to visit a website, www.energyupgradetoday.com, to help them identify and set priorities for saving energy, which will result in lower utility bills.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
County launches new energy-efficiency program

An online county initiative launched Monday has been designed to make it easier for residents to lower their utility bills.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota entrepreneurs Dan Miller and Chris Abbot recently launched the Abbeton Accelerator Fund. The fund invests in startup ideas, mostly in technology. Photo by Rod Millington.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 6, 2011
Innovative Business: Acceleration Machine

The idea people behind a technology startup sometimes lack two key elements: cash and know-how. A trio of Gulf Coast business veterans is here to help.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Jenny Hovey, Erin Fitzgerald, Taryn Pharo, Dr. John Fezza, Gail Cervera and Pia Simonson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Wine Women & Shoes Sole Men Reception

Wine Women & Shoes Sole Men Reception

  • Black Tie
David Bullock stands outside of Longboat Key Town Hall before Monday night’s commission meeting.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
FULL STORY: Bullock receives one-year contract

Town Commission voted 6-1 for longtime Sarasota County deputy administrator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Robert Lincoln
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
DCA reverses Islandside ruling

The Florida Department of Community Affairs reversed a previous ruling, but the significance of the decision has yet to be determined.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
Lighthouse Point dock project creates waves

The proposed expansion plan reached stormy waters last week, when a fight broke out between two neighbors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A class photo of Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 graduating class.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 5, 2011
Lakewood Ranch High School's first graduating class celebrates 10 years

Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 yearbook was titled 'The Final Piece' -- to honor its first graduates as the last puzzle piece needed to complete the high school. This week, that pioneering class celebrates its 10-year reunion.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Bullock. File photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
Q & A with Interim Town Manager David Bullock

After 14 years at the No. 2 spot with Sarasota County, David Bullock will take charge as Longboat Key interim town manager.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Blues Pig performed at last year’s fish fry. File photo.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 5, 2011
Historical Society fish fry gets new name

This year, the Longboat Key Historical Society and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub will host the society's annual fish fry under a new name: "Grouper vs. Mullet Fry Off."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Jessica Luck
  • October 5, 2011
Education Center offers lifelong learning opportunities

Fall semester classes and workshops begin Oct. 17. Registration is open now.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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