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Neighbors

Mark Anderson, Michelle Woodson, Hal and Lynn Christensen
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Wine Tasting

The weather outside was frightful but the people at Harry's Continental Kitchen's wine tasting were still delightful on Wednesday, Dec. 7; even though it is the first time the event has ever witnessed rain. The cold and rainy day knocked over the live entertainment Howie Banfield's tent and forced the crowd under two tents. But, attendees were in good spirits. Five dollars of every attendee's entrance fee profited the Longboat Key Historical Society. And since they had no place to go, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The runners for the 5K start off running down the beach, Saturday, Dec. 10, for the 35th annual Sandy Claws run on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 35th annual Sandy Claws run

Hundreds of people participated in the 35th annual Sandy Claws 1-mile fun run and 5K, Saturday, Dec. 10, on Siesta Key Beach. It is the oldest, local, continuous run. Many people running dressed up for the occasion in hats, shirts and funky socks for the holiday themed run.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Kids in line watch Blythe Snyder, 7, scream with delight as she flies down the Snow Slide, Friday, November 9, during Southside Stroll.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Stroll

Hundreds of families enjoyed themselves Friday, Dec. 9, as they participated in Southside Stroll. There were crafts to make, places to write letters to Santa, a Snow Slide and Santa Claus himself even made an appearance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The judges try and figure out what pie will get first place in the fruit pie category, during the 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 at Everence Federal Credit Union.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Pie Contest

Everence Federal Credit Union held their 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 in the parking lot of their store front. There were 21 pies entered into three different categories and over 40 different pies for people to taste following the judging.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two-year-old Natasha Caro couldn’t wait to meet Santa Claus and ask him for something purple.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Party with a Purpose

East County children enjoyed an afternoon of holiday fun and games during the Holiday Party with a Purpose Dec. 10 at Greenbrook Adventure Park. The event, hosted by local Keller Williams Realty Realtor Holly Pascarella, served as a benefit for the local Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. During the party, children and their families enjoyed pictures with Santa Claus, games, arts and crafts, a bounce house and slides and food and Christmas cookies, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Madeline Dolleman, Mackenzie Downs and Patricia Maroszek
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Achieva Credit Union Reindeer Trot

Achieva Credit Union held its first Reindeer Trot Saturday, Dec. 10, at Payne Park. The 5K/10K community event benefited classroom grants administered by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two-year-old Aiden Torres asked Santa Claus for a choo choo train this year.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the Ranch

East County families celebrated the holiday season during Holidays Around the Ranch Dec. 9 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Children and their families decorated Christmas cookies, made arts and crafts and enjoyed games, musical entertainment and a visit with Santa, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Rainbow surprise

A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joelle Daniels, Claudiu Retean and Sandy Schonhoff
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Observer Challenge Cocktail Party

Those participating in the annual Observer Challenge this weekend attended a cocktail party, Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barb Kerwin, Gail Wyer, Susan Tome, Barbara Gurchiek, Terri Noyes, Jinny Johnson, Jane Boehme and Judy Williams were the committee for the holiday party.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club's Candy Cane Lane

The Longboat Key Garden Club members got together Thursday, Dec. 8 at All Angels by the Sea to celebrate the holidays with a buffet dinner and a 50/50 raffle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Julianna Cunningham, right, stayed focused on singing, even as her classmates turned to catch falling snow.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis 'Christmas Around the World'

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary shared the sounds and history of holiday season with fellow students and family members during their "Christmas Around the World" show Dec. 8-9.

  • East County
  • News
...
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Back to the 80s' Musical

Theater students at Lakewood Ranch High School brought back the music and style of a decade past during performances of 'Back to the 80's - The Totally Awesome Musical" Thursday night. Shows continue through Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
Donna Scudder, Eric Henderson and Lisa Hersch
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Ritz-Carlton unveils 'Winter Water Land' gingerbread display

The Ritz-Carlton paid homage to manatees, dolphins, sea urchins and turtles in this year's gingerbread creation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol last month on Veterans’ Day at the request of Congressman Buchanan.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Flying high

An American flag flown over the United States Capitol and accepted by the City Commission earlier this week was raised today above the Five Points roundabout in honor of American military veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karel Beck
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sea Gals and Style Show

The Sea Gals have never hosted over 100 people for their holiday luncheon, but this year, they had 150. The Sea Gals and the Style show combined forces for a Florentine fantasy luncheon and informal fashion show featuring evening dresses from L boutique. Bird Key Yacht Club member Annette Lloyd designed jewelry for the models that accompanied the dresses. Interior designer Karen Jones gave a lecture on Florence design during dessert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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