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Sarasota

Chloe Marino, 7, meets Santa Claus at the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade on Dec. 2, 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2023
Sarasota Santa shares what it takes to wear the red suit

Mark Welikci, who has been a fixture of the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade, explains what makes the perfect "Ho, ho, ho," his favorite cookie flavor, and the heart and soul of being Santa Claus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Aviana Ritchey, Kayden Joseph, Nahla White, instructor Alicia Richardson, Jaylon Phelps, Kyrie Smith, Taniyah Sloan, Camila Juan Lopez and Giovanna Mosca
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2023
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies students write letters to Santa

The second and third graders told Santa what they hoped to receive and what they were thankful for.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Celery Fields is a mecca for birders and other nature lovers.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2023
Interactive tool offers virtual guides through Sarasota nature areas

The story maps developed by Sarasota County allow visits to parks, gardens and more without leaving home.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By JFCS of the Suncoast
  • December 18, 2023
Help Us Create a Path of Hope and Success for All Local Families

JFCS is a leading Mental Health and Human Services Agency providing support to youth and families through Counseling and Financial Assistance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Christian Ziegler
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 18, 2023
State GOP leaders unanimously vote to censure Christian Ziegler

A vote of the full executive committee to remove Ziegler as chairman is set for Jan. 8.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Taylor Galford
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 18, 2023
Music Compound now offers virtual, hybrid guitar instruction

The Sarasota music school's new course, “Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide," was launched in early December.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The home at 683 Mourning Dove Drive sold for $11.5 million.
    By
  • James Peter
  • December 16, 2023
Clothing tycoon buys record-setting Bird Key home for $12M

At $11.5 million, 683 Mourning Dove Drive surpasses the previous record set in June of this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 16, 2023
Former state prosecutor arrested on fraud charges

Sherry Lee Ellis, 65, is charged with stealing nearly $113,000 from her Alzheimer's patient boyfriend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mason Rivera, 7, meets The Grinch (Debbie Maxa).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2023
Southside Baptist Church becomes a Christmas town

The celebration brings together the Grinch and Santa Claus along with activities like snowball throwing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The flag on the No. 9 green at Bobby Jones Golf Club.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 16, 2023
Bobby Jones Golf Club officially reopens

Discussed since 2015, the restored golf course opens to a wet and windy weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Temple Emanu-El celebrates Hanukkah with giant menorah
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2023
Temple Emanu-El celebrates Hanukkah with giant menorah

The synagogue’s gathering also included time for children to write letters to young people displaced from their homes in Israel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The planning board has approved the site plan for Calypso Sarasota on North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 15, 2023
Concerns over 'factory appeal' of Tamiami apartments give way to approval

By a 3-2 vote, the 224-unit Calypso Sarasota on Tamiami Trail and 42nd Street can be built with conditions that include raising the foundation above street level.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview High mourns loss of longtime principal Edward Brown Jr.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 14, 2023
Riverview High mourns loss of longtime principal Edward Brown Jr.

One retired teacher called Brown Jr. "The founding father of Riverview High School."

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor with 2024 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Ronnique Major.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 14, 2023
Booker Elementary teacher named Sarasota's Teacher of the Year

Fifth grade teacher Ronnique Major was honored with the annual award by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Cardinal Mooney High football celebrates its first state championship since 1972.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 14, 2023
Senior class leads Cardinal Mooney football to state title win

The Cardinal Mooney High Cougars got key contributions from several members of the class against Trinity Catholic.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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