Sarasota

Maria Amodio
February 10, 2011

Seagrass levels in bay grow to record high

Florida seagrass acreage has been declining in the last 50 years, but thanks to preservation efforts by local organizations, Sarasota Bay's seagrass beds are in full bloom once again.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
February 10, 2011

Love Story

In honor of Valentine's Day, we asked two Sarasota couples - newlyweds Kevin and Missy Cooper and longtime loves and high-school sweethearts Billy and Mary Franklin - to share their love stories.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
February 10, 2011

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Powerful return

Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
February 10, 2011

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Adam Jaco

Adam Jaco is second-generation boxer grew up in Sarasota and now runs his own gym, where he works and also trains for professional boxing matches.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
February 10, 2011

Feb. 1 Dog dazed 3:50 p.m. - 4000 block of South Tamiami Trail. Theft. An employee of a store that sells puppies said a man with a toddler walked into the store and began playing with a 10-week-old dachshund. The man asked the employee what it cost. The employee allowed the man and child to play with the puppy while he left the room to check on the price. When he returned, the man and child were gone. A customer walking into the store said he just saw a man hurry outside with a dachshund stuffed in his shirt. A check of the store revealed a dachshund was missing. Someone was able to get the man's license-plate number before he could drive away.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Adam Hughes
February 10, 2011

Siesta Estates home sells for $937,500

A home in Siesta Estates tops all real-estate transactions from Jan. 10 to Jan. 14.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
February 10, 2011

WEEKLY WINNER: FLIGHTY SUNSET

Joseph Klarberg submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
February 9, 2011

City Commission candidates address arts issues

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County sponsored a forum in which it asked the candidates a series of questions about their feelings about local arts organizations.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
February 9, 2011

Festive event celebrates Italian culture and heritage

The tables were saturated in confetti, balloons spanned the room and guests couldn't turn off their excitement - Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc., had transformed Michael's on East into little Italy for its 'Festa Siciliana' luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 9. Performers ranged from balloon crafting 'Juggles the Clown' (Jeff Lovett) to accordion player Mario DeLeon to Tarantella Dancers. In the past, proceeds have benefited Sarasota Opera, Ringling Museum and Big Brother Big Sister on the Gulfcoast.