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Sarasota | Neighbors

Les and Pam McCurdy
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • June 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre Pre-Grand Opening

More than 300 guests gathered at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre's new location on Ringling Boulevard Monday, June 9, for the McCurdy's Comedy Theatre Pre-Grand Opening Charity Fundraiser.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The United States’ Margaux Isaksen prepares for her final dual in the mixed relay round robin fencing event June 8.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final

Cup Final June 6 through June 8, in Sarasota. Athletes participated in five events, including fencing, swimming, horse riding, running and laser pistol shooting. Winners were crowned in women's, men's and mixed relay divisions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Modern Pentathlon Vice President Joel Bouzou with South American Regional President Jorge Salas, Modern Pentathlon President Klaus Schormann, African Regional President Sameh Guemeih and Oceania Regional President John Pennell
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Modern Pentathlon Sponsorship Gala

Sarasota celebrated the 2014 Modern Pentathlon at the Pentathlon Gala Saturday, June 7, at the Ca D'Zan. Before enjoying dinner on the water, guests socialized on the Ringling's lawn. The gala marks the second night of the international event that is held in Sarasota and Bradenton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The quintet will play patriotic music with Master Sgt. Robert McDonald and the U.S. Army Chorus. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 6, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: The U.S. Army Brass Quintet Concert

Start the weekend downtown with the U.S. Army Brass Quintet Friday, June 6, at Five Pints Park. The outdoor concert is made possible by the Arts and Cultural Alliance and Downtown Sarasota Alliance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liston Bochette was one of the Olympians who spoke to the students.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 6, 2014
VIDEO: Olympians visit Sailor Circus

Five Olympians visited Sailor Circus Thursday, June 5. The Olympians shared personal stories with aspiring athletes before answering questions. The meeting is part of the Olympians' visit to Sarasota for the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Assistant Sarasota County Administrator Lee Ann Lowery with Fire Chief Mike Tobias (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2014
Our Town: Final salute

The Sarasota County Fire Department honored Fire Chief Mike Tobias May 29, outside the Sarasota County Administration Building.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pine View School for the Gifted eighth-grader Hallie Schiffman began sailing competitively when she was 10 years old.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 5, 2014
Setting sail

Thirteen-year-old Hallie Schiffman was recently named the recipient of the 2014 Young Woman Sailor of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
St. Stephen’s Head of School Dr. Jan Pullen cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Falcon Field House.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 5, 2014
Sidelines

St. Stephens Falcons unveil new field house; Amateur championship coming to Sara Bay; Goodwill offers free yoga classes for veterans

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Unit 302 at 464 Golden Gate Point has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,767,500.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • June 5, 2014
A home in The Oaks sells for $2.8 million

The following residential real estate transactions took place between May 19 and May 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
James Smith submitted this photo of clouds forming over the south end of Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

James Smith submitted this photo of clouds forming over the south end of Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Caroline and Erica Brown
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Woman's Exchange Grants and Scholarships Ceremony

The Woman's Exchange held its annual grants and scholarships ceremony Thursday, June 5. The event celebrated the recipients, which included 11 high school students, 21 college scholarship and 20 grant recipients, with a party at the Woman's Exchange. Guests enjoyed each other's company while snacking on sweet treats such as chocolate fondue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The flags of the countries with athletes participating in the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • June 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Opening Ceremony - A Salute to Our Military

To celebrate the opening of the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final, guests gathered Thursday, June 5, in the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard for the opening ceremony - 'A Salute to Our Military.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Desiree Hanright, Bob Shaffer and Chastanna Niemann
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Poker Tournament

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce held its annual poker tournament Thursday, June 5, at the Sarasota Kennel Club. The event is the chamber's largest fundraiser of the year with proceeds going toward the July 4 fireworks.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Florida Rep. Ray Pilon with his wife, Casey
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club monthly luncheon

The Tiger Bay Club held its monthly luncheon Thursday, June 5, at Michael's On East. The luncheon included an annual legislative update with a panel of Florida government officials including Sen. Nancy Detert, Florida Rep. Ray Pilon and Florida Rep. Jim Boyd. After the discussion, members were invited to participate in a Q and A.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beverly Girard, director of food and nutrition services at Sarasota County Schools,  All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank, and Veronica Brady from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 4, 2014
All Faiths Food Bank announces summer programs

The additions are part of the nonprofit's first ever summer 'BackPack Kids' program, which helps feed 21,000 (50%) of Sarasota County students.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Incoming Cardinal Mooney senior, Teagan Nickols, has volunteered at Miracle League of Manasota every Saturday since she was a freshman. She and her father, Pete, enjoy seeing how happy the organization makes the children.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 4, 2014
The Good News: Teagan Nickols and Pete Nickols

Father-and-daughter volunteer team helps level the playing field at Miracle League of Manasota.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
David Griffin, Florida Senator Rob Bradley, James Harris and Florida Network Chairman Chris Dudley
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Florida Network of Youth and Family Services Awards Banquet

The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services honored volunteers and local leaders at its annual Awards Banquet Tuesday, June 3, at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. The Florida Network board members presented honorees with awards such as Counselor of the Year and Manager of the Year. Guest speaker and honoree Florida Senator Rob Bradley was recognized for his work with Florida troubled youth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
"Catching Hell" cast mates Jamie Kerns, Danyar Khaiboulin, Lisa Rollins and James Butler
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Catching Hell' Premiere Party

Daiquiri Deck held a red carpet premiere party for the Weather Channel's "Catching Hell" Sunday, June 1. The series follows the crew of three commercial vessels fishing for a profit. One of the crew members, Lisa Rollins, is a Siesta Key resident. Cast members, along with friends and fans, watched the premiere in the Raw Bar. "We're very excited for her," says Rollins' neighbor Mary Tucker. The premiere raised money for Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS), a nonprofit that trains disabled veterans how to scuba dive to promote mobility.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jamie Albert and Daniel Yohann met in second grade at Pine View and are excited to graduate.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pine View Graduation

Pine View School for the Gifted held its 2014 Graduation Sunday, June 1, at the Van Wezel. The seniors celebrated their achievement with a senior breakfast before the ceremony. "It's bittersweet," says Daniel Yohann.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarah Hunter and Marianna Ehmke
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Kiwanis Club Gala

The Siesta Key Kiwanis Club held its 13th annual Gala Saturday, May 31, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. This year's gala was themed "Tropical Nights in Paradise." Members dressed in Hawaiian shirts and tropical clothes as they listened to Jimmy Buffet songs. The gala raises money for the Kiwanis Club Foundation, which supports local children.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Brandy Copeland and Raynesha Sanders
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Booker High School Graduation

Booker High School seniors graduated Saturday, May 31, at Robarts Arena. The auditorium was filled with friends and family as well as the school's band.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alli Armengol and Sarah Araboghli
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Riverview High School Graduation

Riverview High School seniors graduated Saturday, May 31. The students and their families started the day with a ceremony held at Robarts Arena.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luis Camarillo and Blake Taylor
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High School Graduation

Sarasota High School seniors graduated Friday, May 30, on the high school's football field. Despite the weather, families gathered to celebrate the class' achievement. Senior Mirriam Barrera's family brought orange and white balloons to show their support. 'We wish her the best of luck,' says brother Omar Barrera.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The students protested throughout the school grounds.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Alta Vista Peace Walk

Alta Vista Elementary School's fifth graders dressed up for Flashback to the 1970s Friday, May 30. The day-long event invited students to relive the '70s with tie-dyed shirts, bead necklaces and a peace protest through the cafeteria. The students have been learning about the decade by reading the 1977 fiction 'Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. After the peace walk, students winded down by watching the film adaptation of the book.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Benjamin Cristogoli and Jacob Todd make bead necklaces.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Elementary Beach Bash

Southside Elementary School first grade students celebrated summer with a Beach Bash Thursday, May 29. The nine classes spent their morning in Hawaiian attire as they participated in fun activities such as learning the luau, the Japanese art of Gyotaku and making seashell necklaces.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lisa Rollins started spearfishing for the competition. “The competitive nature in me put the spear gun in my hand,” she says.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 29, 2014
Siesta Key diver to star on Weather Channel show

Lisa Rollins will be featured on the 'Catching Hell,' which debuts at 9 p.m Sunday, June 1, on the Weather Channel.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Michele Kissen, Cat Hickmon, Alan Gravley and Stan Writesel. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2014
Sew wonderful

Siesta Key resident Lynn Johns will travel Friday to Haiti to work with orphaned children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2014
Season of Sculpture comes to a close

Last call for Season of Sculpture viewers! The 2014 exhibitions will come down Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pine View School eighth-grader Hadleigh Schwartz runs anywhere between three and eight miles, five days a week. Photo by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 29, 2014
Mile Split

Pine View School eighth-grader Hadleigh Schwartz went undefeated in the 1,600-meter run in her second season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karan Higdon
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 29, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bauman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2014
Business Observer

International Martial Arts Academy comes to Sarasota; Laura Bauman elected to Child Protection board; Linda Apple joins Premier Sotheby's International Realty

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota resident Ray Collins submitted this sunset photo taken from The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Sarasota resident Ray Collins submitted this sunset photo taken from The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 29, 2014
Très bien

Consul General de France M. Philippe Letrilliart visited Selby Library May 15, to speak about the long-standing relationship between France and Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Top row: Tia Nicholas, Anabela Burns, Irieyunna Thompson. Bottom row: Sam Brode, Madison Underwood.
  • By Ashley Munroe
  • May 28, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Oak Park School shadow puppet performance

Oak Park School presented a Balinese shadow puppet show Tuesday. The fifth- and sixth-grade students, all with varying disabilities, were introduced to shadow puppetry by Surapsari, a local performing artist who specializes in theater and dance. The goal of this project was for the students to learn to sustain focus, as well as have a fun time working with each other.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sheri Potter, right, has been troop leader for Troop 254 for six years. She hopes the experience will help instill a sense of community in the girls.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • May 27, 2014
The Good News: Sheri Potter

Using the tradition of folding and retiring the flag, Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast Troop 254 create a sense of community.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Honorees Chris Davis, Richard Alvarez, John O’Brien and Andy Hooker
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: JFCS "Tribute to Veterans"

Community and organization leaders attended Jewish Family and Children's Services of the Suncoast's 'A Tribute to Veterans: Service to Community Awards' Tuesday at Michael's on East. Veterans Richard Alvarez, Christopher Davis, Andy Hooker and John O'Brien were honored at the luncheon for serving their community and country while inspiring patriotism.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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