Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Jen Blanco
August 13, 2014

Top-Notch Talent

Travel baseball and softball teams have become the norm in recent years for up-and-coming athletes with college and professional aspirations.

East County
Sports

Heather Merriman Saba
August 11, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Bath & Racquet Tennis Camp

Kids hit the courts at Bath & Racquet Monday, Aug. 11, for the last week of summer tennis camp.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
August 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Scallopalooza

Guests gathered at Sarasota Yacht Club Saturday, Aug. 9, for Sarasota Bay Watch's 4th annual fundraiser for community based scallop restoration, Scallopalooza.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
August 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Democratic Club of Sarasota Luncheon

The Democratic Club of Sarasota hosted a luncheon Saturday, Aug. 9, at Marina Jack. Author Claire Connor and candidate Ray Porter spoke at the event.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
August 8, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Candidate Open House

Guests had the opportunity to meet more than 30 candidates at the Republican Candidate Open House Thursday, Aug. 8, at Sahib Shrine Temple.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
August 8, 2014

Wonderful weekend

The Covenant Life Church of Palmer Ranch hosted its Day of Hope outreach event July 26.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
August 7, 2014

Sundae Sundays

To beat the summer heat, the Siesta Key Chapel's Men's Fellowship hosted an ice cream social Sunday, in the chapel's Fellowship Hall.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
August 7, 2014

Back-to-back Champ

Ten-year-old Nikki Yanez won a pair of tennis titles last month after only having played the sport for two years.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
August 7, 2014

Sarasota Slugfest

The Cal Ripken 10U All-Star team will compete in the Cal Ripken World Series Aug. 9 through Aug. 16, in Virginia.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
August 7, 2014

Sidelines

GSJGA players close out the summer season; Florida Burn Pennant team finishes third; Coastline Volleyball Club registration begins

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
August 7, 2014

Camp Spotlight: Red Tiger Taekwondo Summer Camp

Red Tiger Martial Arts continued its weekly taekwondo and martial arts summer camp last week.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 7, 2014

Annette Rogers joins forces with Cheryl Loeffler; Former Johnson & Johnson exec appointed to board; New development company breaks ground in Sarasota; Michael Saunders Realtor receives CRS designation

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
August 7, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

Alison Maddex submitted this photo, taken during a morning rain shower on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
August 6, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: National Night Out Against Crime at Gillespie Park

Sarasota Police Department and Gillespie Park came together to fight crime Tuesday, Aug. 5, by hosting the 31st annual National Night Out Against Crime event at Gillespie Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
August 6, 2014

Luxurious Life

Beach pavilions, infinity pools, tennis courts - they're just a few of the features you'll find in the region's top listings.

East County
Real Estate

Harriet Sokmensuer
August 2, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Back-to-School Backpack Brigade

The Tiny Hand Foundation and other Sarasota charities hosted a Back-to-School Backpack Brigade Saturday, August 2, at the Boys and Girls Club. Hundreds of volunteers helped back backpacks and organizing supplies. The volunteers filled more than 1,500 backpacks with school supplies that will be given away to area children in need. 'I feel really happy,' said Savannah Loukota as she handed out notebooks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
August 2, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: SMA Prep Ceremonial First Flag Raising Ceremony

Future SMA families and teachers came together for the Ceremonial First Flag-Raising and School-Warming Celebration Saturday, August 2, at SMA Preparatory Middle School. The flag-raising took place in the school's courtyard and was followed by the introduction of SMA Prep's Head of School Philip Eddy. The middle school was completed this summer and will open for class later this month. 'This day is a momentous and historic in Sarasota,' said Head of School Phil Eddy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
July 31, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Designing Women Boutique Salon Series Luncheon

Ringling College of Art and Design's President Dr. Larry Thompson spoke at Designing Women Boutique's Summer Salon Series Luncheon Thursday, July 31, at Designing Women Boutique.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 31, 2014

Painting Power

Painting with a Twist-Sarasota hosted its fifth annual fundraising event for the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Foundation Monday.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 31, 2014

Volunteers needed

The Tiny Hands Foundation is looking for volunteers for this weekend's Backpack Brigade event Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 31, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

Nickolaus Mack submitted this photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach, of a mutlicolored sunset.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 31, 2014

It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
July 31, 2014

Dream Fulfilled

Sarasota Crew rower Jacob Franks will compete in the 2014 World Rowing Junior Championships Aug. 6 through Aug. 10, in Hamburg, Germany.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 31, 2014

Business Observer

Habitat for Humanity receives $18,000 grant ; Children's World hosts 50th anniversary bash; Katie Knight appointed to CareerEdge funders' board

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 31, 2014

YOUR NEIGHBOR | Allicia Gould

Gould is a member of the Sarasota roller derby team the Rolling Renegades.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 31, 2014

Ice Ice Baby

Everybody loves something cold and sweet, especially on a hot summer day.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
July 30, 2014

Best of the Best

Lakewood Ranch High sophomore Kahlee York was one of four Coastline Volleyball Club players selected to compete in the 2014 Beach High Performance Championships July 17 through July 19.

East County
Sports

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 26, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Fashion Dash

Fashion lovers and families spent the afternoon at Plato Closet's 2nd annual Fashion Dash - Clothing Exchange and Fashion Show Saturday, July 26, at Selby Library. The all-day event was hosted by Selby Library Youth Department and invited the community to swap clothes in exchange for gently used articles of clothing and accessories. In the afternoon, Plato's Closet hosted a catwalk with models and a dance performance by members of the Roy McBean Boys and Girls Club. All the clothes left at the end of the day were donated to Sarasota charities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 26, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Women Equity Luncheon

The Manatee and Sarasota Commissions on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters in Manatee and Sarasota hosted the 20th annual Women's Equity Luncheon Saturday, July 26, at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. Before eating, guests were invited to socialize and hear from national and local organizations including Planned Parenthood, New College of Florida Foundation and WSLR.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Music at the Point

Sixties music lovers celebrated their favorite music with Music at the Point Thursday, July 24, at Historic Spanish Point. Local band Sundown performed hits by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf and more for attendees. The concert was held in the Sunken Garden and Pagoda.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
July 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Trustee Reception

The Resort at Longboat Key Club hosted the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's Trustee Reception Thursday, July 24, in the Island House Dining Room.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club County Commission candidates luncheon

Tiger Bay Club held the second installment of its County Commission candidates luncheon Thursday, July 24, at Michael's On East. Attendees enjoyed lunch while hearing from Lourdes Ramirez, Al Maio, Ray Porter and John Minder. Susan Nilon, from WSRQ Radio, moderated the panel discussion. Next month members will hear from School Board candidates.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 24, 2014

Hidden Gem

Sarasota's North Trail is a popular subject in the news, however, it is the residential neighborhood of Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores that steals the hearts of visitors and residents.