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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
Linebacker Jacari Dunbar and the Sailors defense wrap up St. Petersburg running back Jaquel Waller short of the goal line.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High Spring Football

The Sarasota High football team fell to visiting St. Petersburg High 44-0 in its spring game May 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nine-year-old Isaiah Cohen races down the field toward the goal for the Monsters U9 team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Laxapalooza Lacrosse Tournament

More than 30 boys and girls competitive travel lacrosse teams, ranging in age from U9 to high school, competed in the Laxapalooza Lacrosse Tournament May 24 and May 25, at the Premier Sports Campus. The Monsters Lacrosse Academy U9 (4-0), U11 (2-1), U13 (3-0) and U15 (5-0) boys teams all won tournament titles.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Declan Arnold, Zachery and Riley Ellis and Delaney Arnold cheer on the Sarasota Police Department.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Memorial Day Parade

Sarasota families celebrated Memorial Day with the annual Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26, along Main Street. Veteran organizations, ROTC units and high school marching bands made their way down Main Street in honor of our nation's heroes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioner Carolyn Mason with Lee Kiche. Mason proclaimed May 26 to be Memorial Day
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Sarasota National Cemetery held a Memorial Day ceremony Sunday, May 25. Veterans and their families attended the outdoor ceremony that honored those who have fallen. The event was led by Lt. Col. Lee Kichen and included color guard, drum line and performances by the Trinity Christian Fellowship Center Choir. "This is a time to remember," says key note speaker Manatee County Veterans Services Officer Lee Washington, "a time to reflect on the sacrifice."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Maribel Gomez and Lily Chapell
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Cardinal Mooney Graduation

Cardinal Mooney seniors graduated Friday, May 23, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Friends and family attended the ceremony held in the theatre.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Erin French smiles as she dances to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
  • By Ashley Munroe
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Brookside Middle School Flashmob

Brookside Middle School students celebrated the U.S. Constitution by organizing a flashmob Friday, May 23, in Island Park. The students spent a week preparing for the performance and arrived at Marina Jack ready to dance. 'I had so much fun,' says Shyann Smith. 'I love dancing and I was so proud of everyone.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Memorial Day parades are being held in downtown Sarasota and on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 23, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Memorial Day Weekend

Remember our nation's heroes with one of the many events taking place in the Sarasota area this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River sophomore Devontae Fields gains positive yardage in the first quarter.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River vs. Cardinal Mooney Spring Football

The Braden River High football team edged past Cardinal Mooney 8-0 in its spring game May 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scholarship recipients Hunter Carpenter, Taylor Melendy and Veronica Gammaro with Earl Young
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Reception

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a reception for its Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Thursday, May 22. The Community Foundation awarded more than $25,000 in support of Sarasota LFBT nonprofit and programs such as the ALSO Youth group.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ian Weintraub, Thomas Rocks, Alexis Threet, Cody Russell and Truett Whitehead
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: SMA Graduation

Sarasota Military Academy students graduated Thursday, May 22, at Robarts Arena. The arena was filled with families, friends and loved ones there to celebrate the seniors accomplishments. Before the ceremony, friends and family members visited the seniors as they prepared to go on stage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Historian Marg Guardi and Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site Executive Director Cynthia Shor, with Natalie Pearson. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
The Good Book

For more than four decades, The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch resident Natalie Pearson has had a piece of history in her home - American poet Walt Whitman's Bible. Pearson and her late husband, Walter Whitman Swertfager, inherited the Bible from Swertfager's mother, who was a descendent of Whitman.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Redeemer welcomes new face

Sarasota's Church of the Redeemer welcomes the Rev. Charleston David Wilson as its new associate priest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
FPL illuminates Girls Inc. with makeover

On May 8, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County received free energy upgrades from Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) with the help of local contractors as part of a nonprofit energy makeover.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Take Stock in Children gives scholarships

Take Stock in Children, a Florida nonprofit with the goal of helping children by providing scholarships, mentors and optimism to low-income students, announces the graduation of 49 local high school seniors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 22, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Sidelines

Benderson Park unveils dragon boat; GSJGA wraps up its winter series; Sarasota athletic orientation upcoming; Sailors to hold dodgeball fundraiser; i9 Sports camp registration ongoing

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
School Board

Leading the way; Winning tournament; Initiating respect

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
James Smith submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

James Smith submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mitchell Burchett
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
Meet the Class of 2014

With graduation upon us, the Sarasota Observer asks six high school seniors to take a look back at their time in school and share a sneak peek into their futures.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The students with Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf. (Missing Kemery Colbert, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School; Nino Coutelle, Pine View School; Carlen Dickerson, Booker High; Carly Grimes, Pine View School and Rebecca Warner, North Port High.)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 21, 2014
Town Hall Scholars receive college scholarships

The 15 students each received a $2,000 scholarship for their continuing education.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dedra Reed is a fifth-grade teacher at Emma E. Booker Elementary. She says she enjoys the opportunity to help her students develop character.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • May 21, 2014
The Good News: Dedra Reed

Booker Elementary students share life goals and celebrate the importance of dreaming big with the school's first anthology.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Out-of-Door Academy football team's 25-man roster is comprised primarily of rising freshman and sophomores. Photos by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 21, 2014
Youth Movement

The Out-of-Door Academy football team's roster will be composed primarily of freshmen and sophomores next season.

  • East County
  • Sports
Photo courtesy of Lisa Worthy The Sarasota Crew men's varsity 8+ boat earned a bid to this year's USRowing Youth National Championships, where it will seek to defend its national title.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 21, 2014
National Recognition

Nathan Benderson Park has been named the host site for the 2015 USRowing Youth National Championships.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sarasota business, such as the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, helped raise food and funds.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 20, 2014
Campaign Against Summer Hunger surpasses goal

The 40-day campaign, which ended May 10, is part of All Faiths' efforts to end hunger for Sarasota families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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