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Neighbors

Sue Weber-Hegge submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Sue Weber-Hegge submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jeannine Lehman submitted this photo of an approaching evening storm.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Jeannine Lehman submitted this photo of an approaching evening storm.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Owen Comora points out a bird flying into the brush by the water.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 20, 2012
Birds in Paradise

The Celery Fields' newest program attracts bird lovers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney High sophomore Antonio Blakeney has two goals this season: to haul in at least 10 rebounds in every game and to help the Cougars earn a trip to the Lakeland Center — the site of the Class 3A Final Four.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 20, 2012
ONE STEP AHEAD: Antonio Blakeney

Cardinal Mooney High sophomore Antonio Blakeney is averaging 31.8 points, nine rebounds and 2.4 assists, while helping lead the Cougars to an impressive 6-0 start.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2012
SIDELINES

Cougars tame Pirates; Riverview Rams edge by Manatee Hurricanes; Lady Blazers top Lady Panthers; Sarasota Christian rallies past Cardinal Mooney; Four Sailors place at Graves Tournament

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 20, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Santa Letters

During the Siesta Key Light up the Village event, the Sarasota Observer asked children to submit their letters to Santa. After publication, Observer staffers will pass the letters on to the North Pole, where Santa Claus will evaluate them with his "Naughty and Nice" list.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patrick Sanders has dressed as Johnny Appleseed in the past as well. He has been telling the Polar Express story dressed as a conductor for five years.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 19, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : The Polar Express visits Phillippi Shores Kindergarteners

Phillippi Shores kindergartners listened to Patrick Sanders retell the Polar Express story Wednesday, Dec. 19 at the media center. Sanders dressed as the conductor and put his own twist on the story for the children. He first dressed as the conductor five years ago when his older grandson was in kindergarten. Today he continues to tell the story but now to his younger grandson's class. 'This is the best part of my Christmas,' Sanders said. 'Just watching the kids faces is the best part.' The seven kindergarten classes at Phillippi Shores listened with bright wide eyes to the conductor's tale of his first trip to the North Pole. Sanders is scheduled to retell the story at 5 other schools, Barnes & Noble and a nursing home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 19, 2012
Horseshoe Cove parades holiday cheer

Residents of Horseshoe Cove took their holiday cheer to the streets Dec. 18, as they participated in the community's 14th annual Golf Cart Parade.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chelsea Ball practices the violin right before the concert.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 19, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Out - of - Door Academy Fourth and Fifth Graders Strum Seasonal Songs

The fourth and fifth graders at Out - of - Door Academy played a variety of holiday songs Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the school cafeteria for parents and teachers. Over 100 students played instruments and sang songs like Carol of the Bells and Jingle Bells. The students have been practicing playing their instruments since September. 'It gives all of the kids a goal and they get excited about practicing and sharing their music,' said Orchestra Director Dr. Linda Vasilaki. 'This is the first night many of the students are playing music together, it's a spring board to the next level.' A few seniors from Out - of - Door Academy High School came to conduct and play with the younger children.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dick Vitale hosted 12 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in his home.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 19, 2012
'It's yours, baby!' Dick Vitale hosts Boys & Girls Club Party

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County opened gifts and learned life lessons, while Dick Vitale and his family sang Christmas carols.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A 9-year-old at Sea of Strengths Academy, Max Collado suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and post-traumatic stress.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 19, 2012
Local support group helps families with ADHD

Max Collado and his mother, Alexandra, fight ADHD together.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Joan Sinder, the first customer to walk through the doors of the new Publix, put bread in her cart before stocking up on orange juice.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 19, 2012
New Publix registers with shoppers

Customers lined up early Thursday morning as they waited for the supermarket's automatic doors to open and see what was in store.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key police and firefighters responded to assist 25 Cuban refugees early Dec. 21, 2006. File photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 19, 2012
DEC. 18, 2006: 'Bienvenidos a Longboat'

Six years ago, 25 Cuban refugees got their first glimpse of America when they landed on Beer Can Island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2012
Obituary: William Battle Wall Jr.

William Battle Wall Jr., 89, of Pinehurst, N.C., and formerly of Longboat Key, died Nov. 8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2012
Obituary: Terry Petesch

The community is invited to attend "A Tribute to Terry: Celebrating the Life and Friendship of Terry Petesch" from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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